NCT07081854

Aquatic Versus Land-Based Plyometric Exercises on Vertical Jump Performance and Landing Mechanics

Effect of Aquatic Versus Land-Based Plyometric Exercises on Vertical Jump Performance and Landing Mechanics in Basketball Players

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will will be conducted to investigate the effect of aquatic versus land-based plyometric training on vertical jump performance, landing mechanics, quadriceps and hamstring muscles isometric strength in Basketball Players?

Detailed description

Plyometric training, a type of exercise that involves explosive movements designed to enhance muscular power, has become a cornerstone in athletic conditioning. It is particularly effective for improving lower-body power and vertical jump performance, which are critical for sports such as basketball, volleyball, and track events. By utilizing the stretch-shortening cycle of muscles, plyometric exercises help athletes generate rapid force, thus enhancing their overall athletic performance. Vertical jump performance is a widely recognized indicator of an athlete's explosive power, agility, and lower-limb strength. In many sports, improving vertical jump height is prioritized as a key performance metric, as it reflects an athlete's ability to perform dynamic movements. Enhancements in jump height not only contribute to improved vertical leaps but also translate into better sprinting ability and more agile movements on the field. While land-based plyometric training is well-established as an effective method for improving athletic performance, aquatic plyometric training has gained attention due to its low-impact nature. Although studies have compared these two modalities, there remains a lack of consensus regarding their relative effectiveness, necessitating further exploration Investigating how these different training methods influence athletic outcomes will help clarify their respective advantages and inform training practices. In contrast, aquatic plyometric training offers a lower-impact alternative by utilizing the buoyant properties of water. This training modality reduces the stress on joints and soft tissues while still enhancing jump performance. As a result, aquatic plyometric training is especially suitable for injury-prone athletes or those recovering from previous injuries, as the water's resistance can help improve strength without risking further harm. While aquatic plyometric training may lead to smaller gains in vertical jump height compared to land-based training, it provides a safer environment for skill development. Studies have highlighted that aquatic training is especially beneficial for athletes who need joint protection, such as those involved in water sports. Its controlled environment helps mitigate the impact associated with high-intensity training, allowing athletes to maximize their performance without increasing injury risk. Proper landing mechanics are crucial to minimizing the risk of lower-extremity injuries during plyometric exercises. Faulty landing techniques, such as excessive knee valgus, are strongly linked to injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. It is essential for training programs to incorporate biomechanical assessments to ensure that athletes execute movements safely, reducing the likelihood of injury. Despite the valuable insights provided by recent research, further studies are needed to explore the effects of aquatic and land-based plyometric training across diverse athletic populations. Such research could inform the development of optimal training protocols that maximize performance and minimize injury risk.

Conditions

• Healthy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Land-Based Plyometric Training	Participants will perform traditional plyometric exercises on land aimed at improving lower-body power and neuromuscular performance. Exercises: 1. Box Jumps: Jumping onto a box of progressively higher levels to build explosive strength. 2. Depth Jumps: Stepping off a box and immediately jumping vertically upon landing. 3. Jump Squats: Explosive vertical jumps starting from a squat position. 4. Lateral Bounding: Jumping side-to-side to enhance lateral agility. 5. Broad Jumps: Maximal horizontal jumps for distance. 6. Tuck Jumps: Jumping while bringing knees to the chest in mid-air.
OTHER	Aquatic Plyometric Training	Participants will perform plyometric exercises in a shallow pool, with the water depth fixed at the xiphoid process level (chest height). Greater peak mechanical power was observed for jumps performed in the water and was influenced by immersion depth. Exercises: 1. Box Jumps: Jumping onto a box of progressively higher levels to build explosive strength. 2. Depth Jumps: Stepping off a box and immediately jumping vertically upon landing. 3. Jump Squats: Explosive vertical jumps starting from a squat position. 4. Lateral Bounding: Jumping side-to-side to enhance lateral agility. 5. Broad Jumps: Maximal horizontal jumps for distance. 6. Tuck Jumps: Jumping while bringing knees to the chest in mid-air. Key Points: * Encouraged to perform movements explosively while applying maximal effort. * Proper execution is emphasized to maintain biomechanical integrity even in the water environment. * Water temperature: 25-28 °
OTHER	General conditioning exercises	Participants will follow a general conditioning routine that does not include plyometric exercises. Exercises: 1. Bodyweight squats. 2. Lunges. 3. Core stability exercises (e.g., planks, bridges). 4. General cardio activities such as light jogging or cycling.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-30
• Primary completion: 2026-05-10
• Completion: 2026-07-15
• First posted: 2025-07-23
• Last updated: 2025-07-23