Effectiveness of Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump on Leg Muscle Power in Young College Athletes: A Comparative Study

Background and Purpose: Plyometric [PT] refers to performance of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) movements that involve a high intensity eccentric contraction immediately after a rapid and powerful concentric contraction. PT have consistently been shown to improve the production of muscle force and power and enhancement of performance. Plyometric training includes in various type of jumps like Drop jump (DJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), squat jump, alternate-leg bounding especially for lower body. Drop jump and countermovement jump are simple, practical and effective plyometric exercises. When done with proper technique and effort, both results in an increase in lower body power. So, it is important to know which exercises produce the greatest power output or what technique have must be used to induce changes in specific sport actions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of countermovement jump and drop jump to improve leg muscle power. Method: 30 subjects volunteered to participate. Written informed consent and institutional ethical clearance was obtained. Anthropometric measurements were obtained and subjects were assigned to one of two groups: Group A: DJ training group (n=15) and Group B: CMJ training group (n=15). They performed either DJ or CMJ training three days a week for 6 weeks. The training program included four sets of 5 repetitions DJ (from the height of a 12-inch box) or CMJ exercise. Standing Long Jump Test (SLJT) was used as outcome measure which was performed a day before and following the 6-week training period. Results: Both the groups showed improvement in standing long jump test. The mean±SD of preand post standing jump test of Group A was 68.63±16.64 and 77.80±14.19 respectively and Group B was 65.83±14.61 and 72.43±13.70 respectively. But the mean±SD difference between the group A and group B was 77.80±14.19 and 72.43±13.70 respectively. Conclusion: The results showed there is significant improvement within Group A and Group B(p<0.01) but there is no significant improvement between both groups (p=0.150). Thus,the study concludes DJ and CMJ plyometric are worthwhile training activities for improving leg muscle power in young athletes.