A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Complex Training on Vertical Jump Performance

Complex training (CT) is a strength training intervention performed by completing all the sets of a resistanceexercise followed by a series of high-velocity/plyometric exercise/s. The purpose of this novel study was to conduct a metaanalysison the effect of CT on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Five electronic databases were searched using terms relatedto CT and the VJ. Studies needed to include randomized trials comparing CT with traditional resistance training(RT)/plyometric training (PLYO)/control (CON) lasting ≥ 4 weeks and the VJ as a dependent variable. Seven studiesqualified for the meta-analysis with two studies differentiating VJ performance from CT and RT, two studies comparingVJ performance of CT and PLYO, and two studies establishing the difference in VJ performance between CT and CON.Results indicated similar improvement in VJ performance from CT and RT (p = 0.88). On the other hand, greater VJperformance in CT than PLYO was identified (ES = 0.86; 95% CI 0.24, 1.47; p = 0.01). CT also showed significantlygreater enhancement in VJ compared to CON (ES = 1.14; 95% CI 0.60, 1.68; p < 0.01). In conclusion, CT can serve asalternative training from RT in improving VJ performance. On the other hand, CT is a better option in VJ enhancementthan PLYO and CON