Effects of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Multiplanar Plyometric Integration on Interlimb Asymmetry, Agility, and Dynamic Balance in Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68279/nf08ne92Keywords:
Agility; athletes; dynamic balance; interlimb asymmetry; plyometric exercise; unilateral training; bilateral trainingAbstract
Background: Interlimb asymmetry, change-of-direction performance, and dynamic balance are important components of athletic performance and may respond differently to unilateral and bilateral plyometric training. Objective: To compare the effects of unilateral versus bilateral multiplanar plyometric training on interlimb asymmetry, Agility T-test performance, and dynamic balance in athletes. Methods: This assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial included 48 provincial-level athletes aged 18–25 years recruited from two fitness facilities in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were allocated by lottery to unilateral plyometric training (Group A, n=24) or bilateral plyometric training (Group B, n=24), performed three times weekly for eight weeks. Interlimb asymmetry was assessed using the single-leg countermovement jump, change-of-direction performance using the Agility T-test, and dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test. Paired-samples t tests assessed within-group changes, while independent-samples t tests compared groups. Results: At week 8, Group A demonstrated lower interlimb asymmetry than Group B (11.77±1.53% vs 12.76±1.14%; p=0.015) and a lower Agility T-test time (12.75±1.69 vs 14.83±1.58 s; p<0.001). Right-limb Y-Balance scores were 98.41±2.99 versus 96.30±2.84 (p=0.016) and left-limb scores were 96.43±3.53 versus 94.25±3.48 (p=0.036), respectively. Conclusion: Both interventions were associated with favourable pre-to-post changes, while unilateral training produced more favourable post-intervention values across the assessed outcomes
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maiza Mustafa, Aamir Gul Memon, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Minahil Sajjad, Aliza Iqbal, Zainab Shah (Author)
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