Context:
Land and aquatic plyometrics have clinical relevance for exercise, sport performance, and rehabilitation, yet study is limited comparing both.
Objective:
To compare the effects of land-based and aquatic-based plyometric-training programs on performance variables, muscle soreness, and range of motion (ROM).
Setting:
Aquatic facility and biomechanics laboratory.
Subjects:
Forty subjects randomly assigned to 3 groups: land (n = 13), water (n = 13), and control (n = 14).
Main Outcome Measures:
Performance variables, muscle soreness, and ROM were measured before and after an 8-week training period. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a Bonferroni post hoc test determined significance.
Results:
ANCOVA revealed significant differences between groups with respect to plantar-flexion ROM (P < .05). Paired t test determined that the aquatic group significantly increased muscle power pretest to posttest (P < .05).
Conclusions:
Results indicate that aquatic plyometric training can be an alternative approach to enhancing performance.