Can a Unilateral Lower Body-Training Program Increase Lower Body Power Output More than a Bilateral Lower Body Training Program?

(1) Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a unilateral or bilateral lower body training program on off ice power production. (2) Methodology Twenty NCAA Division 1 female hockey players were randomly assigned to either a unilateral (UNI) or bilateral (BI) group. The UNI training group performed all lower body exercises over a 6-week period using 1 leg at a time, while the BI performed all lower body exercises with both legs simultaneously. Both groups trained at the same rating of perceived exertion (RPE) two times per week throughout the training cycle. Subjects within the two groups participated in baseline and post intervention power testing in the Vertical Jump (VJ) and Standing Long Jump (SLJ). (3) Results Following the intervention, neither group showed statistically significant (p \u3c 0.05) change. However, from a practical perspective the UNI group improved VJ on average 2.16 cm compared to the BI group average improvement of 0.56 cm. The UNI group improved on SLJ by an average of 7.75 cm versus the BI group improvement of 3.81 cm. (4) Discussion The results concluded that neither UNI nor BI training groups produced significant improvements in testing measures. (5) Conclusion Unilateral and bilateral training may both be effective in training for lower body power production. This study alludes to the need to continue to perform research on UNI and BI lower body training in order to most effectively trains the female hockey player