The Effect of a Single-Session Plyometric and Strength Weight Training on Biochemical, Inflammatory, and Performance Indices of Muscle Soreness in Female Volleyball Players

Based on conflicting results and concerns related to muscle soreness induced by plyometric exercises, the present study was conducted to compare the effect of a single-session plyometric and strength weight training on some indices of delay onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in female volleyball players. Therefore, in a quasiexperimental design, 14 female volleyball players (aged between 17 and 28, in two random groups with repeated measures) participated in a session of strength weight training (6 sets of leg press and knee extension with 70% 1RM) or plyometric training (6 sets of deep and side jump with 70% maximum high jump) until exhaustion. DOMS indices were measured in four phases (10 days, 30 min. before, immediately and 48 hours after the training session). Data were expressed as mean (±SD) and analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test at α≤0.05. Perceived soreness, swelling, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly increased after the training in both groups and they were higher than the baseline until 48 hours (P<0.05), but flexibility, maximal isometric strength and peak power of lower limb significantly decreased in both groups and they were lower than the baseline until 48 hours (P<0.05). Based on the recovery of some DOMS indices after plyometric training, female volleyball players can be recommended to use this type of training without any concerns.