@article{Held_Perrotta_Buschmann_Bredin_Warburton_2019, title={A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Lower Body Aquatic Plyometric Training: The Development of Evidence-Based Recommendations for Practitioners}, volume={12}, url={https://hfjc.library.ubc.ca/index.php/HFJC/article/view/266}, DOI={10.14288/hfjc.v12i1.266}, abstractNote={<p><em>Objectives: </em>Plyometric exercises are often prescribed for enhancing athletic performance, however, this form of training can elicit significant skeletal loading which may defer practitioners from utilizing these exercises throughout rehabilitation. <em>Purpose</em>: 1) complete a systematic review to critically examine the efficacy of plyometric training performed in water when compared to land for eliciting changes in musculoskeletal markers of performance, and 2) to provide evidence-based recommendations for practitioners on how best to utilize this form of training in rehabilitation and return-to-play. <em>Methods</em><strong>:</strong> A systematic review was undertaken with relevant studies identified that compared changes in performance markers (e.g., strength, sprinting, and jumping) between the same aquatic- and land-based plyometric program were eligible for inclusion. Data was extracted using a standardized extraction form as confirmed by three reviewers. Data extraction included population characteristics, program design, and pre- and post- adaptations in strength, speed, and vertical jump. <em>Results:</em> Eight studies were included comparing performance outcomes following aquatic- and land-based plyometric training. The results of this review suggest that aquatic plyometric training is as effective as land-based plyometric training at improving lower body strength, sprint, and vertical jump performance. <em>Conclusions:</em> The utilization of aquatic plyometric training can be an important piece of the rehabilitation and return-to-play process in order to improve lower body strength, speed, and power while reducing the physical stress of land-based plyometric training.</p>}, number={1}, journal={The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada}, author={Held, Nicholas James and Perrotta, Andrew S and Buschmann, Lauren K and Bredin, Shannon S.D. and Warburton, Darren E.R.}, year={2019}, month={Feb.}, pages={17–33} }