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

Plyometric training is proposed as a method to improve 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 10-week plyometric training on neuromuscular performance in advanced boulder climbers. Eighteen male climbers were assigned to: intervention group (n=9, 29.7±4.5yr) or control group (n=9, 31.3±5.6yr). Finger flexor strength and RFD (20-mm grip, 0–200ms, 20–80%), isometric pull-up strength and RFD (load cell), upper-body power (plyometric push-up, Power Slap), and lower-body power (CMJ) were assessed. The intervention comprised two plyometric sessions/week for 10 weeks. Significant differences were observed in pull-ups (Δ difference = +3.89 repetitions; 95% CI:0.30, 7.48; p=0.036; η²p=0.248), push-up power (Δ difference = +174.25 W; 95% CI: 5.05, 343.46; p=0.044; η²p=0.128), isometric pull-up RFD at 200ms (Δ difference = +107.85 kg/s; 95% CI: 27.54, 188.16; p=0.012; η²p=0.336), and the 20–80% range (Δ difference = +261.78 kg/s; 95% CI: 23.09, 500.47; p=0.034; η²p=0.253). No significant differences were observed in finger flexor strength, finger RFD, maximal isometric pull-up strength, Power Slap, or CMJ. The plyometric program produced specific neuromuscular adaptations in advanced boulder climbers, confirming trained movement pattern.