Comparison of Rubberised Floor Vs Aquatic based Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness Variables of Collegiate Players

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 6-week plyometric training on two different surfaces, aquatic and rubberised floor on selected physical fitness variables namely; agility, cardiovascular endurance, explosive power, speed and muscle soreness in collegiate level players. These physical fitness variables are essential for athletes which can be enhanced by plyometric training. The plyometric training are exercises that are designed to enhance neuromuscular performance. Due to the powerful eccentric forces during the decelerating/landing phases, and rapid transition to the concentric propulsive phase, plyometric training can also constitute an effective training stimulus to reduce lower-extremity injuries in team sports. The plyometric exercises can be performed on different surfaces and each surface may prove different training stimulus as resistance of each surface is different. Methodology: This comparative and experimental study included sample of 40 male collegiate players aged 18 to 25 years, which were randomly divided into two groups- aquatic training group (n=20) and rubberised floor training group (n=20). After the baseline measurements of variables plyometric training was given for 6-weeks, three sessions per week for both the groups. Results: Data when compared after plyometric training revealed there was significant changes in performance of the players in both the groups (p≤0.05). Moreover, on comparing both the groups, aquatic group as well as rubberised floor showed more improvement in agility, CV and speed. While there were no significant changes seen in explosive power. The study also revealed that athletes showed less muscle soreness as compared to rubberised surface. Conclusion: This study concluded that both the surfaces are able to enhance the performance of athlete. While comparing the groups aquatic surface plyometric training was found more effective than rubberised floor surface training in context with muscle soreness. Key words: Plyometric Training, aquatic surface, rubberised floor surface, muscle soreness.