Effects of six-week land-based and aquatic-based plyometric training programe on power, agility, dynamic balance and muscle soreness of basketball players

Introduction: Plyometric exercises have been shown to increase strength and explosiveness in athletes
participating. Aquatic exercises have been noted to have beneficial effects; however there has been little
research conducted comparing plyometrics in a land-based and an aquatic-based setting. Method: Thirty three
basketball players, (age, 19.39±0.99; weight, 82.36±9.4; BMI, 22.16±2.17) based on their vertical jump and
training history were randomly divided into aquatic plyometric, land based plyometric, and control group. The
six-week protocol for the experimental groups was conducted following aspecific program twice a week. three
3x3 factorial designs for vertical jump, dynamic balance and the illinois tests with two experimental groups and
a control group, and two 2x4 factorial design for the DOMS test with two experimental groups. Results
suggested that the aquatic- and land-based groups significantly (P<0.05) outperformed the control group in the
vertical jump. There were no significant diffrences among dynamic balance and agility performance for three
group (P>0.5). For delay onset muscle soreness, there was a significant diffrence for the land by aquatic groups
in the first and end week (P<0.05). Conclusion: in conclusion, aquatic-based and land-based plyometric
training has been shown similar effects on performance. Also aquatic therapy may help to decrease muscular
soreness while performing exercises. However, more research needs to be conducted to determine the affects of
plyometric training in the aquatic setting.