Sharmila S¹* and Senthil Selvam P² and Kiran Kumar³

¹Department of Physiotherapy, Vels Institution of Science, Technology and Advance Studies, Chennai, India
²Head of the Department, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, India
³Undergraduate Student, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, India

*Corresponding Author: Sharmila S, Department of Physiotherapy, Vels Institution of Science, Technology and Advance Studies, Chennai, India.

Received: May 10, 2023; Published: August 12, 2023

Abstract

Background of the study: Plyometric training is commonly performed on firm surfaces (eg. grass and wood), but more recent study has shown that drop jumps on sand induce less muscle damage when compared to a firm surface. However, jumping on sand causes lower reuse of elastic energy and energy loss due to feet slipping during the concentric action. This might induce different training effects compared to training on a firm surface. The lower impact on the musculoskeletal system induced by plyometric training on sand might be useful during rehabilitation programmes.

Aims and objectives of the study:v The aim of the study is to find the effectiveness of plyometric training on sand versus grass on muscle soreness and endurance among football player.

Methodology: Subjects were randomly divided into two groups, grass training group (n = 15) and sand training group (n = 15). After the baseline measurements of endurance by using RAST test, 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 muscle endurance and muscle soreness were taken after the 4-week training programme.

Result: Data when compared after plyometric training revealed significant changes between two groups (p<0.0001), however players in the sand group experienced less muscle soreness (p < 0.0001) than grass group.

Conclusion: The results of this study shows that while the plyometric training performed on sand surface reduces muscle soreness and indicates a lowered fatigue index.