Effects of Aquatic Resistance Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Strength, Jumping Performance and Dynamic Stability in Collegiate Basketball Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks aquatic resistance plyometric training (ARPT) on lower limb strength, jumping performance, dynamic stability and muscle soreness, and also to determine the persistence of training effect following 4 weeks detraining in collegiate basketball players. Fifteen Division I male basketball players from Chinese Culture University (CCU) (age: 19.8 ± 0.9 yr, height: 186.1 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 82.9 ± 5.7 kg) were randomly assigned into ARPT and C (control) groups. After the pretests, participants in both training groups performed two 60-min training sessions per week for 8 weeks. Posttest analyses were conducted after first and fourth week of detraining. Results indicated that 4 weeks detraining significantly improved the relative peak torque of knee extension with angular velocity set at 60°．S^(-1) and 180°．S^(-1), and jump height of three-step jump (TSJ) compared to pre-test in ARPT group. Furthermore, relative peak torque with angular velocity set at 180°．S^(-1) and contact time of TSJ were also significantly improved following 4-week detraining than 1 week after training. The Star Excursion Balance Test of ARPT group was significantly improved than pre-test following 1 and 4 weeks of detraining. We conclude that the aquatic resistance plyometric training significantly improved the dynamic stability of the lower limbs, and these effects appear to be sustained until 4 weeks following detraining. Although the effect of ARPT has a delay phenomenon in lower limb strength and jumping performance after 8-week training, however, following 4-week detraining, the effects are significantly better than pre-test and 1 week after training. We recommend that aquatic resistance plyometric training could be applied with tapering, which may be beneficial to maintain the s pecific physical fitness in the longer season.