Effects of Aquatic Resistance Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Strength, Jumping Performance and Dynamic Stability in Collegiate Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks aquatic resistance plyometric training (ARPT) on lower limb strength, jumping performance, dynamic stability and muscle soreness, and also to determine the persistence of training effect following 4 weeks detraining in collegiate basketball players. Fifteen Division I male basketball players from Chinese Culture University (CCU) (age: 19.8 ± 0.9 yr, height: 186.1 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 82.9 ± 5.7 kg) were randomly assigned into ARPT and C (control) groups. After the pretests, participants in both training groups performed two 60-min training sessions per week for 8 weeks. Posttest analyses were conducted after first and fourth week of detraining. Results indicated that 4 weeks detraining significantly improved the relative peak torque of knee extension with angular velocity set at 60°．S^(-1) and 180°．S^(-1), and jump height of three-step jump (TSJ) compared to pre-test in ARPT group. Furthermore, relative peak torque with angular velocity set at 180°．S^(-1) and contact time of TSJ were also significantly improved following 4-week detraining than 1 week after training. The Star Excursion Balance Test of ARPT group was significantly improved than pre-test following 1 and 4 weeks of detraining. We conclude that the aquatic resistance plyometric training significantly improved the dynamic stability of the lower limbs, and these effects appear to be sustained until 4 weeks following detraining. Although the effect of ARPT has a delay phenomenon in lower limb strength and jumping performance after 8-week training, however, following 4-week detraining, the effects are significantly better than pre-test and 1 week after training. We recommend that aquatic resistance plyometric training could be applied with tapering, which may be beneficial to maintain the s pecific physical fitness in the longer season.