effects of plyometric training on rock’n’roll performance

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse if plyometric training increases the sport specific performance in rock’n’roll dancers. Design: Fifteen semi-professional rock’n’roll dancers participated in a plyometric training study. Pre- and posttests were conducted to document alterations of sport specific performance, reactive strength as well as maximal isokinetic torque. Method: The participants (n=15) accomplished two training sessions weekly for a training period of 6 weeks. The training program consisted of different of jumps. Pre- and posttests included a rock’n’roll specific performance test examining the maximal number of kicks within 30 s. Moreover, jumping height and ground contact time (GCT) during drop jump were determined to calculate reactive strength (RSI). Maximal dynamic torque and work were determined during maximal isokinetic contractions of the plantar flexors. Results: The number of kicks increased from 46.5 ± 2.6 to 49.4 ± 2.7 (p=0.00, dZ=1.83).The RSI increased significantly from 2.57 ± 0.29 to 2.72 ± 0.44 (p=0.05, dZ=0.55). The gains of RSI are based on increases in jumping height (pretest: 24.6 ± 4.0 cm, posttest 26.5 ± 4.7 cm, p=0.01, dZ=0.71), whereas the GCT remained unaltered (p=0.53). The work during maximal isokinetic plantar flexions increased significantly in both legs (jumping leg: p = 0.04, dZ=0.58; kicking leg: p=0.05, dZ=0.55). Conclusions: Plyometric training increases the kicking frequency during rock’n’roll dance. This might be attributed to the observed increase in reactive strength. Training induced changes in muscle activity or structure were discussed. It is suggested to implement plyometric training into the training program of rock’n’roll dancers. Keywords: Rock’n’roll, plyometric training, reactive strength, plantar flexors