Horizontal Plyometric Training and Sprint Mechanics in Early-Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes

NCT07571083 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: TdeA-HPT-Sprint-Youth-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 9
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This field-based exploratory pre-post study examined the effects of a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program on sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic outcomes in early-adolescent male track-and-field athletes. Participants completed 12 supervised plyometric training sessions integrated into their regular athletics practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using field-based sprint testing, video-derived temporal-kinematic analysis, and horizontal jump performance measures. The study was conducted in a low-resource community sport setting in Antioquia, Colombia. The intervention was designed according to the participants' age, training background, and usual sport practice demands, with progressive exercise exposure, supervision, adequate recovery, and safety monitoring throughout the training period.

Conditions

Athletic Performance; Sprint Performance; Youths

Keywords

Plyometric training; Horizontal plyometrics; Sprint mechanics; Sprint performance; Temporal-kinematic analysis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in 60-m Sprint Time

  Total time to complete a 60-m sprint, measured in seconds under field-based conditions. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.

  Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session.

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Change in Sprint Split Times

  Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session.

• Change in Video-Derived Sprint Temporal-Kinematic Variables

  Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session.

• Change in Horizontal Jump Performance

  Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session.

• Adverse Events During Training

  From the first intervention session to the final intervention session, approximately six weeks.

Study Arms (1)

Horizontal Plyometric Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants completed a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program consisting of 12 supervised sessions integrated into their regular athletics training. The program emphasized horizontally directed jumping and bounding actions relevant to sprint acceleration and forward propulsion. Training exposure was adjusted according to participants' age, experience, and tolerance, with progressive loading, technical supervision, adequate rest intervals, and safety monitoring.

Other: Horizontally Oriented Plyometric Training

Interventions

Horizontally Oriented Plyometric Training OTHER

The intervention consisted of 12 supervised sessions of horizontally oriented plyometric exercises delivered over approximately six weeks. Exercises emphasized forward-directed explosive actions and horizontal force application through age-appropriate plyometric tasks. Sessions were conducted under supervision and incorporated warm-up, technical instruction, controlled progression of volume and intensity, rest periods, and monitoring for pain, excessive fatigue, or musculoskeletal discomfort.

Horizontal Plyometric Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 13 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Male early-adolescent track-and-field athletes aged 12-13 years.
• Active participation in a municipal or community-based athletics training program in Antioquia, Colombia.
• Minimum recent experience in athletics training according to the records of the local training program.
• Ability to complete sprint testing, jump testing, and the planned plyometric training sessions.
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian.
• Written or documented assent provided by the minor participant.

You may not qualify if:

• Current musculoskeletal injury, pain, or medical restriction that prevents sprinting, jumping, or participation in plyometric training.
• Any cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic, or other health condition contraindicating high-intensity physical exercise.
• Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments.
• Absence from a substantial portion of the intervention sessions, according to the predefined adherence criteria.
• Participation in another structured training or research intervention that could substantially affect the outcomes during the study period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Federal University of Vicosa: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tecnológico de Antioquia

Guarne, Antioquia, 054080, Colombia

Location

Related Publications (5)

• McKay AKA, Stellingwerff T, Smith ES, Martin DT, Mujika I, Goosey-Tolfrey VL, Sheppard J, Burke LM. Defining training and performance caliber: A participant classification framework. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 2022;17(2):317-331.

  BACKGROUND

• Rumpf MC, Lockie RG, Cronin JB, Jalilvand F. Effect of different sprint training methods on sprint performance over various distances: A brief review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2016;30(6):1767-1785.

  BACKGROUND

• Ramírez-Campillo R, Meylan C, Álvarez C, Henríquez-Olguín C, Martínez C, Cañas-Jamett R, Andrade DC, Izquierdo M. Effects of in-season low-volume high-intensity plyometric training on explosive actions and endurance of young soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2014;28(5):1335-1342.

  BACKGROUND

• Moran J, Sandercock GRH, Ramírez-Campillo R, Wooller JJ, Logothetis S, Schoenmakers PPJM, Parry DA. Maturation-related adaptations in running speed in response to sprint training in youth soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2017;31(2):347-352.

  BACKGROUND

• Lloyd RS, Oliver JL. The youth physical development model: A new approach to long-term athletic development. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 2012;34(3):61-72.

  BACKGROUND

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: All participants received the same horizontally oriented plyometric training program. Outcomes were compared within participants from baseline to post-intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 30, 2026
• First Posted: May 6, 2026
• Study Start: July 1, 2022
• Primary Completion: July 1, 2022
• Study Completion: August 30, 2022
• Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CO (1)