Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport AthletesNCT07067918
Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test Performance
A study testing Upper Body Plyometric Training and Lower Body Plyometric Training in people with Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes and Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes, Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers
- What is being tested?
- Upper Body Plyometric Training and Lower Body Plyometric Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2025to 10 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male participants aged 18 to 35 years
- At least 5 years of structured kickboxing training
- Active competition status within the last 3 years
- Minimum of one national or international medal in the past 2 years
- Provided written informed consent
Who cannot join
- No formal kickboxing training history
- No competitive activity in the last 3 years
- No documented medal success at national or international level
- Failure to meet informed consent or ethical participation requirements
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa
Istanbul, 34320
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes, Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers
- Being tested
- Upper Body Plyometric Training, Lower Body Plyometric Training
- Keywords
- Plyometrics, anaerobic performance, sport-specific, KAST, combat sports
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Upper Body Plyometric TrainingOther
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 TrainingOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 - Upper Body Plyometric Group | Experimental | Participants in this group completed a 12-week upper-body plyometric training program including medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and explosive arm drills. Receives: Other: Upper Body Plyometric Training |
| Arm 2 - Lower Body Plyometric Group | Experimental | Participants in this group followed a 12-week lower-body plyometric training protocol including squat jumps, depth jumps, and lateral hurdle jumps. Receives: Other: Lower Body Plyometric Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
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.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jul 2025
- Study start15 Feb 2025
- Primary completion22 May 2025
- Study completion10 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport AthletesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: upper-body plyometric training or lower-body plyometric training. Both groups continued their standard kickboxing training while following a 12-week intervention protocol.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Abdullah Demirli, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07067918
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ETU-BAEK-2025-02-10
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 7 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 16 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07067918
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ETU-BAEK-2025-02-10
- Conditions
- Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes, Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers
- Keywords
- Plyometrics, anaerobic performance, sport-specific, KAST, combat sports
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: upper-body plyometric training or lower-body plyometric training. Both groups continued their standard kickboxing training while following a 12-week intervention protocol.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 - Upper Body Plyometric Group | Experimental | Other: Upper Body Plyometric TrainingParticipants in this group completed a 12-week upper-body plyometric training program including medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and explosive arm drills. |
| Arm 2 - Lower Body Plyometric Group | Experimental | Other: Lower Body Plyometric TrainingParticipants in this group followed a 12-week lower-body plyometric training protocol including squat jumps, depth jumps, and lateral hurdle jumps. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male participants aged 18 to 35 years
- At least 5 years of structured kickboxing training
- Active competition status within the last 3 years
- Minimum of one national or international medal in the past 2 years
- Provided written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- No formal kickboxing training history
- No competitive activity in the last 3 years
- No documented medal success at national or international level
- Failure to meet informed consent or ethical participation requirements
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Body Plyometric TrainingUpper 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. | Other | Arm 1 - Upper Body Plyometric Group |
| Lower Body Plyometric TrainingLower 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. | Other | Arm 2 - Lower Body Plyometric Group |
Primary outcome
Best score time in the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KASTbest)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
The best completion time for a five-technique striking sequence performed at maximum intensity. A lower score indicates better anaerobic performance.
Performance Decrement Index (PDI)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
The ratio between the athlete's best performance time and cumulative performance across sets, used to assess fatigue resistance during high-intensity intermittent effort.
1 secondary outcome
Total time in the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KASTtotal)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Upper Body Plyometric Training and Lower Body Plyometric Training in people with Effects of Upper and Lower Body Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance in Combat Sport Athletes and Sport-specific Anaerobic Performance in Elite Male Kickboxers, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Best score time in the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KASTbest) (time frame: Measured at baseline and 12 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jul 2025.