neuromuscular and functional adaptations to selected plyometric training vs. combined resistance and plyometric training

physical fitness is considered as a key component for optimal performance in most sports. the aim of this study was to investigate neuromuscular and functional adaptations to two different training methods. for this purpose, 14 male volunteers were divided randomly into two groups. group a (plyometric) trained with plyometric training and group b (combined) trained with traditional resistance training combined with plyometric training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. to evaluate muscle neural activity, before and after training programs, surface emg was performed on vastus lateralis muscle. also, to determine muscle strength and power, agility and speed of movement, 1rm, bosco, sargent jump, hexagonal obstacle and 35 m dash tests were used, respectively. paired t-test and independent t-test were used to identify any significant differences (p?0.05). results showed that semg increased in both groups (plyometric group 30.27%, p?0.11; combined group 43.78%, p?0.05). in bosco, sargent jump, hexagonal obstacle and 35 m dash tests, plyometric group had better results than combined group but in 1rm test combined group had better results than plyometric group. it can be concluded that possibly, for short-term periods (8 weeks), plyometric training alone would be more effective than combined training (resistance and plyometric) in targeted exercise performance.