The effect of eight weeks of plyometric exercises on anthropometric indicators and maximum oxygen consumption of active youth

Background and aim: Human body composition and respiratory indicators are closely related. Studies have shown that physical activity affects these variables. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of ۸ weeks of plyometric exercises on anthropometric indicators and maximum oxygen consumption (VO۲max) of active youth. Methodology: The subjects included ۳۰ active students with an average age of ۲۰.۳۹ years who were randomly selected from the male students of Physical Education field in Imam Reza University of Mashhad and randomly divided into two plyometric exercises and control groups. The experimental group performed plyometric exercises for ۸ weeks, ۳ sessions a week, ۴۵ minutes per session. Bioelectrical impedance device was used to measure the subjects' anthropometric indicators, and the variables of body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass, fat-free weight and body weight were recorded in pre-test and post-test phases. The Strand test was also used to determine the subjects' VO۲max. Data were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests at a significance level of ۰.۰۵. Findings: The results showed that there is a significant difference in the variables of body fat percentage, body fat mass and VO۲max between the two experimental and control groups (p<۰.۵۰). Also, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in the indicators of body mass index, body muscle mass and body weight (p>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Based on the results of the current research and considering the effect of plyometric exercises on body fat percentage, body fat mass and VO۲max, these exercises can be suggested as an effective intervention to improve the VO۲max and control body fat. .