Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes
Abstract In this study, the impact of Plyometric Training (PT) on handball players’ performance was explored. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost were systematically searched, using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the calculation result indicators as effe...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15526-3 |
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| author | Fulin Hang Yaping Zhong Lihong Zhu Shisong Feng |
| author_facet | Fulin Hang Yaping Zhong Lihong Zhu Shisong Feng |
| author_sort | Fulin Hang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract In this study, the impact of Plyometric Training (PT) on handball players’ performance was explored. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost were systematically searched, using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the calculation result indicators as effect sizes. 11 studies involving 302 subjects were included. Results showed that PT was correlated with improved jumping ability: countermovement jump (MD = 4.14, P < 0.00001) and squat jump (MD = 3.83, P < 0.00001). In change-of-direction ability, T-half performance improved (MD=-0.55, P < 0.0001). As for the sprint ability, 5 m (MD=-0.07, P < 0.00001), 10 m (MD=-0.12, P < 0.00001), and 20 m (MD=-0.15, P<0.00001) sprint times were shortened by PT. PT enhanced throwing abilities: 3 Step Running Throw (MD = 2.78, P = 0.02), Jumping Throw(MD = 1.13, P = 0.04), and Penalty Throw (MD = 1.43, P = 0.0002). In repeated sprint ability (RSA), RSA-total time (MD=-1.03, P < 0.00001), mean time(MD=-0.29, P = 0.03), and best time (MD=-0.15, P<0.00001) decreased, but RSA-fatigue index showed no significant improvement. PT improved limb strength indices such as upper limb relative peak power (MD = 0.52, P < 0.00001) but not maximum braking force. It enhanced left and right handgrip (e.g., right: MD = 59.07, P < 0.00001) yet not balance (e.g., right leg: MD=-0.22, P = 0.23). PT thus improved the performance of handball players. Scientific training designs could maximize their benefits. Therefore, future studies should investigate long-term effects and adaptation mechanisms to provide more precise theoretical support. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0ce70eda96e94d6995c15e080780ebfc |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-0ce70eda96e94d6995c15e080780ebfc2025-08-20T04:02:51ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-15526-3Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletesFulin Hang0Yaping Zhong1Lihong Zhu2Shisong Feng3Department of Sports Big-data Research Center, Wuhan Sports UniversityDepartment of Sports Big-data Research Center, Wuhan Sports UniversityNortheast Normal UniversityShandong Agriculture And Engineering UniversityAbstract In this study, the impact of Plyometric Training (PT) on handball players’ performance was explored. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost were systematically searched, using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the calculation result indicators as effect sizes. 11 studies involving 302 subjects were included. Results showed that PT was correlated with improved jumping ability: countermovement jump (MD = 4.14, P < 0.00001) and squat jump (MD = 3.83, P < 0.00001). In change-of-direction ability, T-half performance improved (MD=-0.55, P < 0.0001). As for the sprint ability, 5 m (MD=-0.07, P < 0.00001), 10 m (MD=-0.12, P < 0.00001), and 20 m (MD=-0.15, P<0.00001) sprint times were shortened by PT. PT enhanced throwing abilities: 3 Step Running Throw (MD = 2.78, P = 0.02), Jumping Throw(MD = 1.13, P = 0.04), and Penalty Throw (MD = 1.43, P = 0.0002). In repeated sprint ability (RSA), RSA-total time (MD=-1.03, P < 0.00001), mean time(MD=-0.29, P = 0.03), and best time (MD=-0.15, P<0.00001) decreased, but RSA-fatigue index showed no significant improvement. PT improved limb strength indices such as upper limb relative peak power (MD = 0.52, P < 0.00001) but not maximum braking force. It enhanced left and right handgrip (e.g., right: MD = 59.07, P < 0.00001) yet not balance (e.g., right leg: MD=-0.22, P = 0.23). PT thus improved the performance of handball players. Scientific training designs could maximize their benefits. Therefore, future studies should investigate long-term effects and adaptation mechanisms to provide more precise theoretical support.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15526-3HandballPlyometricSports performanceMeta-analysis |
| spellingShingle | Fulin Hang Yaping Zhong Lihong Zhu Shisong Feng Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes Scientific Reports Handball Plyometric Sports performance Meta-analysis |
| title | Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| title_full | Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| title_fullStr | Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| title_short | Meta-analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| title_sort | meta analysis of the effects of plyometric training on athletic performance in handball athletes |
| topic | Handball Plyometric Sports performance Meta-analysis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15526-3 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT fulinhang metaanalysisoftheeffectsofplyometrictrainingonathleticperformanceinhandballathletes AT yapingzhong metaanalysisoftheeffectsofplyometrictrainingonathleticperformanceinhandballathletes AT lihongzhu metaanalysisoftheeffectsofplyometrictrainingonathleticperformanceinhandballathletes AT shisongfeng metaanalysisoftheeffectsofplyometrictrainingonathleticperformanceinhandballathletes |