Abstract
Since higher vertical stiffness is related to superior athletic performance, training has traditionally been aimed at augmenting this variable to enhance neuromuscular output. However, research has linked elevated stiffness with increased injury risk, therefore, this study examined the effect of a novel training intervention on vertical stiffness and athletic performance. Vertical stiffness, jump performance and athletic performance were assessed in two randomly allocated groups, prior to, and following, an eight-week period. One group was exposed to a training intervention involving aqua-based plyometrics (n = 11) over the 8 weeks while the other acted as a control group (n = 9). The training intervention involved hopping, jumping and bounding in water at a depth of 1.2m whilst control participants performed their normal training. There were no significant changes in vertical stiffness in either group. Countermovement jump height and peak power significantly increased within the aqua plyometric group (p < 0.05). Athletic performance markers improved in the aqua plyometric group as measured using an agility and a 5-bound test exhibiting superior values at the post-test (p < 0.05). The results suggest that an aqua plyometric training program can enhance athletic performance without elevating stiffness. The increase in athletic performance is likely due to a reduction in ground reaction forces created by the buoyancy of the water, causing a shorter amortization phase and a more rapid application of concentric force. The findings from this study can inform exercise professionals and medical staff regarding the ability to enhance neuromuscular performance without elevating vertical stiffness. This has implications for improving athletic performance while concurrently minimising injury risk.
Highlights
Success for individual and team sport athletes is determined by many characteristics, with one important aspect being the stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit
A small effect was demonstrated in each group with a 4.5% decrease in Kvert MEAN (d = 0.19) recorded at the post-test for the APG contrast with a 5% increase in the control group (CG) (d = 0.24)
This study examined the effectiveness of plyometric training in an aquatic environment with the aim of improving athletic performance while concurrently monitoring stiffness
Summary
Success for individual and team sport athletes is determined by many characteristics, with one important aspect being the stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit. Literary findings have revealed that isometric training can increase muscle-tendon stiffness in healthy males [1, 2], while eccentric and isotonic strength training can enhance tendon-aponeurosis stiffness [3, 4]. Reduced stiffness may have implications for soft tissue injury due to excessive joint motion, while higher values of stiffness may be associated with greater risk of bone injury due to increased peak forces [7]. This suggests that there may be an optimal range for stiffness that is advantageous for improved athletic performance whilst minimising the risk of injury [7]
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