Effect of a Six Week In-Season Training Program on Wrestling-Specific Competitive Performance

Testing a Multicomponent Training Designed to Improve Sprint, Agility and Decision-Making in Elite Basketball Players

This study tested if, in elite basketball players' training, the integration of a cognitive component within a multi-component training (MCT) could be more effective than an MCT with motor components only to improve both physical and cognitive skills. To this purpose, we designed an MCT focussed on sprint and agility incorporating a cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDT) focussed on decision-making speed. Specific tests on sprint, agility and decision-making, and event-related potential (ERP) during the latter test were evaluated before and after the intervention. Thirty elite basketball players were recruited and divided into an experimental group executing CMDT integrated into the MCT and a control group performing the motor MCT (without cognitive components). The MCT with CMDT session was performed by four athletes simultaneously that executed different circuits. One circuit was the CMDT which was realized using interactive devices. Results on physical performance showed that only the experimental group improved in sprint and agility and also shortened response time in the decision-making test. At the neural level, the experimental group only shows an increase in the P3 ERP component, which has been associated with a series of post-perceptual cognitive functions, including decision-making. In conclusion, CMDT implemented within an MCT, likely stimulating more than physical training cortical plasticity, could be more effective than a motor MCT alone in improving the physical and cognitive skills of elite basketball players in five weeks only.

A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Plyometric-Jump Training on the Physical Fitness of Combat Sport Athletes

We aimed to assess the athletic performance changes in combat sport athletes (CoSAs) after plyometric-jump training (PJT), compared to control conditions, through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, three electronic databases were searched for includable articles, according to a PICOS approach. Using a random-effects model, Hedges' g effects sizes (ES) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, with values of <25%, 25-75%, and >75% representing low, moderate, and high levels of heterogeneity, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Twelve eligible articles were identified for systematic review, seven of high quality and five of moderate quality, according to the PEDro scale. The studies recruited taekwondo, silat, wrestling, judo, fencing, and karate athletes (292 total participants), including specific-active and active controls. Most participants had a mean age of <18 years and were males (n = 225). Compared to the control, PJT programmes, involving 4-12 weeks and 2-3 sessions per week, induced small to moderate improvements (ES = 0.47 to 1.04) in athletes' maximal strength (e.g., 1RM squat), vertical jump height, change-of-direction speed, and specific performance (e.g., fencing movement velocity), although without meaningful effects on body mass, fat mass, and muscle mass (ES = 0.02 to -0.06). Most (7 of 8) outcomes attained low heterogeneity. The outcome-level GRADE analysis indicated a certainty of evidence from low to moderate. In conclusion, PJT, when compared to control conditions, may improve CoSA athletic performance.