The Effects of Plyometric Training with Elastic Band on Physical Fitness and Isokinetic Function in Fencing Foil Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric training (PT) with elastic bands on the physical fitness and isokinetic function in fencing foil athletes.METHODS: The study participants were 16 male and female foil fencers aged 20–35 who were selected as the national team in 2019 and classified into the PT with band (PTB) group (n=8) and PT group (n=8). The participants performed PT according to their elastic band status three times a week for four weeks. Both groups participated in the measurement of physical fitness and isokinetic function factors of the knee joint after 0 and 4 weeks.RESULTS: Hand grip strength decreased significantly after 4 weeks versus 0 week in both groups (respectively, <i>p</i><.05), and the changestep jump increased significantly after 4 weeks compared with 0 week in both groups (respectively, <i>p</i><.05). The number of front and back steps increased more significantly after 4 weeks in the PT group than in the PTB group (<i>p</i><.05). The right flexor strength of the knee joint increased significantly after 4 weeks compared to that at 0 week in both groups (respectively, <i>p</i><.05).CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the use of elastic bands, the fencing-specific PT program improved agility factor and isokinetic function of knee joint.