Plyometric Training on Sand vs Firm Ground in Young Adults

University of Manouba57 enrolled

Overview

Summary The purpose of this interventional study is to determine whether the type of training surface used during plyometric training influences neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and muscle soreness in young active males. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does plyometric training performed on sand improve dynamic postural balance more than training performed on a firm surface? * Does plyometric training performed on sand reduce lower-limb muscle soreness compared with training performed on a firm surface? Researchers will compare a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-surface plyometric training group, and a control group to evaluate the effects of training surfaces on physical performance and recovery. Participants will: * Perform plyometric training sessions three times per week for eight weeks (experimental groups). * Complete performance tests, including vertical jumps, sprint tests, change-of-direction speed tests, and the Y-Balance Test, before and after the intervention. * Report perceived lower-limb muscle soreness following training sessions.

Detailed Description This prospective randomised controlled study investigates the effects of plyometric training performed on two different training surfaces (firm ground vs sand) on neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and lower-limb muscle soreness in young active males. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-based plyometric training group, or a control group that continues regular activities without additional training. The intervention lasts eight weeks, with three supervised training sessions per week for the experimental groups. The plyometric training program includes multidirectional exercises, such as forward bounding jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, and forward hurdle jumps, with progressive increases in training volume throughout the intervention. Neuromuscular performance is evaluated using the standing long jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, sprint tests (10 m and 20 m), and a change-of-direction speed test (T-test). Dynamic postural balance is assessed using the Y-Balance Test for both dominant and non-dominant stance legs. Lower-limb muscle soreness is recorded after each training session using a 7-point Likert scale. Pre- and post-intervention assessments are conducted to determine the effects of training surfaces on performance outcomes, balance adaptations, and perceived muscle soreness.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 19 YearsMax age: 20 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male university students aged between 19 and 20 years * Physically active and regularly participating in practical sport science activities * Free from lower-limb injuries during the previous six months * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs or lower back * Any neurological or balance disorder that could affect test performance * Participation in another structured strength or plyometric training program during the study period * Failure to complete the training intervention or testing sessions

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Squat Jump (SJ) height (cm)

Squat Jump height is measured in centimeters using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.

Time frame: Baseline and after the 8-week training intervention

Change in Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height (cm)

The countermovement jump height was measured in centimetres using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.

Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

Change in Standing Long Jump distance (cm)

Standing long jump performance is measured as horizontal jump distance in centimetres. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.