This 4 page report discusses the benefits of
plyometric training which is a form of exercise in which a person slows their physical
action substantially and then accelerates in a very short period to create an "explosive"
burst of power or energy. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_BWplyomt.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
claim that putting higher than normal force and stressors on the musculoskeletal system during plyometric exercises can cause a greater number of injuries. In the most technical of language, Hemery
explains that: "Plyometrics essentially involve eccentric elongation of the muscles, followed by maximal concentric contraction, within a timescale of 0.3 seconds" (Internet source). In other words, plyometric training means
that a person slows their physical action substantially and then accelerates in a very short period to create an "explosive" burst of power or energy. What the student researching "plyos"
should understand is that this is a positive process that can result in great improvements in overall athletic performance. This is especially true for sports that involve jumping or throwing
or for running events (or sports) that require the ability to sprint or jump hurdles. Such a description certainly covers a vast number of competitive sports! What Can "Plyos" Do?
What is now called "plyometrics" was once simply referred to as "bounding." Coates (2003) explains that: "Bounding was introduced in the 1950s by the legendary coach Arthur Lydiard"
and that the concepts associated with bounding are now making a "comeback" under the title of "plyometrics" (pp. 32). The word, broken down into its original Latin is from ply
which means "increase" and metric meaning "measure." Coates, who is a marathon runner and fitness director, explains that the "exaggerated" stride of bounding causes an extra measure of stress on
the muscles primarily responsible for running. He writes: "This exaggerated motion causes the quads and calves to perform a concentric contraction (muscles shorten) at toe-off, and an eccentric contraction (muscles
lengthen) on landing" (pp. 32). This is important because it helps build endurance in a specific set of muscles that then allow for the runner to maintain his or her