The effect of plyometric training method on post-cycling running performance in sprint triathlon

Triathlon is a sport that requires high-level cardiovascular endurance, where three different sports branches are performed consecutively in the order of swimming-cycling-running. Triathletes face a neuromuscular fatigue and coordination problem conceptualized as 'heavy leg syndrome' when they switch to the post-bike running section. In triathlon, there are specific training methods applied to minimize the effects of 'heavy leg syndrome'. In this study, as an additional and different approach to the existing training methods that are known and proven to be effective, the effect of 'plyometric training method' on sprint triathlon post-cycling running performance was investigated. In this study designed in accordance with the experimental research model, athletes were divided into two different groups as 'Triathlon Training Group' (n=5) and 'Plyometric Training Group' (n=6). The plyometric training group applied a plyometric training protocol for 8 weeks, which was different from the triathlon training group. At the end of the process, pre-test-post-test results were compared with Mann-Whitney U Test to evaluate whether there was a significant difference between groups in terms of 'ground contact time', 'flight time', 'stride length', 'stride frequency' and 'cadence' parameters. Among the running dynamics, 'ground contact time' showed a significant difference at 0-1000m range (p <0.05); 1000-2000m range (p <0.05); and 2000- 3000m range (p <0.05). In addition, there was an increase in 'stride frequency' and 'cadence' parameters at 2000-3000m range and a significant difference was observed between groups (p <0.05). As a result, it was seen that the 8-week plyometric training protocol improved performance by having a positive effect on the running dynamics of 'ground contact time', 'stride frequency' and 'cadence' parameters in the post-cycling running stage of sprint distance triathlon.