A Comparative Study on the Effects of Maximal Strength Training and Maximal Power Training on Lower Limb Explosive Power in Adolescent Beach Volleyball Athletes

This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of maximal strength training (MST) and maximal power training (MPT) on lower limb explosive power in adolescent beach volleyball athletes (ABVAs), and to provide scientific evidence for sport-specific training. Twenty-two adolescent beach volleyball athletes (age: 17.3 ± 0.9 years, 13 males, 9 females) were randomly allocated to either the MST group (n = 11) or the MPT group (n = 11). The MST group completed traditional barbell strength training (2–4 RM), whereas the MPT group performed MPT using an air resistance device (40–70% 1 RM). Training was scheduled three times weekly for both groups, with each session lasting 90 min. A 2 (group: MST vs MPT) × 2 (time: pre-test vs. post-test) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze changes in measured variables, including lower limb maximal power output (LLMPO), rigid surface vertical jump height (RSVJH), sand surface vertical jump height (SSVJH), 10-m sand surface sprint time (10-m SSST), and Isokinetic knee extensor peak torque (KEPT). After 4 weeks of training, the group-by-time interaction was non-significant for LLMPO (p = .411), but significant for RSVJH (p < .001), SSVJH (p < .001) and KEPT (p < .001). The MPT produced large effects on RSVJH (d = 0.74) and SSVJH (d = 0.71), while the MST had a large effect on KEPT (d = 0.82). Both training modalities can enhance lower limb explosive power in ABVAs, yet they target distinct components of explosive power.