Chest- and Waist-Deep Aquatic Plyometric Training and Average Force, Power, and Vertical-Jump Performance

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare effects of chest- and waist-deepwater aquatic plyometrics on average force, power, and vertical jump. Methods: Twenty-nine male and female participants were assigned to either a control group or 1 of 2 aquatic groups (waist deep and chest deep) and participated in a 6-wk, twice-per-wk plyometric-training program. Average force and power were measured on a force plate using 3 jumps: squat, countermovement, and drop jump. Vertical-jump heights were also recorded. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine significant differences between testing and groups on average force, power, and vertical jump. Results: No significant differences were found with average force and power with the squat, countermovement, and vertical jumps. There were significant changes in drop-jump average in the control group from the pretest to posttest. Conclusions: With the water depths chosen and held constant, there appears to be no increased benefit in performance variables.