RESEARCH: Comparing the Benefits of Land-Based and Aquatic-Based Plyometric Training
Submitted By: Adam Kolberg
Since January, I have been working on a plyometric training research project. I have been working with 10 athletes (subjects) from the WVU Men's Club Volleyball team. The purpose of this research project is to compare the performance benefits associated with aquatic and land-based plyometrics training.
The subjects were randomly divided into groups based on training environment, either land-based or aquatic-based. The training itself is consistent for both environments. The subjects are training twice per week and training will last for a total of six weeks. Prior to and following the training phase, subjects will be tested to measure any performance benefits acquired from the training. During the testing, both isometric and dynamic muscle strength/performance will be tested. The testing measurements are based off of each subjects’ performance of an isometric mid-thigh pull and a dynamic counter-movement jump, both of which are performed on a force plate apparatus. It is anticipated that aquatic-based plyometric training will induce similar performance benefits as the land-based training, with the possibility of decreased muscle soreness.
(The video submitted is a brief example of the aquatic-based training. The subjects are performing a set of lateral jumps/bounds)