The comparison of body composition index, explosive power, and sprint speed of male student athletes after eight weeks of plyometric and weight training

Karwan Faiaq Habib; Aso Ali Mohammed; Hiwa Ahmed Rahim; Dara Latif Saifalddin; Saiwan Sirwan Mohamed; Bahroz Osman Aref; Naser Rostamzadeh; Martin Hofmeister; Do-Youn Lee

doi:10.58524/jcss.v5i1.989

Authors

Karwan Faiaq Habib College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7820-2203
Aso Ali Mohammed College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7505-7608
Hiwa Ahmed Rahim Department of Sport Sciences for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7823-2803
Dara Latif Saifalddin Department of Sport Sciences for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6134-3678
Saiwan Sirwan Mohamed Department of Sport Sciences for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8604-4802
Bahroz Osman Aref College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3205-7077
Naser Rostamzadeh Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, PO Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7979-3239
Martin Hofmeister Department of Food and Nutrition, Consumer Centre of the German Federal State of Bavaria, Mozartstraße 9, D-80336 Munich, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0693-7887
Do-Youn Lee College of General Education, Kookmin University, 77 Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0886-1713

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/jcss.v5i1.989

Keywords:

Body composition, Explosive strength, Muscle adaptation, Plyometric training, Sprinting speed

Abstract

Background: Plyometric and weight training are prevalent strategies for enhancing body composition, explosive strength, and running speed, all of which are crucial for physical performance and health. Nonetheless, their comparative efficacy remains contested, particularly among non-athletic groups.

Aims: This study investigated and compared the effects of an 8-week plyometric and weight-training program on body composition index (BMI), explosive performance, and running speed among twenty-eight male student-athletes.

Methods: The design was selected to determine causality and directly compare the effectiveness of two different training modalities under controlled conditions. To improve scientific rigor, the randomization process, assessor blinding, and meticulous control of training parameters.

Result: Both training methods yielded substantial improvements across all evaluated variables. Plyometric training resulted in significant enhancements in horizontal explosive performance, evidenced by standing long jump results (p = 0.026), as well as moderate improvements in sprint speed. Conversely, weight training produced more significant enhancements in vertical jump performance (p = 0.038) and power output (p = 0.012). Both groups exhibited substantial decreases in body mass index and body fat percentage (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These data indicate that both plyometric and weight training significantly improve physical fitness. Plyometric training primarily enhances horizontal explosive power and sprint performance, whereas weight training is more effective for improving vertical power-related outcomes.

Author Biographies

Dara Latif Saifalddin, Department of Sport Sciences for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Department of Sport Science for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Saiwan Sirwan Mohamed, Department of Sport Sciences for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Department of Sport Science for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Bahroz Osman Aref, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja 46018, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Department of Physical Education, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Naser Rostamzadeh, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, PO Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University
Martin Hofmeister, Department of Food and Nutrition, Consumer Centre of the German Federal State of Bavaria, Mozartstraße 9, D-80336 Munich, Germany

Department Food and Nutrition, Consumer Centre of the German Federal State of Bavaria, Munich, Germany
Do-Youn Lee, College of General Education, Kookmin University, 77 Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea

Assistant Professor
College of General Education, Kookmin University

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