EFFECT OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON PHYSICAL FITNESS OF HOCKEY PLAYERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effects of a four-week structured plyometric training program on physical fitness and quality of life among national-level Pakistani hockey players.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 100 national-level hockey players (50 males and 50 females) aged 18–30 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving plyometric training in addition to regular hockey practice or a control group receiving routine training only. The intervention was conducted three times weekly for four weeks and included progressive lower- and upper-body plyometric exercises. Physical fitness was assessed before and after the intervention using validated tests of coordination, power, flexibility, endurance, agility, and speed. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in coordination, power, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, agility, and speed compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in physical functioning, vitality, and general health perceptions (p < 0.01). Gender-based analyses showed comparable responses, although males demonstrated greater gains in power, while females showed greater improvements in flexibility. No injuries or adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: A four-week structured plyometric training program significantly improves physical fitness and selected quality-of-life domains among national-level Pakistani hockey players. Plyometric training may therefore be incorporated into hockey conditioning programs to enhance athletic performance and player well-being.