Effects of 8-Week Plyometric Training on Basketball Performance and Isokinetic Strength (PT-BASKET)

Kastamonu University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Plyometric Exercise Adaptations; Physical Fitness; Muscle Strength; Neuromuscular Performance in Athletes; Athletic Performance

Treatments: Other: 8-Week Progressive Plyometric Training Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07399548

2025-2287 (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on the physical performance of male basketball players. The research focuses on measuring improvements in linear sprinting speed, change-of-direction (agility) abilities, and vertical jump height. Additionally, the study examines changes in the participants' muscle strength through isokinetic testing. Twenty-four trained basketball players were divided into two groups: the control group followed their regular basketball training, while the experimental group added specific plyometric exercises, such as jumps and bounds, twice per week. By comparing the results before and after the 8-week intervention period, the study seeks to determine if this training method effectively enhances the athletic skills required in competitive basketball.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the multidimensional effects of a structured plyometric training (PT) intervention on competitive male basketball players. While vertical jump performance is a common focus in PT research, this study specifically evaluates the transfer of adaptations to sport-specific locomotor tasks and isokinetic muscle strength profiles.Participants (N = 24) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups maintained their standard basketball training, including shooting, 3-on-3 games, and defensive drills. The EG performed an additional 8-week progressive plyometric program twice weekly, consisting of exercises such as box jumps, depth jumps, and bounding, with a total volume ranging from 80 to 140 ground contacts per session. Training volume was meticulously logged, and an adherence rate of at least 85% was required for inclusion in the final analysis.Performance was evaluated through a comprehensive testing battery conducted pre- and post-intervention under standardized conditions. The primary outcomes focused on linear sprint speed (25-meter sprint) and change-of-direction (CoD) ability (V-cut test), which are critical for the high-intensity demands of basketball. Secondary outcomes included vertical jump height measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) with and without arm swing, and isokinetic knee and hip strength assessed at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second.The study hypothesized that the addition of PT would lead to superior gains in sprint and CoD performance compared to basketball training alone. Furthermore, it aimed to explore whether these performance improvements are accompanied by significant changes in isokinetic torque production. Data were analyzed using a 2 (Time) x 2 (Group) repeated-measures ANOVA to identify significant interactions. Normality was verified using Skewness and Kurtosis z-scores, with Winsorization applied to outliers to maintain data robustness.

Enrollment: 24 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 22 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Active and licensed male basketball players.
• Age between 18 and 22 years.
• Minimum of 3 years of competitive basketball experience.
• Currently participating in regular team training at least 5 days per week.
• Free from any lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries for at least 6 months prior to the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any acute or chronic injury that limits maximal performance during the study period.
• Concurrent participation in any other external strength or power training programs.
• Failure to attend more than 10 percent of the intervention sessions.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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24 participants in 2 patient groups

Plyometric Training

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the Experimental Group (EG) followed a structured, progressive 8-week plyometric training (PT) program integrated into their regular basketball routine. The intervention was administered twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) with at least 48 hours of recovery between sessions. The program included vertical, horizontal, and lateral movements such as countermovement jumps (CMJ), box jumps, depth jumps, lateral bounds, and squat jumps. The volume progressed from 80 ground contacts per session in the first two weeks to 140 ground contacts per session in the final two weeks. Exercises were performed at maximal effort to maximize the utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). All sessions were supervised by a certified strength and conditioning specialist to ensure proper technique and safety. This program was performed in addition to their standard technical and tactical basketball drills, which were identical to those performed by the control group.

Treatment:

Other: 8-Week Progressive Plyometric Training Program

Standard Basketball Training

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in the Control Group (CG) followed their standard basketball training routine for a duration of 8 weeks. This arm serves as the baseline to compare the specific effects of the plyometric intervention administered to the experimental group. The sessions consisted of standard technical and tactical basketball drills, including shooting practice, defensive positioning, offensive sets, and scrimmages (e.g., 3-on-3 or 5-on-5 games). Participants maintained their regular schedule of five training sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 90 to 120 minutes. Participants in this group did not participate in any structured plyometric, strength, or power-based conditioning programs during the study period. All participants were instructed to maintain their normal nutritional habits and daily physical activities to ensure that no external variables influenced the performance outcomes.