Effects of a Four Week Plyometric Training Program on Measurements of Power in Male Collegiate Hockey Players

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a four week plyometric training program on various measures of power. METHODS: Subjects (N = 17) were healthy, Division III male hockey players (age 20.9 ± 2.0 yrs, height 181.9 ± 5.4 cm, weight 85.3 ± 5.4 kg, body fat percentage 10.2 ± 3.5 %). Vertical jump, 10- and 40-yard dash times, and anaerobic power (using the Wingate Bike test) were measured prior to starting the plyometric program. The subjects then completed a four week plyometric training program (2 days/wk) and were retested. RESULTS: Baseline (BL) and 4-wk data (mean ± SD) for all parameters are presented in the table. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean anaerobic power drop percentage (p = 0.02), peak relative power (p = 0.046), peak power (p = 0.005), right foot vertical jump height (p = 0.046), left foot vertical jump height (p = 0.001). Correlation analyses were done to determine significant relationships among these variables. The analyses revealed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between BL and 4-wk differences in power drop and the vertical jump height left leg values.TableCONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings indicated that a four week (2 days/wk) plyometric training program is sufficient to elicit improvements in single leg vertical jump height and overall power endurance. The lack of significant correlations among these variables is suggestive of a poor relationship between anaerobic power measures via Wingate testing and vertical jump height. In conclusion, plyometric training significantly improves anaerobic power and single leg vertical jump height independent of one another. Further research is needed to study these differences and how these improvements translate to on-ice performance.