Investigation of the effect of eight-week plyometric training on functional performance test values and some performance parameters in adolescents

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of plyometric training applied in adolescents on functional performance test (FPT) and quickness and agility values and the relationship between tests. Materials and Methods: The sample of the study consists of 26 male students aged 16-17, who are sedentary individuals and studying at high school. Participants in the study were divided into two groups (experimental n=13 and control n=13). To determine the strength of the lower extremities, seven different FPTs (TAA, ÜAA, 6m TAA, CS, MRA, MUAA, SH) were applied to individual on the dominant (DT) and non-dominant (NDT) sides. Illionist test was used to determine the agility value of the individuals, and the 20m sprint test was used to determine the quickness value. Shapiro-Wilk, Independent Sample T, Dependent Sample T, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, Pearson, Spearman's and Linear Regression analyzes were used in the statistical analysis of the study. Results: Significant differences were detected in all FPT tests DT and NDT on the sides, including plyometric training, İllinois test (p<0.05) but no significant difference was found in the 20m sprint test (p>0.05). when the correlation values of FPTs were compared, positive high correlations were found between CS and UAA on the DT side, MRA and MÜAA, and between the İllinois test and MÜAA and MRA tests; (p<0.05). When the difference values of FPTs were evaluated in terms of Illionist and 20m sprint test, no significant difference was found (p>0.05). Conclusion: When the results of our study were evaluated, it was determined that plyometric training to be applied in adolescent individuals positively affected the agility performance and the FPTs applied in the medial direction in addition to the traditional FPTs. In addition, although it was not statistically significant, it was determined that plyometric training caused improvements in speed performance.