Lower Body Plyometric Training Effects on Upper Body in Basketball Players

Effect of Lower Body Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular Adaptations, Hormonal Factors, Functional Performance, and Upper Body Muscle Thickness in Basketball Players

The present study investigates effect of lower body plyometric training on upper body performance, muscle size, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular activity in male basketball players, with a focus on vertical strength transfer (VST). In this semi-experimental study, 50 male basketball players (aged 16-18 years, with at least 2 years of experience) were randomly divided into three groups: combined lower-upper body plyometric training (LUBPT), upper body training (UBPT), and control (CON). The 8-week training program, 3 sessions per week, included hurdle jumps, depth jumps, and dynamic push-ups. Assessments included serum levels of growth hormone and testosterone, muscle thickness (elastography), muscle electrical activity (EMG), and sports performance (overhead medicine ball throw, Sargent jump, long jump) in pre- and post-tests.

This semi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of an 8-week lower body plyometric training program on neuromuscular adaptations, hormonal factors, functional performance, and upper body muscle thickness in male basketball players, with a focus on vertical strength transfer (VST).

Fifty male basketball players aged 16-18 years with at least 2 years of competitive experience were recruited and randomly allocated into three groups: Combined Lower-Upper Body Plyometric Training (LUBPT, n=17), Upper Body Plyometric Training only (UBPT, n=18), and Control (CON, n=15). The control group continued regular basketball training without additional plyometric exercises.

The intervention lasted 8 weeks with 3 sessions per week. The plyometric program consisted of lower body exercises (hurdle jumps at 40-60 cm height and depth jumps from a 40 cm box) and upper body exercises (dynamic push-ups). Training volume and intensity progressed gradually over the 8 weeks (sessions 1-8: 2-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions; sessions 9-16: 3-4 sets of 10-12 repetitions; sessions 17-24: 4 sets of 12-15 repetitions), with 60-90 seconds rest between sets and 3 minutes between exercises.

Pre- and post-intervention assessments included:

• Serum levels of growth hormone and testosterone (blood samples taken in fasting state).
• Upper body muscle thickness (biceps brachii and pectoralis major) measured using ultrasound elastography.
• Neuromuscular activity (root mean square, RMS) of anterior brachii, pectoralis major, quadriceps femoris, rectus abdominis, and triceps brachii muscles using surface electromyography (EMG) during standardized movements.
• Functional performance tests: overhead medicine ball throw, Sargent vertical jump (height and power), and standing long jump.

All measurements were performed 48-72 hours before the start of training and 48-72 hours after the final training session. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male basketball players with at least 2 years experience

Exclusion Criteria:

• injury