Contrast Training and Volleyball Players' Jumping Ability

Summary

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of three 10-week training interventions on vertical jump performance in volleyball players. Jump performance was assessed using the countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ+AS) and drop jumps from heights of 20 cm (DJ20) and 60 cm (DJ60). Forty-two male volleyball athletes were recruited, of whom 38 completed the intervention protocol. Participants were assigned to one of three training groups: (i) contrast training with elastic-band assistance (G-CNT), (ii) traditional contrast training (CNT), or (iii) complex training (CTRL). The interventions lasted 10 weeks and included two training sessions per week. Pre- and post-intervention testing was performed using a Kistler 9286BA force platform. During CMJ+AS, jump height (JH), relative peak power (RPP), countermovement time (CMT), and modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were assessed. During DJ20 and DJ60, jump height (JH), relative peak power (RPP), ground contact time (CT), and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed. Based on the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) in the tested variables, participants were categorized as positive responders, non-responders, or negative responders.

Conditions

• Physical Performance

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Elastic Band-Assisted Contrast Training (G_CNT)

Participants completed a 10-week contrast training program with two weekly sessions (Tuesday and Thursday), divided into three progressive phases (weeks 1-4, 5-7, and 8-10). High-intensity resistance exercises were paired with biomechanically similar high-velocity exercises. Tuesday included back squat-vertical jumps, lat pulldown-medicine ball throws, and barbell hip thrust-broad jumps. Thursday included power cleans, split squats-split-stance vertical jumps, bench press-medicine ball chest throws, and hex-bar deadlift-drop jumps. Resistance intensity was individualized based on 1RM and progressively increased (approximately 60-92.5% 1RM), while repetitions decreased. Depending on the exercise and phase, 3-5 sets were performed. High-velocity exercises generally included 5-6 repetitions. In G-CNT, selected vertical jumps were performed with elastic-band assistance. Rest intervals were 60 s after resistance and 120 s after high-velocity exercises.

BEHAVIORAL

Contrast Training (CNT)

Participants completed a 10-week traditional contrast training program with two weekly sessions (Tuesday and Thursday), divided into three progressive phases (weeks 1-4, 5-7, and 8-10). High-intensity resistance exercises were paired with biomechanically similar high-velocity exercises. Tuesday included back squat-vertical jumps, lat pulldown-medicine ball throws, and barbell hip thrust-broad jumps. Thursday included power cleans, split squats-split-stance vertical jumps, bench press-medicine ball chest throws, and hex-bar deadlift-drop jumps. Resistance intensity was individualized based on 1RM and progressively increased (approximately 60-92.5% 1RM), while repetitions decreased. Depending on the exercise and phase, 3-5 sets were performed. High-velocity exercises generally included 5-6 repetitions. Unlike G-CNT, all jumping exercises were performed without elastic-band assistance. Rest intervals were 60 s after resistance and 120 s after high-velocity exercises.

BEHAVIORAL

Complex Training (CTRL)

Participants completed a 10-week complex training program with two weekly sessions (Tuesday and Thursday), divided into three progressive phases (weeks 1-4, 5-7, and 8-10). Unlike the G-CNT and CNT groups, resistance and high-velocity exercises were not alternated in contrast pairs. Resistance exercises were performed first, followed by high-velocity exercises. The program included back squats, hip thrusts, lat pulldowns, power cleans, split squats, hex-bar deadlifts, and bench press, followed by vertical jumps, broad jumps, drop jumps, split-stance vertical jumps, and medicine ball throws. Resistance intensity was individualized based on 1RM and progressively increased (approximately 60-92.5% 1RM), while repetitions decreased. Depending on the exercise and phase, 3-5 sets were performed. High-velocity exercises included 5-6 repetitions. Rest intervals ranged from 60-180 s after resistance exercises and were 120 s after high-velocity exercises.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Wojciech Grzyb, MSc · Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

17 Years

Max Age

22 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-04-04

Primary Completion

2023-06-06

Completion

2023-06-06

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations