Alexandru Ioan Băltean1,2, Pierre Joseph de Hillerin1,3, Vlad Adrian Geantă1,2
1Doctoral School of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
2Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Arad, Romania
3Neuromotrica - Information for Sport and Human Performance Ltd. Bucharest, Romania
Effects of a Short-Term Aquatic Training Program on In-Water Vertical Jump Performance and Neuromuscular Output in Water Polo Players
Sport Mont 2025, 23(2), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.250615
Abstract
The dynamic nature of water polo imposes high physiological demands, requiring players to produce rapid, high-force lower limbs actions, while maintaining body control in a fluid medium. Vertical body elevation is essential for actions such as blocking and shooting, depends heavily on lower limb strength and coordination. Despite this, limited research exist on the effectiveness of aquatic-based strength intervention in enhancing such capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 21-day aquatic training program on vertical jump performance and neuromuscular output in competitive water polo players. Fourteen male athletes underwent targeted training focusing on explosive leg strength and maximal elevation of the body from the water. Employing a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design, the study assessed performance using two portable systems: an adapted EasyForce dynamometer to measure, in water, peak force (PF), average force (AF), and time to peak force (TTPF); and a Kinect-based motion capture system to assess vertical displacement in water (H). The best of three vertical jump attempts was used for analysis. Due to non-normal data distribution, non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Within-group changes, assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, revealed significant improvements in H (p=0.027, r=0.59), TTPF (p=0.004, r=0.77), PF (p=0.001, r=0.88), and AF (p=0.001, r=0.88). These findings suggest that short-term aquatic training can improve neuromuscular coordination and explosive power in water polo athletes. Our study highlights the value of portable motion and force technologies in monitoring aquatic-specific performance changes. Future applications may consider extending such protocols for broader performance enhancement and integration into elite training routines.
Keywords
water polo, vertical jump, training intervention, explosive power, EasyForce dynamometer, Kinect motion capture, aquatic performance assessment
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