Horizontal Plyometric Training and Sprint Mechanics in Early-Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes

Effects of Twelve Sessions of Horizontally Oriented Plyometric Training on Sprint-Related Temporal-Kinematic Outcomes in Early-Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes: A Field-Based Exploratory Pre-Post Study

This field-based exploratory pre-post study examined the effects of a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program on sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic outcomes in early-adolescent male track-and-field athletes. Participants completed 12 supervised plyometric training sessions integrated into their regular athletics practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using field-based sprint testing, video-derived temporal-kinematic analysis, and horizontal jump performance measures.

The study was conducted in a low-resource community sport setting in Antioquia, Colombia. The intervention was designed according to the participants' age, training background, and usual sport practice demands, with progressive exercise exposure, supervision, adequate recovery, and safety monitoring throughout the training period.

Horizontally oriented plyometric training may be relevant for sprint development because sprint acceleration and the transition toward maximal sprinting velocity require rapid force production and effective forward orientation of propulsive actions. However, evidence in early-adolescent track-and-field athletes remains limited, particularly in community-based sport contexts where coaches rely on accessible field tests and video-based kinematic procedures.

This exploratory single-arm intervention study evaluated pre-post changes after 12 sessions of horizontally oriented plyometric training in male early-adolescent track-and-field athletes aged 12-13 years. The training program was delivered over approximately six weeks and was integrated into the athletes' regular training routine. The intervention emphasized horizontally directed plyometric actions and was implemented with progressive exposure, technical supervision, adequate rest periods, and suspension criteria in case of pain, excessive fatigue, musculoskeletal discomfort, or any safety concern.

Sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic variables were assessed before and after the intervention. Field-based assessments included sprint time and video-derived sprint variables, complemented by horizontal jump performance. Because the study was conducted with minors and a small sport-specific sample, all data will be reported in aggregate form, and no individual participant data will be publicly shared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male early-adolescent track-and-field athletes aged 12-13 years.
• Active participation in a municipal or community-based athletics training program in Antioquia, Colombia.
• Minimum recent experience in athletics training according to the records of the local training program.
• Ability to complete sprint testing, jump testing, and the planned plyometric training sessions.
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian.
• Written or documented assent provided by the minor participant.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current musculoskeletal injury, pain, or medical restriction that prevents sprinting, jumping, or participation in plyometric training.
• Any cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic, or other health condition contraindicating high-intensity physical exercise.
• Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments.
• Absence from a substantial portion of the intervention sessions, according to the predefined adherence criteria.
• Participation in another structured training or research intervention that could substantially affect the outcomes during the study period.