Effects of unilateral versus bilateral plyometric training on bilateral deficit in jump performance among male beach soccer players

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on bilateral deficit (BLD) in jump performance among male beach soccer players.METHODS: Twenty-four male beach soccer players were randomly assigned to either a unilateral (UPG; N.=12) or bilateral (BPG; N.=12) plyometric training group. They were trained twice a week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-tests assessed BLD and Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) for peak power, peak force, velocity, and jump height using force plate-based countermovement jump protocols. BLD was calculated using standard bilateral index formulas, while LSI was derived from the dominant and nondominant limb performance.RESULTS: No significant changes in BLD were observed for peak power, force, velocity, or jump height in either group after 6 weeks of training (P>0.05). A significant improvement was found only in the BPG for LSI of peak power (P=0.04), while all other LSI measures remained unchanged. Between-group comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in LSI for any variable (peak power, force, velocity, or jump height; P>0.05). However, BLD for jump height was significantly difference in the BPG compared to the UPG postintervention (P<0.05), indicating superior interlimb coordination.CONCLUSIONS: Although 6 weeks of plyometric training did not significantly reduce BLD overall, bilateral plyometric training was more effective than unilateral training in improving LSI for peak power and BLD for jump height. These findings suggest that bilateral plyometric exercises may be beneficial for enhancing interlimb coordination in explosive tasks.