Comparison of Weightlifting, Traditional Resistance Training and Plyometrics on Strength, Power and Speed: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Weightlifting training (WLT) is commonly used to improve strength, power and speed in athletes. However, to date, WLT studies have either not compared training effects against those of other training methods, or been limited by small sample sizes, which are issues that can be resolved by pooling studies in a meta-analysis. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of WLT compared with traditional resistance training (TRT), plyometric training (PLYO) and/or control (CON) on strength, power and speed.

Methods: The systematic review included peer-reviewed articles that employed a WLT intervention, a comparison group (i.e. TRT, PLYO, CON), and a measure of strength, power and/or speed. Means and standard deviations of outcomes were converted to Hedges' g effect sizes using an inverse variance random-effects model to generate a weighted mean effect size (ES).

Results: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, comprising 427 participants. Data indicated that when compared with TRT, WLT resulted in greater improvements in weightlifting load lifted (4 studies, p = 0.02, g = 1.35; 95% CI 0.20-2.51) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height (9 studies, p = 0.00, g = 0.95; 95% CI 0.04-1.87). There was also a large effect in terms of linear sprint speed (4 studies, p = 0.13, g = 1.04; 95% CI - 0.03 to 2.39) and change of direction speed (CODS) (2 studies, p = 0.36, g = 1.21; 95% CI - 1.41 to 3.83); however, this was not significant. Interpretation of these findings should acknowledge the high heterogeneity across the included studies and potential risk of bias. WLT and PLYO resulted in similar improvements in speed, power and strength as demonstrated by negligible to moderate, non-significant effects in favour of WLT for improvements in linear sprint speed (4 studies, p = 0.35, g = 0.20; 95% CI - 0.23 to 0.63), CODS (3 studies, p = 0.52, g = 0.17; 95% CI - 0.35 to 0.68), CMJ (6 studies, p = 0.09, g = 0.31; 95% CI - 0.05 to 0.67), squat jump performance (5 studies, p = 0.08, g = 0.34; 95% CI - 0.04 to 0.73) and strength (4 studies, p = 0.20, g = 0.69; 95% CI - 0.37 to 1.75).

Conclusion: Overall, these findings support the notion that if the training goal is to improve strength, power and speed, supplementary weightlifting training may be advantageous for athletic development. Whilst WLT and PLYO may result in similar improvements, WLT can elicit additional benefits above that of TRT, resulting in greater improvements in weightlifting and jumping performance.

Fig. 1

Summary flowchart of literature search, screening process and outcome

Fig. 2

Forest plot for WLT group and CON group comparisons. CON control group, Mean pre–post intervention mean difference, SD pre-intervention standard deviation, WLT weightlifting training

Fig. 3

Forest plot for WLT group and TRT group comparisons. Mean pre–post intervention mean difference, SD pre-intervention standard deviation, TRT traditional resistance training, WLT weightlifting training

Fig. 4

Forest plot for WLT group and PLYO group comparisons. Mean pre–post intervention mean difference, PLYO plyometric training, SD pre-intervention standard deviation, WLT weightlifting training