Comparison of eccentric and concentric training effects on improving explosive performance in elite female basketball players: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of concentrically dominant (CD) and eccentrically dominant (ED) training programs on explosive abilities in elite female basketball players, focusing on vertical jump performance. Methods: A total of 10 elite female basketball players were divided into two groups, with five participants each. One group followed a concentrically dominant training program, while the other group followed an eccentrically dominant program. The training lasted six weeks, with two sessions per week. Vertical jumps were assessed using countermovement jumps (CMJ), squat jumps (SQJ), and drop jumps (DJ), focusing on parameters such as Relative Peak Power and Landing Rate of Force Development (RFD) and other parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, independent t-tests, and Cohen’s d to assess effect sizes for the CMJ, DJ, and SQ tests. Results: The CD group demonstrated improvements in both Relative Peak Power (from 41.520 to 43.360 W/kg, Cohen's d = -0.824) and Jump Height (Cohen's d = -0.964) in the CMJ test, though the differences were not statistically significant. The ED group showed minimal improvement, and in some cases, slight reductions in performance parameters. In the DJ test, significant improvements in Landing RFD were observed in the CD group (Cohen's d = -1.533), while the ED group showed a large effect size in Landing RFD (Cohen's d = -0.858), though this effect was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Concentrically dominant training was more effective in improving explosive strength and jump height, as well as demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in Landing RFD. While eccentrically dominant training also showed a notable effect in landing control, it was not as pronounced or statistically significant. Based on these findings, incorporating both training modalities could enhance explosive performance and improve landing mechanics in elite female basketball players. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to solidify these conclusions. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2024.9.suppl.132-144