What is an adaptation from plyometric exercise?

Plyometric exercises are designed to enhance an athlete's power and explosiveness through rapid, high-intensity movements that involve a stretch-shortening cycle. This type of training primarily leads to increased muscle size, often referred to as "hypertrophy," as the fast-twitch muscle fibers are stimulated and adapt to handle the high demands placed upon them. Additionally, the explosive nature of plyometric movements encourages neuromuscular adaptations, which may further contribute to muscle growth.

Increased muscle endurance tends to be a result of more prolonged, lower-intensity training rather than the brief, intense nature of plyometrics. Flexibility, while important for overall athletic performance, is not a direct adaptation from plyometric training, as plyometrics focus more on power and speed than on range of motion. Decreased power output would not be an adaptation from plyometric training; instead, the goal is to enhance overall power through the adaptation of muscle fibers and neuromuscular connections. Thus, the correct adaptation from plyometric exercises is an increase in muscle size.