Effect of Lower-Body plyometric training on Upper-body electromyography activity and some anthropometric and functional parameters in young athletes

Introduction: Due to the lack of study on the transition effect of the lower body to upper body plyometric training, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upper and lower body plyometric training on upper-body electromyography activity in young athletes.
Methods: 36 male students were selected and divided into three groups: - control; - Upper body plyometric; and - Upper-lower body plyometric (mixed) training. Plyometric exercise protocol (4 weeks/ 3 sessions) included push-up plyometric (4 sets/ 10 repetitions) performed by both groups. The mixed group also continued lower-body plyometric exercise (4 sets/ 10 repetitions on obstacles). At the beginning and end of the course, First, anthropometric tests (fat and fat free mass); and functional (Wingate, overhead medicine ball throwing, and deadlift) was performed simultaneously with electromyography data evaluating.
Results: The physiological work doesn't changed significantly in selected muscles (p>0.05). The median of frequency was significantly reduced in the mixed group compared other groups (p<0.05). In addition, there was no difference in anthropometric, overhead medicine ball throwing, absolute and relative mean anaerobic power between groups (p>0.05). In the deadlift, the mixed group had better significantly records than the upper body group (p<0.05). In the relative anaerobic peak power, there was significant differences between training groups with control (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings regarding the confirmed role of lower body plyometric training on the transmission of force into the upper body, it is recommended that athletes use lower body plyometric along with upper body plyometric training.