The Effects of Plyometric Training on Selected Neuromuscular Outcomes in Trained-to-Highly Trained Male Boulder Climbers: A Preliminary Exploratory Trial

Plyometric training is proposed as a method for improving neuromuscular performance in climbing; however, its specific effects on upper-body explosive power and rate of force development (RFD) in male boulderers, ranging from trained to highly trained, remain unclear. This preliminary exploratory trial examined the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on selected laboratory-based neuromuscular performance outcomes. Eighteen male climbers were assigned to: intervention group (n = 9, 29.7 ± 4.5 yr) or a control group (n = 9, 31.3 ± 5.6 yr). Finger flexor strength and RFD (20-mm grip, 0–200 ms, 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 = 0.230), isometric pull-up RFD 0–200 ms (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 clear between-group differences were observed for finger flexor strength, finger RFD, maximum isometric pull-up strength, Power Slap, or CMJ. Given the exploratory design, small sample size, and low reliability of RFD-derived variables, these findings should be interpreted cautiously as preliminary evidence of movement-specific neuromuscular performance improvements.