EFFECTIVENESS OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING VERSUS LADDER TRAINING ALONG WITH MANUAL THERAPY ON POWER AND AGILITY AMONG GYMNASTIC SUBJECTS WITH POST ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE-A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture is a prevalent injury in gymnastics, often resulting from high-impact movements such as sudden jumping, fast-twitch activities, abrupt directional changes, dorsiflexion of the foot, or missteps from significant heights OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of plyometric training, ladder training, and manual therapy on power and agility in female gymnasts recovering from partially ruptured Achilles tendons. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A total of 20 female gymnasts aged 18-25 years with partial Achilles tendon ruptures were selected and divided into two groups using a convenient sampling technique. Group A (n=10) underwent plyometric training combined with manual therapy, while Group B (n=10) received ladder training combined with manual therapy. Both groups participated in 60-minute training sessions over an 8-week period.The objective and the aim was clearly explained to the ethical committee. The primary outcome measures included power, assessed using the Sargent Jump Test (SJT), and agility, evaluated using the Agility T-Test.The statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired ttests. The paired t-test revealed a significant improvement in post-test values compared to pre-test values within both groups, indicating that both training methods contributed to enhanced power and agility. Furthermore, the unpaired t-test was used to compare post-test results between Group A and Group B. RESULTS:The statistical findings showed that while both groups experienced significant improvements, Group B (ladder training and manual therapy) demonstrated a greater enhancement in agility and power compared to Group A (plyometric training and manual therapy). The results align with existing literature emphasizing the benefits of ladder training in improving neuromuscular coordination, speed, and agility by reinforcing quick foot movements and cognitive processing. Similarly, plyometric training was effective in developing explosive power by utilizing the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) to enhance muscle fiber tension and force production. Manual therapy was found to be a crucial component of rehabilitation, aiding in joint mobilization, strength recovery, and range of motion enhancement. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into rehabilitation strategies for athletes recovering from Achilles tendon injuries. It underscores the importance of incorporating agility ladder drills and manual therapy as effective interventions to restore athletic performance. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and the potential integration of these methods into broader sports rehabilitation protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]