Effects of different velocity resistance training methods on rapid force, power, and specific performance of young Taekwondo athletes.

Introduction: In sport-specific training, the velocity and movement of resistance training should match the particular movement as closely as possible to achieve optimal transfer to performance. Velocity-based resistance training (VBRT), plyometric resistance training (PRT), and passive leg press training (PLPT) are three resistance training methods that emphasize rapid contraction and have been proven to improve the rate of force development and power. The purpose of this investigation was to determine which training method is more efficient in improving rapid force, power, and performance. Methods: Stratified sampling was used to allocate 36 senior high school Taekwondo athletes to a VBRT group (n = 12), PRT group (n = 12), and PLPT group (n = 12). All training groups completed a six-week resistance training program that included three training sessions per week. Before and after the resistance training, the athletes' rapid force (50-ms rate of force development and maximal rate of force development), power (jump height and peak force), and specific performance (speed of single side kick and continuous side kick) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests to compare differences between groups. One-way ANOVA and the Scheffé's post-hoc test were used to compare the differences between the baseline and training effects. Results: After six weeks of training, the three groups showed significant training effects on rapid force (both measures), power (jump height only), and specific performance (both measures). In addition, the percentage enhancement of the maximal rate of force development under PLPT was significantly higher than that under PRT. Conclusion: All three training methods, VBRT, PRT, and PLPT, develop rapid force and power, which can be converted to specific performance. However, PLPT is a better resistance training method to increase the maximal rate of force development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]