Effects of Aquatic and Land Plyometrics on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

Authors

Alissa Rhode, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow
David C. Berry, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.10.03.03

Disciplines

Health and Physical Education | Other Kinesiology | Rehabilitation and Therapy | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review literature to determine whether aquatic plyometric training (APT) increases athletic performance compared to land-based plyometric training (LPT). We identified 6 articles from PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and single-citation matching from January, 1995 through January, 2017 using search words “aquatic plyometric training OR aquatic plyometric OR aquatic plyometrics.” After screening (title, abstract), 6 articles were reviewed for inclusion criteria: (1) full-report/abstract, (2) peer-reviewed RCTs/clinical trials, (3) English language, (4) focused on healthy individuals (free of current, lower-extremity, musculoskeletal injuries) ages 16-30 years, and (6) included strength, power, and/or vertical jump [VJ] dependent variables. Six (of 6) studies met inclusion criteria (LOE, 1b = 6; PEDro score = 6.3±0.3). Reported pooled sample size was 182, mean age 22.46±3.67 (range 17-27). Studies found significant (p>.05) performance increases in the LPT and APT groups, with no significant (p>.05) differences in the amount of performance increase between experimental groups. Results demonstrated both LPT and APT can improve measures of athletic performance; however, neither appears to produce significantly better performance than the other.

Recommended Citation

Rhode, Alissa and Berry, David C. (2017) "Effects of Aquatic and Land Plyometrics on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 10: No. 3, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.10.03.03
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol10/iss3/3