Effect of plyometric training on sand versus grass on muscle soreness and selected sport-specific performance variables in hockey players

Abstract

Amrinder, S., Sakshi, G., & Singh, S.J. (2014). Effect of plyometric training on sand versus grass on muscle soreness and selected sport-specific performance variables in hockey players. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 9(1), pp.59-67.The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 4-week plyometric training on two different surfaces, sand and grass on muscle soreness and selected sport-specific performance variables in national level hockey players. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups-grass training group (N=20) and sand training group (N=20). After the baseline measurements of strength, endurance, balance, and agility, plyometric training was given for 4-weeks,three sessions per week. Muscle soreness was assessed at the end of each training session on a 7-point likert scale.Post-readings of strength, endurance, balance and agility were taken after the 4-week training programme. Data when compared after plyometric training revealed no significant changes between two groups (p>0.05), however players in the sand group experienced less muscle soreness (p<0.05) than grass group. There was significant improvement (p<0.05) seen in the tested variables in both groups after the training but no significant interaction was found between the two surfaces after the training. These findings suggest that short-term plyometric training on sand/non-rigid surface induces similar improvements in strength, endurance, balance and agility as on firm surface but induces significantly less muscle soreness. Hence, plyometric training on sand is viable option for coaches to enhance performance in athletes,while reducing risk of muscle soreness and damage.

Transient effects of jumping lunge on sand on balance ability in healthy adults: a preliminary study

“…It has been reported that plyometric exercises play a significant role in improving balance ability [5,6]. However, most of previous studies were focused the long-term effects, thereby the short-term effects or immediate effects following plyometric intervention was uncertain until the present [7].…”

“…Among those interventions, plyometric exercises have been commonly used for athletes to improve their balance, which is important for making good results on the field [4,5]. Also, performing exercises on different surfaces is a common method used to improve balance [6].…”

“…However, most of studies used tools such as Togu only, and other studies used various surfaces, such as firm surfaces, grass, and artificial grass, and were compared to each other only [8,9]. Sand, which is one of the most common surfaces among unstable surfaces, is known to be a useful surface for deriving many good results after exercise on persons with articular problems, ordinary people, and elite athletes due to its characteristics, such as small particles and its ability to spreading onto the surface [5].…”

“…There are a few studies about the effect of performing plyometric exercises on a sand surface, but since the studies selected elite athletes, such as beach soccer players as subjects, it is difficult to apply the results on ordinary people or patients [5,10]. Previous studies mostly included athletes as subjects and did not focus on balance ability on sand surface, although its characteristics are useful for ordinary people and patients since the surface derives less fatigue on the musculoskeletal system [5,6,[8][9][10]. It is important to prove that balance ability can be improved by exercising on a sand surface, which is easily accessible, in order to develop a good balance program for the general population and patients.…”

Comparing the Effects of Plyometric Training with and without Vessel Occlusion on Electromyographic Parameters

“…Plyometric training is based on a collection of mechanical and physiological capabilities of the muscle [1]. This kind of training is applied in several stages of preparation (prior A to and during the season) in most athletic fields, attracting athletes' attention over the past decade [2].…”