The Effects of Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Advanced Boulder Climbers

Background: Plyometric training has been proposed as an effective strategy for improving neuromuscular performance in climbing. However, its specific effects on upper-body explosive capacity and rate of force development (RFD) in advanced boulder climbers remain unclear. The objective was to determine the effect of a 10-week plyometric training program on neuromuscular performance in advanced boulder climbers. Methods: Eighteen male climbers participated, divided into a plyometric training group (n = 9; 31.33 ± 5.63 years) and a control group (n = 9; 29.67 ± 4.50 years). Maximal strength and rate of force development (RFD) of the finger flexor muscles were assessed, and RFD was analyzed in time intervals from 0 to 200 ms and in a relative range of 20–80% of maximal strength. Maximal pulling strength (isometric pull-ups) was assessed using a load cell in a standardized pull-up position. Lower-body power was assessed using the counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, and upper-body specific power using the Power Slap test on a campus board. The plyometric training program was conducted over ten weeks (two sessions of 45 to 60 minutes each). Results: Significant differences were observed between groups in pull-ups (Δ difference = +3.89 repetitions; 95% CI:-7.48,0,30, p=0.036; η²p=0.248), push-up power (Δ difference = +174.5 W; 95% CI: 5.05,–343. 46, p=0.044; η²p=0.128) and isometric pull-up RFD at 200 ms (Δ difference = +107.85 kg/s; 95% CI: 27.54, -188.16; p=0.012; η²p=0.336), and in the 20–80% range (Δ difference = +261.78 kg/s; 95% CI: 23.09–500.47; p=0.034; η²p=0.194). No differences were observed between groups in Power Slap (p=0.409) or in CMJ height (p=0.122). Conclusion: A 10-week plyometric training program produced specific neuromuscular adaptations in advanced boulder climbers, improving pull-up performance, upper body explosive power, and isometric pull-up RFD. The absence of transfer to finger strength, Power Slap, and CMJ confirms the high specify of neuromuscular adaptations to the trainer movement pattern.