The effect of wearing strength shoes during plyometric training on vertical jump performance

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether plyometric training in Strength shoes (Strength Footwear, Inc.) increased vertical jump performance, decreased elapsed time in the 40 yard dash and increased calf circumference. Thirty-one male and female college-aged students served as subjects. Twenty-two subjects, enrolled in a college physical fitness class, were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: Strength shoe (S) group or traditional shoe (T). A third condition, a control (C) group consisted of 9 volunteers enrolled in a college badminton class. Subjects in both experimental conditions trained for ten weeks, three times per week, 45 minutes per day. Subjects performed plyometric drills designed to increase vertical jump and increase running speed. Subjects were pre-tested and post-tested for vertical jump performance, speed in the 40 yard dash, and right and left calf circumference.

There was no significant (p>. 05) change in either experimental group from pretest to post test on vertical jump performance, speed in the 40 yard dash and right and left calf circumference. It was concluded that, regardless of the footwear being worn, plyometric training did not increase vertical jump performance, calf circumference or decrease the elapsed time in the 40 yard dash of the participants.