@article{ref1,
title="Metastability in plyometric training on unstable surfaces: a pilot study",
journal="BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation",
year="2014",
author="Kibele, Armin and Classen, Claudia and Muehlbauer, Thomas and Granacher, Urs and Behm, David G.",
volume="6",
number="",
pages="30-30",
abstract="BACKGROUND: In the past, plyometric training (PT) has been predominantly performed on stable surfaces. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine effects of a 7-week lower body PT on stable vs. unstable surfaces. This type of exercise condition may be denoted as metastable equilibrium. <br><br>METHODS: Thirty-three physically active male sport science students (age: 24.1 ± 3.8 years) were randomly assigned to a PT group (n = 13) exercising on stable (STAB) and a PT group (n = 20) on unstable surfaces (INST). Both groups trained countermovement jumps, drop jumps, and practiced a hurdle jump course. In addition, high bar squats were performed. Physical fitness tests on stable surfaces (hexagonal obstacle test, countermovement jump, hurdle drop jump, left-right hop, dynamic and static balance tests, and leg extension strength) were used to examine the training effects. <br><br>RESULTS: Significant main effects of time (ANOVA) were found for the countermovement jump, hurdle drop jump, hexagonal test, dynamic balance, and leg extension strength. A significant interaction of time and training mode was detected for the countermovement jump in favor of the INST group. No significant improvements were evident for either group in the left-right hop and in the static balance test. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results show that lower body PT on unstable surfaces is a safe and efficient way to improve physical performance on stable surfaces.<p/> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2052-1847",
doi="10.1186/2052-1847-6-30",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/2052-1847-6-30"
}