{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T22:31:34Z","timestamp":1790202694522,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":35,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"5","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,21]],"date-time":"2026-05-21T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1779321600000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Life"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Introduction: Vertical jump performance is linked to key performance indicators in rugby, including tackling success and ruck involvement. Although plyometric jump training (PJT) is known to enhance explosive qualities in various sports, its specific effects in rugby remain unclear. Objective: To synthesise evidence on the effects of PJT on vertical jump ability and other physical fitness components in adult rugby players. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, EBSCO (SPORTDiscus), WoS, and Scopus were searched up to December 2025. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies involving rugby players undertaking PJT programmes of at least two weeks, with at least one vertical jump outcome, were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Results: Seven studies involving 178 male players were included. PJT improved sprint speed, change of direction, anaerobic power, reactive strength, lower-limb stiffness, and isometric plantar flexion strength. Gains in countermovement jump power were noted in some conditions, such as training on softer surfaces. However, improvements in jump height were inconsistent. Conclusion: PJT enhances several important physical qualities in rugby players but shows variable effects on vertical jump height. Further high-quality research is needed.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/life16050859","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,25]],"date-time":"2026-05-25T06:42:18Z","timestamp":1779691338000},"page":"859","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Effect of Plyometric Jump Training on Vertical Jump Indicators and Performance-Related General Physical Fitness in Rugby Players: A Systematic Review"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"16","author":[{"given":"Javier","family":"Russell-Guzm\u00e1n","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Escuela de Kinesiolog\u00eda, Universidad Santo Tom\u00e1s, Santiago 8320000, Chile"},{"name":"Carrera de Ciencias de la Actividad F\u00edsica y el Deporte, Universidad SEK Chile, Santiago 7500000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Sebasti\u00e1n","family":"Moraga-Moraga","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de las Am\u00e9ricas, Santiago 8320000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Alexis","family":"Espinoza-Salinas","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Escuela de Kinesiolog\u00eda, Universidad Santo Tom\u00e1s, Santiago 8320000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0006-9533-3247","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Felipe","family":"Inostroza-R\u00edos","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Post-Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares 35010-180, Brazil"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4271-9657","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Claudio","family":"Carvajal-Parodi","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Escuela de Kinesiolog\u00eda, Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitaci\u00f3n y Calidad de Vida, Universidad San Sebasti\u00e1n, Concepci\u00f3n 4030000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1870-1396","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Francisco","family":"Guede-Rojas","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Exercise and Rehabilitation Science Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1288-1397","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"David","family":"Ulloa-D\u00edaz","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Conditioning, Universidad Cat\u00f3lica de la Sant\u00edsima Concepci\u00f3n, Concepci\u00f3n 4030000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jorge","family":"P\u00e9rez-Contreras","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Mag\u00edster en Evaluaci\u00f3n y Planificaci\u00f3n del Entrenamiento Deportivo, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Vi\u00f1a del Mar, Valpara\u00edso 2520000, Chile"},{"name":"Departamento de Educaci\u00f3n F\u00edsica, Deportes y Recreaci\u00f3n, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educaci\u00f3n, Santiago 7500000, Chile"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,21]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","unstructured":"Rugby, W. (2025, February 25). Crece la Participaci\u00f3n Global en el Rugby de cara a Rugby World Cup 2023. Available online: https:\/\/www.world.rugby\/news\/836825\/global-rugby-participation-increasing-ahead-of-rugby-world-cup-2023."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cunningham, D.J., Shearer, D.A., Drawer, S., Pollard, B., Cook, C.J., Bennett, M., Russell, M., and Kilduff, L.P. (2018). Relationships between physical qualities and key performance indicators during match-play in senior international rugby union players. PLoS ONE, 13.","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0202811"},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Barrio, E.D., Thapa, R.K., Villanueva-Flores, F., Garcia-Atutxa, I., Santiba\u00f1ez-Gutierrez, A., Fern\u00e1ndez-Landa, J., and Ramirez-Campillo, R. (2023). Plyometric Jump Training Exercise Optimization for Maximizing Human Performance: A Systematic Scoping Review and Identification of Gaps in the Existing Literature. Sports, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/sports11080150"},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"11","DOI":"10.1519\/SSC.0000000000000036","article-title":"Complex Training Reexamined: Review and Recommendations to Improve Strength and Power","volume":"36","author":"Carter","year":"2014","journal-title":"Strength Cond. J."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1367","DOI":"10.1080\/02640414.2024.2391657","article-title":"Effects of complex training compared to resistance training alone on physical fitness of healthy individuals: A systematic review with meta-analysis","volume":"42","author":"Thapa","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Sports Sci."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"656","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jshs.2020.12.005","article-title":"The effects of plyometric jump training on physical fitness attributes in basketball players: A meta-analysis","volume":"11","author":"Moran","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Sport Health Sci."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zhou, J.Y., Wang, X., Hao, L., Ran, X.W., and Wei, W. (2024). Meta-analysis of the effect of plyometric training on the athletic performance of youth basketball players. Front. Physiol., 15.","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2024.1427291"},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"623","DOI":"10.1007\/s40279-023-01944-8","article-title":"The Effects of Strength, Plyometric and Combined Training on Strength, Power and Speed Characteristics in High-Level, Highly Trained Male Youth Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","volume":"54","author":"Oliver","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Pardos-Mainer, E., Lozano, D., Torrontegui-Duarte, M., Cart\u00f3n-Llorente, A., and Roso-Moliner, A. (2021). Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph18020401"},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2125","DOI":"10.1007\/s40279-020-01337-1","article-title":"Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Jump and Sprint Performance in Young Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis","volume":"50","author":"Castillo","year":"2020","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"n71","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.n71","article-title":"The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews","volume":"372","author":"Page","year":"2021","journal-title":"BMJ"},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"210","DOI":"10.1186\/s13643-016-0384-4","article-title":"Rayyan-a web and mobile app for systematic reviews","volume":"5","author":"Ouzzani","year":"2016","journal-title":"Syst. Rev."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"l4898","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.l4898","article-title":"RoB 2: A revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials","volume":"366","author":"Sterne","year":"2019","journal-title":"BMJ"},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Higgins, J., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M., and Welch, V. (2019). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, John Wiley & Sons Ltd.","DOI":"10.1002\/9781119536604"},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e1230","DOI":"10.1002\/cl2.1230","article-title":"PRISMA2020: An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020-compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis","volume":"18","author":"Haddaway","year":"2022","journal-title":"Campbell Syst. Rev."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ojeda-Aravena, A., Az\u00f3car-Gallardo, J., Campos-Uribe, V., B\u00e1ez-San Mart\u00edn, E., Aedo-Mu\u00f1oz, E.A., and Herrera-Valenzuela, T. (2022). Effects of plyometric training on softer vs. Harder surfaces on jump-related performance in rugby sevens players. Front. Physiol., 13.","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2022.941675"},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2219","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e3181f6b0f4","article-title":"Kinetic and training comparisons between assisted, resisted, and free countermovement jumps","volume":"25","author":"Argus","year":"2011","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"ref_18","first-page":"722","article-title":"Effects of underweight-plyometric training on the neuromuscular characteristics in professional rugby players","volume":"180","author":"Rejc","year":"2022","journal-title":"Gazz. Medica Ital. Arch. Per Le Sci. Mediche"},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"181","DOI":"10.3233\/IES-192196","article-title":"Effects of individualised training programmes based on the force-velocity imbalance on physical performance in rugby players","volume":"28","author":"Zabaloy","year":"2020","journal-title":"Isokinet. Exerc. Sci."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"139","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0000000000001907","article-title":"The Effect of Varying Plyometric Volume on Stretch-Shortening Cycle Capability in Collegiate Male Rugby Players","volume":"33","author":"Jeffreys","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"398","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e31825770ea","article-title":"Changes in selected physical, motor performance and anthropometric components of university-level rugby players after one microcycle of a combined rugby conditioning and plyometric training program","volume":"27","author":"Pienaar","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"240","DOI":"10.1123\/ijspp.2021-0565","article-title":"The Effect of Complex Training on Physical Performance in Rugby League Players","volume":"18","author":"Scott","year":"2023","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2698","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e318241382a","article-title":"Characterization of the differences in strength and power between different levels of competition in rugby union athletes","volume":"26","author":"Argus","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"881","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0000000000001129","article-title":"On-field Performances of Rugby Union Players\u2014A Review","volume":"30","author":"Ziv","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Posthumus, L., Macgregor, C., Winwood, P., Darry, K., Driller, M., and Gill, N. (2020). Physical and Fitness Characteristics of Elite Professional Rugby Union Players. Sports, 8.","DOI":"10.3390\/sports8060085"},{"key":"ref_26","first-page":"760","article-title":"Current Concepts of Plyometric Exercise","volume":"10","author":"Davies","year":"2015","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Phys. Ther."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"859","DOI":"10.2165\/11318370-000000000-00000","article-title":"Neuro-musculoskeletal and performance adaptations to lower-extremity plyometric training","volume":"40","author":"Markovic","year":"2010","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ojeda-Aravena, A., Herrera-Valenzuela, T., Vald\u00e9s-Badilla, P., B\u00e1ez-San Mart\u00edn, E., Thapa, R.K., and Ramirez-Campillo, R. (2023). A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Plyometric-Jump Training on the Physical Fitness of Combat Sport Athletes. Sports, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/sports11020033"},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"975","DOI":"10.1007\/s40279-016-0634-6","article-title":"Effect of Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump Performance in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","volume":"47","author":"Ristic","year":"2017","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"349","DOI":"10.1136\/bjsm.2007.035113","article-title":"Does plyometric training improve vertical jump height? A meta-analytical review","volume":"41","author":"Markovic","year":"2007","journal-title":"Br. J. Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1029","DOI":"10.1007\/s40279-023-01825-0","article-title":"Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on the Reactive Strength Index in Healthy Individuals Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis","volume":"53","author":"Thapa","year":"2023","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cao, S., Wang, Z., Guo, J., Geok, S.K., Sun, H., and Liu, J. (2024). The effects of plyometric training on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Physiol., 15.","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2024.1386788"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1066","DOI":"10.1177\/17479541231198211","article-title":"Analysing match-related performance indicators in Super Rugby competitions: A study of the 2017\u20132019 seasons","volume":"19","author":"Nicholls","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Sci. Coach."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1453","DOI":"10.1111\/sms.13487","article-title":"Effects of plyometric training on jumping, sprint performance, and lower body muscle strength in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analyses","volume":"29","author":"Oxfeldt","year":"2019","journal-title":"Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports"},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1195","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e3181a3928b","article-title":"An evaluation of the physiological demands of elite rugby union using Global Positioning System tracking software","volume":"23","author":"Cunniffe","year":"2009","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."}],"container-title":["Life"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-1729\/16\/5\/859\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,25]],"date-time":"2026-05-25T07:11:56Z","timestamp":1779693116000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-1729\/16\/5\/859"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,21]]},"references-count":35,"journal-issue":{"issue":"5","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5]]}},"alternative-id":["life16050859"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/life16050859","relation":{},"ISSN":["2075-1729"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2075-1729","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,21]]}}}