An interventional study of Upper Body Plyometric Training and Lower Body Plyometric Training in Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes and Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers, sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 18 Years to 35 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-16.
Sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
This study examined the effects of two different types of jump training-one focused on the upper body and the other on the lower body-on the athletic performance of elite male kickboxers. Over a 12-week period, athletes followed specific exercise programs designed to increase explosive power in either the arms or the legs, while continuing their normal kickboxing training.
Researchers used a special performance test called the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KAST), which measures how fast and powerfully athletes can punch and kick over a short time. The results showed that while both training methods improved performance, the group that did lower-body jump training (e.g., leg-focused exercises) showed greater gains. This suggests that strong and explosive legs play a key role in powerful strikes and quick movements in kickboxing.
In summary, lower-body jump training is more effective than upper-body jump training in improving sport-specific speed and power in elite male kickboxers.
This study aimed to compare the effects of upper- and lower-body plyometric training on anaerobic performance in elite male kickboxers. Thirty-two national-level athletes were randomly assigned to one of two training groups: one focusing on upper-body exercises (e.g., medicine ball throws, explosive push-ups), and the other on lower-body exercises (e.g., squat jumps, depth jumps). Both groups continued their regular kickboxing training while performing the additional plyometric training three times per week over 12 weeks.
Anaerobic performance was measured using the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KAST), which assesses sport-specific punching and kicking combinations under time pressure. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included KAST best time, total time, and fatigue index.
The results showed that while both training programs improved performance, the lower-body training group achieved greater improvements in speed and power. These findings suggest that explosive strength in the legs plays a critical role in kickboxing performance, especially for actions like kicking and stabilizing during punching.
This trial highlights the importance of lower-body plyometric exercises for enhancing combat sport performance and may help coaches design more effective training plans for elite-level kickboxers.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this group completed a 12-week upper-body plyometric training program including medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and explosive arm drills.
Other: Upper Body Plyometric Training
Participants in this group followed a 12-week lower-body plyometric training protocol including squat jumps, depth jumps, and lateral hurdle jumps.
Other: Lower Body Plyometric Training
Upper Body Plyometric Training - Intervention Description: A 12-week upper-body plyometric training protocol designed to enhance explosive upper-extremity power in elite male kickboxers. Exercises included medicine ball chest passes, overhead throws, plyometric push-ups, clap push-ups, and rotational medicine ball throws. Training was performed three times per week (20-30 minutes per session) in addition to regular kickboxing practice.
Lower Body Plyometric Training - Intervention Description: A 12-week lower-body plyometric training program targeting explosive leg strength and anaerobic performance in elite male kickboxers. The program included countermovement jumps, squat jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, plyometric bounding, tuck jumps, and depth jumps. Sessions were conducted three times per week (20-30 minutes each), alongside regular kickboxing training.
Best score time in the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KASTbest)
The best completion time for a five-technique striking sequence performed at maximum intensity. A lower score indicates better anaerobic performance.
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Performance Decrement Index (PDI)
The ratio between the athlete's best performance time and cumulative performance across sets, used to assess fatigue resistance during high-intensity intermittent effort.
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Total time in the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KASTtotal)
The total time required to complete five sets of the KAST striking protocol. A lower time indicates better anaerobic endurance.
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Plan to share: No
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Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa