Effects of complex training on muscle stiffness, half squat 1-RM, agility, and jump performance in healthy males

This study aimed to analyze effects of complex training (CPT) on muscle stiffness, half-squat one-repetition maximum (1-RM), agility, and jump performance and to compare its efficacy with that of compound training (CT) over a 6-week period. Twenty healthy men in their 20s, majoring in physical education, were randomly divided into the CT (n = 10) and CPT groups (n = 10). CT involved resistance and plyometric training performed in separate sessions, whereas CPT integrated both in the same session. Both groups performed resistance training at 75–90% of 1-RM and plyometrics at 0–30% of body mass intensity for 6 weeks (2 days/week). Participants’ body composition, muscle stiffness, half-squat 1-RM, T-agility, and jump performance were assessed before and after the exercise program. After training, body-composition tests revealed a significant increase in fat-free mass in both the CT (p = 0.021) and CPT (p = 0.011) groups. Muscle stiffness increased in both the right (p = 0.004) and left hamstrings (p = 0.004) only in the CPT group. Half-squat 1-RM and T-agility test results demonstrated a significant increase in strength in both the CT (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and CPT (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) groups. Significant increases in jump height were observed for squat and horizontal jumps in both groups. However, countermovement 5 jump power (p = 0.023) and reactive strength index (RSI) (p = 0.008); double-leg drop jump height (p = 0.005), power (p = 0.026), and RSI (p = 0.048); right single-leg drop jump height (p = 0.006), power (p = 0.035), and RSI (p = 0.048) significantly increased only in the CPT group. The results of this 6-week study suggest that CPT is a more effective strength- and power-training method than CT.

Combined training; Plyometric; Power; Strength

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