Electromyographic and kinetic analysis of complex training variables

The use of complex training as a method of combining weight and plyometric exercises during the same training session is growing in popularity, despite limited scientific support for its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a set of high-load bench press exercises (BP) on a subsequent set of medicine ball power drop exercises (MBPD) via mean ground reaction force, maximum ground reaction force, and mean electromyography (EMG(int)). Ten male (19 +/- 1.4 years) NCAA Division 1 basketball players with experience in weight and plyometric training performed plyometric exercises under 2 randomly determined conditions. One condition included a BP followed immediately by a MBPD. The other condition included only the MBPD. Mean ground reaction force, maximum ground reaction force, and EMG(int) were recorded during the MBPD for both conditions. Results indicated that no significant differences exist for mean ground reaction force, maximum ground reaction force, and EMG(int) for the pectoralis major and triceps muscles between the MBPD and the BP plus MBPD conditions. These results indicate there is no heightened excitability of the central nervous system. However, there also appears to be no disadvantage of performing high-load weight training and plyometric exercises in complex pairs. Therefore, complex training may be a useful training strategy because of the organizational advantages of performing weight and plyometric exercises in the same training session.