Lower Limb InjuriesPST-SFNCT07489404
Plyometric Training on Sand vs Firm Ground in Young Adults
A study testing Plyometric Training on Sand in people with Lower Limb Injuries, run by University of Manouba at 1 site in Tunisia.
Trial summary
Summary The purpose of this interventional study is to determine whether the type of training surface used during plyometric training influences neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and muscle soreness in young active males. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 20 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Lower Limb Injuries
- What is being tested?
- Plyometric Training on Sand
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 57 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTunisia
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2024to 1 Dec 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 20 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male university students aged between 19 and 20 years
- Physically active and regularly participating in practical sport science activities
- Free from lower-limb injuries during the previous six months
- Provided written informed consent to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Presence of any musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs or lower back
- Any neurological or balance disorder that could affect test performance
- Participation in another structured strength or plyometric training program during the study period
- Failure to complete the training intervention or testing sessions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Tunisia1 site
Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba
Manouba, Manouba, 2010
About this study
Official title: Influence of Training Surface (Firm Ground vs Sand) on Neuromuscular Performance, Dynamic Postural Balance, and Muscle Soreness Following Plyometric Training in Young Active Males
Summary
The purpose of this interventional study is to determine whether the type of training surface used during plyometric training influences neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and muscle soreness in young active males. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does plyometric training performed on sand improve dynamic postural balance more than training performed on a firm surface?
- Does plyometric training performed on sand reduce lower-limb muscle soreness compared with training performed on a firm surface?
Researchers will compare a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-surface plyometric training group, and a control group to evaluate the effects of training surfaces on physical performance and recovery.
Participants will:
- Perform plyometric training sessions three times per week for eight weeks (experimental groups).
- Complete performance tests, including vertical jumps, sprint tests, change-of-direction speed tests, and the Y-Balance Test, before and after the intervention.
- Report perceived lower-limb muscle soreness following training sessions.
Read the detailed description
Detailed Description
This prospective randomised controlled study investigates the effects of plyometric training performed on two different training surfaces (firm ground vs sand) on neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and lower-limb muscle soreness in young active males. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-based plyometric training group, or a control group that continues regular activities without additional training.
The intervention lasts eight weeks, with three supervised training sessions per week for the experimental groups. The plyometric training program includes multidirectional exercises, such as forward bounding jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, and forward hurdle jumps, with progressive increases in training volume throughout the intervention.
Neuromuscular performance is evaluated using the standing long jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, sprint tests (10 m and 20 m), and a change-of-direction speed test (T-test). Dynamic postural balance is assessed using the Y-Balance Test for both dominant and non-dominant stance legs. Lower-limb muscle soreness is recorded after each training session using a 7-point Likert scale.
Pre- and post-intervention assessments are conducted to determine the effects of training surfaces on performance outcomes, balance adaptations, and perceived muscle soreness.
- Conditions
- Lower Limb Injuries
- Being tested
- Plyometric Training on Sand
- Keywords
- Equilibre, Force, Vitesse, Surface
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Plyometric Training on SandBehavioural
Also called Sand-Based Plyometric Training
Participants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on dry sand three times a week for eight weeks. The training sessions included forward bounding jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, and forward hurdle jumps with progressive increases in training volume throughout the intervention period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sand-Surface Plyometric Training | Experimental | Participants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on dry sand three times per week for eight weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Plyometric Training on Sand |
| Firm-Ground Plyometric Training | Active comparator | Participants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on a firm surface three times a week for eight weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Plyometric Training on Sand |
| control group | No intervention | Participants continued their usual activities and did not perform additional plyometric training during the eight-week study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Squat Jump (SJ) height (cm)
Squat Jump height is measured in centimeters using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after the 8-week training intervention
Change in Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height (cm)
The countermovement jump height was measured in centimetres using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Standing Long Jump distance (cm)
Standing long jump performance is measured as horizontal jump distance in centimetres. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in 10-meter sprint time (s)
Sprint performance was measured as the time in seconds to complete the 10-meter split using photoelectric timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in 20-meter sprint time (s)
Sprint performance was measured as the time in seconds to complete the 20-metre sprint using photoelectric timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in T-test time (s)
Change-of-direction speed is measured as the time in seconds it takes to complete the T-test using electronic timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test anterior reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal anterior reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test posteromedial reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal posteromedial reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test posterolateral reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal posterolateral reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test anterior reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance assessed as maximal anterior reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test posterolateral reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance was assessed as maximal posterolateral reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimetres. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change in Y-Balance Test posteromedial reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Dynamic postural balance assessed as maximal posteromedial reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Mean lower-limb muscle soreness score (7-point Likert scale)
Lower-limb muscle soreness was assessed using a 7-point Likert scale after each plyometric training session. The mean score across all training sessions will be used for analysis.
Measured: After each training session over 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2024
- Primary completion15 Nov 2024
- Study completion1 Dec 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Lower Limb InjuriesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-surface plyometric training group, or a control group. The two experimental groups performed identical plyometric training programs three times per week for eight weeks on different surfaces (firm ground or sand), while the control group maintained their usual activities without additional training. Performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 57 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Manouba
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohamed Chedly Jlid, University of Manouba
- Investigators
- Mohamed UM jlid, Assoc. Prof., Study director, University ManoubaSalah Mohammed Abuzaid, Principal investigator, University Manouba
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07489404
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PTU-19012026
- Acronym
- PST-SF
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant confidentiality.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Influence of Training Surface (Firm Ground vs Sand) on Neuromuscular Performance, Dynamic Postural Balance, and Muscle Soreness Following Plyometric Training in Young Active Males
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07489404
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PST-SF / PTU-19012026
- Conditions
- Lower Limb Injuries
- Keywords
- Equilibre, Force, Vitesse, Surface
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 57 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ManoubaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Summary
The purpose of this interventional study is to determine whether the type of training surface used during plyometric training influences neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and muscle soreness in young active males. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
- Does plyometric training performed on sand improve dynamic postural balance more than training performed on a firm surface?
- Does plyometric training performed on sand reduce lower-limb muscle soreness compared with training performed on a firm surface?
Researchers will compare a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-surface plyometric training group, and a control group to evaluate the effects of training surfaces on physical performance and recovery.
Participants will:
- Perform plyometric training sessions three times per week for eight weeks (experimental groups).
- Complete performance tests, including vertical jumps, sprint tests, change-of-direction speed tests, and the Y-Balance Test, before and after the intervention.
- Report perceived lower-limb muscle soreness following training sessions.
Detailed description
Detailed Description
This prospective randomised controlled study investigates the effects of plyometric training performed on two different training surfaces (firm ground vs sand) on neuromuscular performance, dynamic postural balance, and lower-limb muscle soreness in young active males. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-based plyometric training group, or a control group that continues regular activities without additional training.
The intervention lasts eight weeks, with three supervised training sessions per week for the experimental groups. The plyometric training program includes multidirectional exercises, such as forward bounding jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, and forward hurdle jumps, with progressive increases in training volume throughout the intervention.
Neuromuscular performance is evaluated using the standing long jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, sprint tests (10 m and 20 m), and a change-of-direction speed test (T-test). Dynamic postural balance is assessed using the Y-Balance Test for both dominant and non-dominant stance legs. Lower-limb muscle soreness is recorded after each training session using a 7-point Likert scale.
Pre- and post-intervention assessments are conducted to determine the effects of training surfaces on performance outcomes, balance adaptations, and perceived muscle soreness.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: a firm-ground plyometric training group, a sand-surface plyometric training group, or a control group. The two experimental groups performed identical plyometric training programs three times per week for eight weeks on different surfaces (firm ground or sand), while the control group maintained their usual activities without additional training. Performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sand-Surface Plyometric Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Plyometric Training on SandParticipants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on dry sand three times per week for eight weeks. |
| Firm-Ground Plyometric Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Plyometric Training on SandParticipants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on a firm surface three times a week for eight weeks. |
| control group | No intervention | –Participants continued their usual activities and did not perform additional plyometric training during the eight-week study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 20 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Male university students aged between 19 and 20 years
- Physically active and regularly participating in practical sport science activities
- Free from lower-limb injuries during the previous six months
- Provided written informed consent to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of any musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs or lower back
- Any neurological or balance disorder that could affect test performance
- Participation in another structured strength or plyometric training program during the study period
- Failure to complete the training intervention or testing sessions
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric Training on SandAlso: Sand-Based Plyometric TrainingParticipants performed a multidirectional plyometric training program on dry sand three times a week for eight weeks. The training sessions included forward bounding jumps, lateral hurdle jumps, and forward hurdle jumps with progressive increases in training volume throughout the intervention period. | Behavioural | Firm-Ground Plyometric Training, Sand-Surface Plyometric Training |
Primary outcome
Change in Squat Jump (SJ) height (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 8-week training intervention
Squat Jump height is measured in centimeters using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height (cm)
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
The countermovement jump height was measured in centimetres using the Optojump infrared optical measurement system. The mean of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Standing Long Jump distance (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Standing long jump performance is measured as horizontal jump distance in centimetres. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in 10-meter sprint time (s)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Sprint performance was measured as the time in seconds to complete the 10-meter split using photoelectric timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in 20-meter sprint time (s)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Sprint performance was measured as the time in seconds to complete the 20-metre sprint using photoelectric timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in T-test time (s)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Change-of-direction speed is measured as the time in seconds it takes to complete the T-test using electronic timing gates. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test anterior reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal anterior reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test posteromedial reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal posteromedial reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test posterolateral reach distance on the dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance is assessed as a maximal posterolateral reach distance on the dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test anterior reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance assessed as maximal anterior reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test posterolateral reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance was assessed as maximal posterolateral reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimetres. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Change in Y-Balance Test posteromedial reach distance on the non-dominant leg (cm)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Dynamic postural balance assessed as maximal posteromedial reach distance on the non-dominant leg, measured in centimeters. The best of three trials will be used for analysis.
Mean lower-limb muscle soreness score (7-point Likert scale)
Time frame: After each training session over 8 weeks
Lower-limb muscle soreness was assessed using a 7-point Likert scale after each plyometric training session. The mean score across all training sessions will be used for analysis.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant confidentiality.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mohamed UM jlid, Assoc. Prof. study director
University Manouba
Salah Mohammed Abuzaid principal investigator
University Manouba
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Plyometric Training on Sand in people with Lower Limb Injuries, run by University of Manouba at 1 site in Tunisia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Tunisia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Squat Jump (SJ) height (cm) (time frame: Baseline and after the 8-week training intervention). The study lists 13 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Mar 2026.