The Effect of the Meridian Shoe on Vertical Jump and Sprint Performances Following Short-Term Combined Plyometric/Sprint and Resistance Training

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of sprint/plyometric training with the Meridian Elyte‐style shoe on various performance parameters. Seventeen healthy men were randomly assigned to either an athletic-shoe training group (AS) or a Meridian Elyte‐shoe training group (MS). Both groups participated in an 8-week training program consisting of weight training and sprint/plyometric training. Anthropometry, muscular strength, speed, power, and rate of force development assessments were performed pre- and posttraining. Both groups demonstrated similar increases in 1RM squat and bench press, power output, and rate of force development during jumping. Both groups demonstrated similar improved 40-yd dash times, but the MS group showed greater improvement in 60-yd dash times (4 vs. 2%, respectively). The MS group significantly increased their vertical jump height, whereas only a trend (p 5 0.08) for improvement was observed in the AS group. Rate of submaximal force development of the plantar flexor muscles in the dorsiflexed position improved to a greater extent in the MS group. Compared to 2 previous studies, this newly designed model of strength shoe showed a lower incidence of pain and injury. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that the Meridian Elyte shoe may have an ergogenic effect on performance when used during 8 weeks of sprint/plyometric training.