The effects of 12 weeks of plyometric training on body composition, physical strength, and bone mineral density in obese adolescents

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of plyometric training on body composition, physical fitness, and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese male adolescents. Twenty obese male adolescents were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) or a plyometric exercise group (n=10). The plyometric exercise group performed the exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Body composition, physical fitness, and BMD were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. Following results were obtained. In the plyometric exercise group, body fat mass significantly decreased before and after the intervention, but differences in body weight, body mass index, and lean body mass were not significant. Among physical fitness factors, grip strength, muscular endurance, and the 20-m shuttle run significantly improved, but flexibility did not show a significant difference. In the plyometric exercise group, BMD significantly improved before and after the intervention. These results indicate that 12 weeks of plyometric training may be effective in improving body composition, physical fitness, and bone density in obese adolescents.