Effect of multidirectional plyometric training along with core strengthening among tennis players on dynamic balance, vertical jump performance and agility

Abstract

Dynamic balance and agility are crucial footwork in tennis, players move quickly around the court to reach the ball and maintain positioning, explosive power, and reaction time. Core strength is vital for maintaining stability and transferring power from the lower to the upper body, contributing strength and control on the court. Targeting these tennis skills through multidirectional plyometric training and core strengthening. Objectives: Determine the impact of multidirectional plyometric training and core strengthening on dynamic balance, vertical jump performance, and agility. Methods:50players were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Recreational tennis players with age 24.48 ± 3.92 years; height 166.58 ± 5.425cm, weight 68.62 ± 9.72 kg were selected. Subjects were evaluated with the Star Excursion Balance Test, Illinois Agility Test, and vertical jump tests. Intervention received 60 minutes, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Post-assessment was taken and the data was analyzed with SPSS. Result: comparing the pre-post intervention, the study's outcomes showed significant improvement in the following end measures, dynamic balance of Right leg pre-test (81.80±4.70) and Post-test (91.02±4.67), p=0.0001≤0.05, for Left leg pre-test (82.22±4.88) and Post-test (90.83±4.68), p =0.0001 ≤0.05, of vertical jump pre-test (43.44±6.01) and Post-test (53.74±7.02), p=0.0001 ≤0.05, agility pre-test (19.60±1.34) and Post-test (17.64±1.16), p = 0.0001 ≤0.05. Paired test analyses showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in dynamic balance, jump performance, and agility. Conclusion: The intervention has a positive impact on vertical jump performance, balance-related measures, and agility, as evidenced by the significant improvements in all the outcome measures.