Eight Weeks of Plyometric Training for a Professional Volleyball Athlete Four Months Post-Knee Arthroscopy and Bone Repair: A Case Report
Abstract
Knee surgery can significantly diminish muscle strength, power, and vertical jump performance in athletes, particularly in volleyball athletes. Plyometric exercises are well-established for their efficacy in enhancing these physical attributes. This case report aimed to demonstrate the application of an 8-week plyometric exercise program to improve knee muscle strength, power, and vertical jump performance in a 20-year-old professional volleyball athlete, 4 months post-arthroscopic removal and repair of left knee osteophytes during the return-to-sport phase. The athlete, who was pain-free and had full knee range of motion at the program’s start, showed significant gains: quadriceps and hamstring strength increased by 42%-116% in the left knee and 31%-78% in the right knee, with power output rising up to 400%. Vertical jump performance also improved notably. These results suggest that plyometric training can effectively boost recovery and performance in athletes following knee surgery.
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