Research Article
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The Effect of Unilateral Plyometric Training on Dynamic Balance and Knee Proprioception in Elementary School Students

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 1 , 114 - 122 , 30.03.2026
https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1859386
https://izlik.org/JA82LW94MY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether unilateral plyometric training has an effect on dynamic balance ability and knee proprioception, and if so, to what degree. Sixteen female volleyball players aged 12-14 participated in the study. These 16 athletes, randomly selected from elementary school students, were divided into two groups: 8 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week unilateral plyometric training program. The control group continued their volleyball training. Pre-test and post-test measurements were taken before and after the study. Measurements included the Y balance test for dynamic balance and knee joint extension measurements at 30°, 45°, and 60° using a digital goniometer for knee prop-rioception. The groups were found to be normally distributed. The Independent Samples T-test was applied for two variables, and the One-Way ANOVA test was applied for more than two variables. There was a statistically significant difference in the Y Balance test values in the study group (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the knee proprioception 45° test values (p<0.05). The final test results for knee proprioception 45° were significantly higher. There is no statistically significant difference between the pre/post-test levels of the other variables (p>0.05). In light of the findings obtained in the study, it was concluded that the unilateral plyometric training protocol is effective on dynamic balance and knee proprioception, as the dynamic balance and knee propri-oception measurement results detected in the pre-tests showed improvement in the post-tests.

References

  • Alikhani, R., Shahrjerdi, S., Golpaigany, M., & Kazemi, M. (2020). The effect of a six-week plyometric training on dynamic balance and knee proprioception in female badminton players. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 63(3), 144.
  • Aslan, M. (2019). Farklı yaş gruplarında propriosepsiyonun denge üzerine etkisi [Yayımlanmamış Yüksek Lisans Tezi]. Trakya Üniversitesi.
  • Atıcı, M., & Bayrakdar, A. (2025). Effects of plyometric and agility-based training on physical performance in adolescent male volleyball players: a controlled experimental study. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 29(4), 297–307. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0407
  • Bandara, H. K. L. R., & Thotawaththa, P. C. (2025). Effect of unilateral strength training on maximum strength and jumping performance in intermediate triple jumpers at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 55, 76–81.
  • Bettariga, F., Maestroni, L., Martorelli, L., Jarvis, P., Turner, A., & Bishop, C. (2023). The effects of a unilateral strength and power training intervention on inter-limb asymmetry and physical performance in male amateur soccer players. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 5(4), 328–339.
  • Bogdanis, G. C., Tsoukos, A., Kaloheri, O., Terzis, G., Veligekas, P., & Brown, L. E. (2019). Comparison between unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on single- and double-leg jumping performance and strength. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(3), 633–640.https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001962
  • Bolton, D. A., Buick, A. R., Carroll, T. J., & Carson, R. G. (2019). Interlimb transfer and generalisation of learning in the context of persistent failure to accomplish a visuomotor task. Experimental Brain Research, 237(4), 1077–1092.
  • Boyle, M. (2017). Functional training for sports (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.
  • Cao, J., Xun, S., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Effects of unilateral, bilateral and combined plyometric jump training on asymmetry of muscular strength and power, and change-of-direction in youth male basketball players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 23(4), 754–766. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.754
  • Dello Iacono, A., McLaren, S. J., Macpherson, T. W., Beato, M., Weston, M., Unnithan, V. B., & Shushan, T. (2023). Quantifying exposure and intra-individual reliability of high-speed and sprint running during sided-games training in soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(2), 371–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01773-1
  • Drozd, M., Kędra, N., Motowidło, J., Ficek, K., Bichowska-Pawęska, M., & Zajac, A. (2024). A comparison of a step load unilateral and bilateral resistance training program on the strength and power of the lower limbs in soccer players. Applied Sciences, 14(5), 1732. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051732
  • Duan, T., He, Z., Dai, J., Xie, L., Shi, Y., Chen, L., & Zhang, W. (2024). Effects of unilateral and bilateral contrast training on lower extremity sports abilities of college basketball players. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1452751. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1452751
  • Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A., Bishop, C., Buscà, B., Aguilera-Castells, J., Vicens-Bordas, J., & Gonzalo-Skok, O. (2020). Interlimb asymmetries are associated with declines in physical performance in young elite team athletes. PLOS ONE, 15(3), e0229440. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229440
  • Fox, K. T., Pearson, L. T., & Hicks, K. M. (2023). The impact of lower extremity asymmetries on athletic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 18(6), e0286942. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286942
  • Gabbett, T. J. (2016). The training–injury prevention paradox: Should athletes be training smarter and harder? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 273–280.
  • Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., & Plisky, P. (2012). Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to assess dynamic postural-control deficits and outcomes in lower extremity injury: A literature and systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(3), 339–357. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.3.08
  • Gustavsson, A., Neeter, C., Thomeé, P., Grävare Silbernagel, K., Augustsson, J., Thomeé, R., & Karlsson, J. (2006). A test battery for evaluating hop performance in patients with an ACL injury and patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 14(8), 778–788. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0045-6
  • Hale, S. A., Fergus, A., Axmacher, R., & Kiser, K. (2014). Bilateral improvements in lower extremity function after unilateral balance training in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 49(2), 181–191.
  • Helme, M., Tee, J., Emmonds, S., & Low, C. (2021). Does lower extremity asymmetry increase the risk of sports injuries? A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 49, 204–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.03.001
  • Hendy, A. M., & Lamon, S. (2017). The cross-education phenomenon: Brain and beyond. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 297. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00297
  • Krzysztofik, M., Wilk, M., Pisz, A., Kolinger, D., Tsoukos, A., Aschenbrenner, P., Dello Iacono, A., & Bogdanis, G. C. (2022). Effects of unilateral conditioning activity on acute performance enhancement: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(4), 625-637. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2022.625
  • Lohman, T. G., Roche, A. F., & Martorell, R. (Eds.). (1988). Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Human Kinetics Books.
  • Madruga-Parera, M., Bishop, C., Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A., Beltran-Valls, M. R., Skok, O. G., & Romero-Rodríguez, D. (2020). Interlimb asymmetries in youth tennis players: Relationships with performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(10), 2815-2823. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003152
  • Maloney, S. J. (2019). The relationship between asymmetry and athletic performance: A critical review. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(9), 2579–2593.
  • Moran, J., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Liew, B., Gillen, J. B., Seneres-Anaya, A., Sanchez-Sixto, A., & Beato, M. (2021). Effects of bilateral and unilateral resistance training on horizontally-orientated movement performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(2), 225-242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01367-y
  • Pardos-Mainer, E., Casajús, J. A., Bishop, C., & Gonzalo-Skok, O. (2020). Effects of combined strength and power training on physical performance and interlimb asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(8), 1147–1155. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0265
  • Pleša, J., Kozinc, Ž., Smajla, D., & Šarabon, N. (2022). The association between reactive strength index and reactive strength index modified with approach jump performance. PLOS ONE, 17(2), e0264144. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264144
  • Plisky, P. J., Gorman, P. P., Butler, R. J., Kiesel, K. B., Underwood, F. B., & Elkins, B. (2009). The reliability of an instrumented device for measuring components of the Star Excursion Balance Test. North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 4(2), 92–99.
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Thapa, R. K., Afonso, J., Perez-Castilla, A., Bishop, C., Byrne, P. J., & Granacher, U. (2023). Effects of plyometric jump training on the reactive strength index in healthy individuals across the lifespan: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(5), 1029–1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01825-0
  • Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Sanchez, M., Pérez, L., & Ramirez-Campillo, R. (2024). Impact of bilateral and unilateral exercises on acute enhancement of horizontal jump performance in professional soccer players. MhSalud, 21(1), 122–141.
  • Stojiljkovic, A., Karagianni, E., Antoniou, V., & Pepera, G. (2025). Relationship between physical fitness attributes and dynamic knee valgus in adolescent basketball athletes. Applied Sciences, 15(9), 4881. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094881
  • Sun, W., Li, H., Qu, L., Zhou, Y., Cao, X., Wang, K., & Li, K. (2025). Unilateral plyometric training effectively reduces lower limb asymmetry in athletes: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1551523. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1551523
  • Zhang, W., Chen, X., Xu, K., Xie, H., Chen, J., Zhu, Z., & Sun, J. (2024). The potential of a targeted unilateral compound training program to reduce lower limb strength asymmetry and increase performance: A proof-of-concept in basketball. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1361719. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1361719
  • Zhao, Y., Sun, M., Wang, X., & Xu, Q. (2024). Unilateral plyometric jump training shows significantly more effective than bilateral training in improving both time to stabilization and peak landing force in single-leg land and hold test: A randomized multi-arm study conducted among young male basketball players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 23(3), 647. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.647

İlköğretim Çağındaki Öğrenciler Üzerinde Yapılan Unılateral Pliometrik Antrenmanın Dinamik Denge ve Diz Propriosepsionu Üzerine Etkisi

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 1 , 114 - 122 , 30.03.2026
https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1859386
https://izlik.org/JA82LW94MY

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın amacı, tek taraflı pliometrik antrenmanın dinamik denge yeteneği ve diz propriyosepsiyonu üzerinde bir etkisi olup olmadığını ve varsa, bu etkinin ne derece olduğunu araştırmaktır. Çalışmaya 12-14 yaşları arasında 16 kadın voleybolcu katılmıştır. İlkokul öğrencilerinden rastgele seçilen bu 16 sporcu, 8'i deney grubu ve 8'i kontrol grubu olmak üzere iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Deney grubu 8 haftalık tek taraflı pliometrik antrenman programına tabi tutuldu. Kontrol grubu voleybol antrenmanlarına devam etti. Çalışma öncesinde ve sonrasında ön test ve son test ölçümleri yapıldı. Ölçümler arasında dinamik denge için Y denge testi ve diz propriyosepsiyonu için dijital gonyometre kullanılarak 30°, 45° ve 60°'de diz eklemi ekstansiyon ölçümleri yer aldı. Grupların normal dağılım gösterdiği tespit edildi. İki değişken için Bağımsız Örneklemler T-testi, ikiden fazla değişken için Tek Yönlü ANOVA testi uygulanmıştır. Çalışma grubunda Y Denge testi değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark vardı (p<0,05). Diz propriyosepsiyonu 45° test değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark vardı (p<0,05). Diz propriyosepsiyonu 45° için son test sonuçları anlamlı olarak daha yüksekti. Diğer değişkenlerin test öncesi/sonrası düzeyleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark yoktur (p>0,05). Çalışmada elde edilen bulgular ışığında, tek taraflı plyometrik antrenman protokolünün dinamik denge ve diz propriyosepsiyonu üzerinde etkili olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır, zira test öncesi ölçümlerde tespit edilen dinamik denge ve diz propriyosepsiyonu ölçüm sonuçları test sonrası ölçümlerde iyileşme göstermiştir.

References

  • Alikhani, R., Shahrjerdi, S., Golpaigany, M., & Kazemi, M. (2020). The effect of a six-week plyometric training on dynamic balance and knee proprioception in female badminton players. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 63(3), 144.
  • Aslan, M. (2019). Farklı yaş gruplarında propriosepsiyonun denge üzerine etkisi [Yayımlanmamış Yüksek Lisans Tezi]. Trakya Üniversitesi.
  • Atıcı, M., & Bayrakdar, A. (2025). Effects of plyometric and agility-based training on physical performance in adolescent male volleyball players: a controlled experimental study. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 29(4), 297–307. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0407
  • Bandara, H. K. L. R., & Thotawaththa, P. C. (2025). Effect of unilateral strength training on maximum strength and jumping performance in intermediate triple jumpers at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 55, 76–81.
  • Bettariga, F., Maestroni, L., Martorelli, L., Jarvis, P., Turner, A., & Bishop, C. (2023). The effects of a unilateral strength and power training intervention on inter-limb asymmetry and physical performance in male amateur soccer players. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 5(4), 328–339.
  • Bogdanis, G. C., Tsoukos, A., Kaloheri, O., Terzis, G., Veligekas, P., & Brown, L. E. (2019). Comparison between unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on single- and double-leg jumping performance and strength. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(3), 633–640.https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001962
  • Bolton, D. A., Buick, A. R., Carroll, T. J., & Carson, R. G. (2019). Interlimb transfer and generalisation of learning in the context of persistent failure to accomplish a visuomotor task. Experimental Brain Research, 237(4), 1077–1092.
  • Boyle, M. (2017). Functional training for sports (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.
  • Cao, J., Xun, S., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Effects of unilateral, bilateral and combined plyometric jump training on asymmetry of muscular strength and power, and change-of-direction in youth male basketball players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 23(4), 754–766. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.754
  • Dello Iacono, A., McLaren, S. J., Macpherson, T. W., Beato, M., Weston, M., Unnithan, V. B., & Shushan, T. (2023). Quantifying exposure and intra-individual reliability of high-speed and sprint running during sided-games training in soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(2), 371–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01773-1
  • Drozd, M., Kędra, N., Motowidło, J., Ficek, K., Bichowska-Pawęska, M., & Zajac, A. (2024). A comparison of a step load unilateral and bilateral resistance training program on the strength and power of the lower limbs in soccer players. Applied Sciences, 14(5), 1732. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051732
  • Duan, T., He, Z., Dai, J., Xie, L., Shi, Y., Chen, L., & Zhang, W. (2024). Effects of unilateral and bilateral contrast training on lower extremity sports abilities of college basketball players. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1452751. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1452751
  • Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A., Bishop, C., Buscà, B., Aguilera-Castells, J., Vicens-Bordas, J., & Gonzalo-Skok, O. (2020). Interlimb asymmetries are associated with declines in physical performance in young elite team athletes. PLOS ONE, 15(3), e0229440. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229440
  • Fox, K. T., Pearson, L. T., & Hicks, K. M. (2023). The impact of lower extremity asymmetries on athletic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 18(6), e0286942. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286942
  • Gabbett, T. J. (2016). The training–injury prevention paradox: Should athletes be training smarter and harder? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 273–280.
  • Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., & Plisky, P. (2012). Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to assess dynamic postural-control deficits and outcomes in lower extremity injury: A literature and systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(3), 339–357. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.3.08
  • Gustavsson, A., Neeter, C., Thomeé, P., Grävare Silbernagel, K., Augustsson, J., Thomeé, R., & Karlsson, J. (2006). A test battery for evaluating hop performance in patients with an ACL injury and patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 14(8), 778–788. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0045-6
  • Hale, S. A., Fergus, A., Axmacher, R., & Kiser, K. (2014). Bilateral improvements in lower extremity function after unilateral balance training in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 49(2), 181–191.
  • Helme, M., Tee, J., Emmonds, S., & Low, C. (2021). Does lower extremity asymmetry increase the risk of sports injuries? A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 49, 204–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.03.001
  • Hendy, A. M., & Lamon, S. (2017). The cross-education phenomenon: Brain and beyond. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 297. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00297
  • Krzysztofik, M., Wilk, M., Pisz, A., Kolinger, D., Tsoukos, A., Aschenbrenner, P., Dello Iacono, A., & Bogdanis, G. C. (2022). Effects of unilateral conditioning activity on acute performance enhancement: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(4), 625-637. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2022.625
  • Lohman, T. G., Roche, A. F., & Martorell, R. (Eds.). (1988). Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Human Kinetics Books.
  • Madruga-Parera, M., Bishop, C., Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A., Beltran-Valls, M. R., Skok, O. G., & Romero-Rodríguez, D. (2020). Interlimb asymmetries in youth tennis players: Relationships with performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(10), 2815-2823. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003152
  • Maloney, S. J. (2019). The relationship between asymmetry and athletic performance: A critical review. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(9), 2579–2593.
  • Moran, J., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Liew, B., Gillen, J. B., Seneres-Anaya, A., Sanchez-Sixto, A., & Beato, M. (2021). Effects of bilateral and unilateral resistance training on horizontally-orientated movement performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(2), 225-242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01367-y
  • Pardos-Mainer, E., Casajús, J. A., Bishop, C., & Gonzalo-Skok, O. (2020). Effects of combined strength and power training on physical performance and interlimb asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(8), 1147–1155. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0265
  • Pleša, J., Kozinc, Ž., Smajla, D., & Šarabon, N. (2022). The association between reactive strength index and reactive strength index modified with approach jump performance. PLOS ONE, 17(2), e0264144. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264144
  • Plisky, P. J., Gorman, P. P., Butler, R. J., Kiesel, K. B., Underwood, F. B., & Elkins, B. (2009). The reliability of an instrumented device for measuring components of the Star Excursion Balance Test. North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 4(2), 92–99.
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Thapa, R. K., Afonso, J., Perez-Castilla, A., Bishop, C., Byrne, P. J., & Granacher, U. (2023). Effects of plyometric jump training on the reactive strength index in healthy individuals across the lifespan: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(5), 1029–1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01825-0
  • Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Sanchez, M., Pérez, L., & Ramirez-Campillo, R. (2024). Impact of bilateral and unilateral exercises on acute enhancement of horizontal jump performance in professional soccer players. MhSalud, 21(1), 122–141.
  • Stojiljkovic, A., Karagianni, E., Antoniou, V., & Pepera, G. (2025). Relationship between physical fitness attributes and dynamic knee valgus in adolescent basketball athletes. Applied Sciences, 15(9), 4881. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094881
  • Sun, W., Li, H., Qu, L., Zhou, Y., Cao, X., Wang, K., & Li, K. (2025). Unilateral plyometric training effectively reduces lower limb asymmetry in athletes: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1551523. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1551523
  • Zhang, W., Chen, X., Xu, K., Xie, H., Chen, J., Zhu, Z., & Sun, J. (2024). The potential of a targeted unilateral compound training program to reduce lower limb strength asymmetry and increase performance: A proof-of-concept in basketball. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1361719. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1361719
  • Zhao, Y., Sun, M., Wang, X., & Xu, Q. (2024). Unilateral plyometric jump training shows significantly more effective than bilateral training in improving both time to stabilization and peak landing force in single-leg land and hold test: A randomized multi-arm study conducted among young male basketball players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 23(3), 647. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.647
There are 34 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Sports Training, Physical Training and Sports
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Erkut Oflu 0009-0002-6337-8759

Ergün Çakır 0000-0001-5895-5297

Submission Date January 9, 2026
Acceptance Date March 26, 2026
Publication Date March 30, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1859386
IZ https://izlik.org/JA82LW94MY
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 8 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Oflu, E., & Çakır, E. (2026). The Effect of Unilateral Plyometric Training on Dynamic Balance and Knee Proprioception in Elementary School Students. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation, 8(1), 114-122. https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1859386

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