The effect of plyometric training in water with and without blood flow restriction on physical fitness in active young girls

The effect of plyometric training on physical function is well known and the effect of exercise training with blood flow restriction has also been studied. However, the effect of aquatic plyometric with blood flow restriction has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic plyometric training with and without blood flow restriction on physical fitness in young active women.

The study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post test. Thirty young women aged 18 to 30 years were randomly allocated to three groups: aquatic plyometric training with blood flow restriction (n = 10), aquatic plyometric training without blood flow restriction (n = 10) and control (n = 10). The protocol included six weeks of plyometric training (three days a week). The intensity of training (number of sets and repetitions) was considered less in the group with blood flow restriction than the other group. Restriction of blood flow was applied by tightening the elastic band of the upper thigh. Physical function tests were taken before and after the training program. Data were analyzed by using repeated measures of ANOVA with between subject factor. The significant level was set at P≤0.05.

Significant improvements were found in fat percentage, anaerobic power, lower body power, speed and maximum strength following aquatic plyometric training with blood flow restriction (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in other variables of physical function including weight, body mass index, agility and upper body power (P>0.05).

According to the results of this study, aquatic plyometric training with blood flow restriction could be effective in improving fat percentage, anaerobic power, lower body power, speed and maximum strength of young active women.