The Role of Strength and Plyometric Training in Enhancing Straddle Jump Performance in Pre-Vocational Jazz Dancers: A Studio-based Intervention / Nichola Campbell (2025)

Dance training demands both technical artistry and athletic performance. Explosive jumps, such as the straddle jump, require lower-limb strength, power, and coordination, yet traditional dance classes may not adequately develop these physical qualities. Strength and plyometric training have been shown to improve jump performance in dancers, but evidence in pre-vocational dancers remains limited. Methods: This randomised intervention examined the effects of a nine-week strength and plyometric training program on vertical jump height, lower-limb force production, and straddle jump technique in pre-vocational jazz dancers. Nineteen dancers aged 16–18 years were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=10) or control group (n=9). The intervention group completed weekly resistance and plyometric sessions alongside regular dance training, while controls continued with their standard schedule. Outcome measures included countermovement jump height (Optojump Next), isometric force production of the hip flexors, hip abductors, and knee extensors (EasyForce dynamometer), and straddle jump kinematics (2D video analysis with Kinovea). Data were analysed with two-way mixed ANOVAs and delta percentage change scores. Results: No significant between-group differences were found. Within-subject analyses revealed significant improvements in vertical jump height (p < .001, η²ₚ = .629) and hip joint angles during straddle jumps (right leg: p = .031, η²ₚ = .259; left leg: p = .015, η²ₚ = .316). Right-leg hip flexion force improved significantly in the intervention group (p = .047, η²ₚ = .212). Delta percentage change analyses 5 indicated larger improvements in the intervention group for vertical jump height (+13.7% vs. +7.9%), right hip flexion force (+21.0% vs. +6.3%), and straddle jump hip angles (+7.0–7.5% vs. +2.2–4.8%). Conclusion: A combined strength and plyometric program can be feasibly delivered in a studio environment, enhancing explosive capacity and straddle jump execution in pre-vocational dancers. Integrating targeted conditioning into dance curricula may support performance development of explosive jumps. Key Points • A nine-week strength and plyometric intervention produced measurable improvements in vertical jump performance, right hip flexion force and straddle jump hip mechanics in adolescent dancers. • Ongoing dance training may have confounded between-group effects, suggesting longer interventions may be required for clearer outcomes. • Findings support the clinical relevance of integrating strength and plyometric training into dance education and its contribution to performance enhancement.