Effectiveness of Individualized Training Programs Based on the Optimal Force-Velocity Relationship to Develop Athletes’ Jump Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated whether individualized training programs tailored to an athlete's F-V profile were more effective than non-individualized programs (i.e., without considering the athlete´s F-V profile) in decreasing F-V imbalances and enhancing jump height and maximal power (P_max). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library databases from inception until April 19^th 2024. Pooled meta-analysis and subgroup meta-analysis were performed using the random-effects and fixed-effects models. The individualized training program was more effective at reducing the F-V imbalance compared to the non-individualized training program (SMD = 0.59 [95%, p < 0.001), but no significant differences were reached for jump height (SMD = 0.50, p = 0.059) and P_max (SMD = 0.10, p = 0.543). Regarding subgroup analyses, differences were found only between the velocity-deficit subgroup and the non-individualized group with the former showing greater reductions in the F-V imbalance (SMD = 1.28, p < 0.001) and greater improvements in jump height (SMD = 0.77, p = 0.010), but no significant differences were noted for P_max (SMD = 0.40, p = 0.165). No significant differences in the F-V imbalance, jump height or P_max were obtained between force-deficit and well-balanced subgroups compared to the non-individualized group. Individualized training programs are more effective at reducing F-V imbalances than non-individualized programs because they target specific segments of the F-V profile. However, pooled evidence suggests that individualized training is only more effective at enhancing jump height for athletes experiencing a velocity-deficit at the start of the training program.