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This review evaluates how plyometric training affects performance metrics and injury rates in track and field athletes.

July 3, 2026Open Access

Effects of plyometric training on performance-related metrics in track and field athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, with preliminary evidence on injury prevention

KWKalani WeerasingheUniversity of Tasmania RJRanil JayawardenaUniversity of Peradeniya AWAndrew D. WilliamsUniversity of Tasmania

Puntos clave

This review evaluates how plyometric training affects performance metrics and injury rates in track and field athletes.
Systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus for randomized controlled trials.
Thirty trials met criteria; 27 were included in the meta-analysis assessing performance outcomes.
Quality assessed using TESTEX scale and risk of bias evaluated with Cochrane RoB 2 tool.
Plyometric training significantly improved 30 m sprint performance (-3.53%, p=0.02).
Enhanced countermovement jump height by 5.11% (p=0.03) and vertical jump height by 2.95% (p=0.02).
One RCT indicated a significant reduction in lower limb injuries following plyometric training.

Resumen

Plyometric training (PT) is widely used in track and field to improve stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, sprint speed, and explosive power. However, no systematic review has synthesized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of PT on both injury-related and performance outcomes in track and field athletes. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on performance-related metrics in this population. PubMed ® , Web of Science ® , Scopus ® , and SPORTDiscus ® were systematically searched to identify RCTs involving track and field athletes of any competitive level. Eligible studies compared PT with participants continuing their usual routine training without the inclusion of plyometric exercises and reported performance-related outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software to evaluate the effects of PT on sports performance. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and Reporting in Exercise (TESTEX) scale, while risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Thirty RCTs met inclusion criteria, with 27 contributing to meta-analyses. Out of 30 studies, one RCT assessed the impact of PT on injuries and reported a significant reduction in lower limb injury incidence following PT. Meta-analyses showed significant improvements in 30 m sprint performance (-3.53%, p = 0.02), countermovement jump height (mean difference 5.11%, p = 0.03), vertical jump height (2.95%, p = 0.02), and standing long jump distance (2.55%, p = 0.01). PT also improved VO₂ max (3.05%, p = 0.04) and running economy at 14 km·h⁻¹ (-1.96%, p = 0.05). Heterogeneity ranged from low to substantial across outcomes. PT enhances sprinting, jumping, neuromuscular, and selected endurance-related performance outcomes in track and field athletes. Although preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits including injury reduction, robust exposure-based RCTs are needed to establish definitive preventive effects.

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