Meta-Analysis of Plyometric Conditioning Effects on Sprint Performance

Fourteen studies involving 198 participants, 78.8% male, were analyzed to quantify the acute effects of plyometric conditioning on sprint performance. The meta-analysis found a moderate overall improvement (SMD = 0.51) and identified key moderators like protocol type, rest interval, and sprint test distance. This systematic review synthesizes data from randomized controlled trials, parallel-group trials, crossover trials, and pre-post-test experimental designs.

Use Cases

• Analyze the relationship between rest-interval duration and sprint performance effect size (SMD) to optimize warm-up timing.
• Compare the effect sizes of single versus complex plyometric protocols on sprint performance across the included studies.
• Investigate how the moderator variable sprint test distance (≤30 m vs. >30 m) influences the pooled effect size for performance enhancement.
• Examine the heterogeneity (I²) statistics across different subgroup analyses to assess the consistency of findings.

Strengths

• Analysis is based on 14 distinct studies, providing a multi-study evidence base.
• Includes data from 198 participants, with a documented gender distribution (78.8% male).
• Reports specific statistical outcomes, including a pooled SMD of 0.51 and subgroup differences with p-values.

Limitations

• The participant sample size of 198 is relatively small for broad generalization.
• High heterogeneity (I²= 80%) was noted for complex protocol analyses, indicating inconsistent results across studies.
• Data is derived from a systematic review document, not raw experimental data, limiting direct re-analysis.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Hangxin Chen.

Collection Method

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from four electronic databases, following Cochrane guidelines.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026.