Effects of plyometric training on explosive power and swimming performance in adolescent swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis with dose-response analysis

Abstract

Abstract Adolescent swimmers depend heavily on lower-limb power during critical phases such as the block start, wall turn, and sprints, with the circa-peak height velocity (PHV) period representing a sensitive window for neuromuscular development. Plyometric training (PT), utilizing the stretch-shortening cycle, is a key component of long-term athletic development, yet evidence stratified by maturation stage is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CNKI for controlled trials in swimmers aged 10–18 years, following PRISMA 2020. Effect sizes were pooled using Hedges’ g in a random-effects model, dose-response relationships were evaluated via meta-regression, methodological quality assessed with RoB 2.0 and PEDro, and evidence certainty rated by GRADE. Findings suggest that PT may be associated with moderate-to-large positive point estimates for dry-land explosive power and short-distance swimming performance (with positive effect sizes oriented so that faster swim times yield positive g), with point estimates that appeared larger around the circa-PHV stage; however, none of the pooled estimates reached statistical significance under the primary Hartung–Knapp analysis, the confidence intervals were wide, and all findings should therefore be read as preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than as confirmation that PT significantly improves these outcomes. Transfer to longer distances was smaller in magnitude. The results provide a provisional basis for tailoring PT programmes by developmental stage that requires confirmation in larger studies.