The effect of eight weeks of combined training (plyometric and resistance) on selected biomechanical variables (flexibility, balance, power and speed) of ectomorphic and mesomorphic athletics boys

Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined training (plyometric and resistance) on selected biomechanical variables (flexibility, balance, power and speed) of ectomorphic and mesomorphic athletics boys. The performance of elite athletes who are active in various sports can be generally attributed to two factors: one is related to the level of training of these athletes and the adaptations made by them, and the other is related to genetic factors. And the potential talents are the individual. Among these, their individual (genetic) characteristics can be partially identified by examining anthropometric characteristics and functional adaptations resulting from exercise using functional tests. Considering the acceptance of the principle of anthropometric, biomechanical and body type factors in optimizing the performance of sports skills, sports scientists are always trying to identify these factors and use it in designing training programs to affect the performance of skills. Many studies have shown that elite athletes in each sport have special anthropometric and physiological characteristics [4]. Materials and Methods: The method of the present study was quasi-experimental and was done with pre-test, post-test and control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of adolescent athletes aged 12 to 17 years. The sample consisted of 15 ectomorphic adolescents, 15 mesomorphic adolescents and 15 adolescents as a control group who participated in the adolescent training of active teams in Tehran province leagues and were purposefully invited to participate as a statistical sample. In this study, the training program consisted of 8 weeks of specific training for each of the experimental groups that performed combined exercises for 8 weeks. The Sargent test was used to evaluate the power, the 30 m sprint test was used to evaluate the speed, the Star Test Equilibrium test (SEBT) was used to evaluate the dynamic balance, and the Flex board test was used to evaluate the flexibility. To analyze the data along with descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation, etc.), regression test, and analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS software version 24 were used. Results: The results of the present study showed that eight weeks of combined training (plyometric and resistance) had a significant effect on selected biomechanical variables (flexibility, balance, power and speed) of ectomorphic and mesomorphic athletics boys. These exercises also have a greater effect on selected biomechanical variables of ectomorphic boys than in mesomorphic athletes. volume_up Conclusion: The results of this research can be considered and used by coaches in developing the readiness of athletic athletes. In this regard, it can be said that combined training improves muscle weakness and deficiency in ectomorphs in two ways, which first causes muscle hypertrophy through resistance training and as a result, plyometric training increases muscle well-being. However, mesomorphs have reached their optimal physical level due to adequate muscle volume and may require higher training volume and pressure to increase function.