Effect of plyometrics and Nordic hamstring training on balance and agility in recreational badminton players: A comparative study

·       Being one of the most popular sports in the world, badminton attracts over 2,000 contestants each year for the major international championships(1).

 Â·       According to estimates from the World Badminton Federation, over 2,000 players compete in international events and there are an estimated 150 million players worldwide. Among all racquet sports, badminton is thought to be the fastest because of its rapid pace. Playing competitive badminton usually involves overhead shots and calls for a high level of physical fitness(1).

 Â·        In badminton, players must possess speed, agility, balance, endurance, strength, and coordination as they perform prolonged, high-intensity movements interspersed with rest intervals(2).

 Â·       In terms of motor and action controls, badminton demands specific physical training. Coordinative factors like foot stepping, response time, and both static and dynamic balance are critical motor demands in this sport(3).

 Â·       Due to the intense physical demands of badminton, acute limb injuries are likely to occur often. These consist of overuse injuries as well as acute traumatic events. The back, shoulders, lower limbs, and knees are among the common overuse injuries(1).

 Â·        Indian players have dominated the Badminton World Federation (BWF) men’s and women’s singles top rankings. Currently, India has the most players in the top thirty men’s singles players of any country(1).

 Â·       As a result, data on injuries sustained by badminton players is currently scarce(1)

 Â·       The Nordic Hamstring training is understood to be an eccentric exercise that is performed on the knees with ankles held/strapped with subjects lowering their upper body towards a prone position, as slowly as possible.  Initially, the sportsperson will typically be weak and rely on his hands for support. Utilizing just the ischiocrural muscles, the athlete will be able to return to their starting position in the later course. However, as the ischiocrural muscles are also utilized here, the training can also be performed with knee curl equipment(4).

 Â·       Every sport has utilized plyometric training to improve muscular strength and explosive ability. Eccentric movements in the same muscle group are followed by concentric contractions during plyometric actions. Enhanced strength, acceleration, and limb power all can be linked to muscle strength training(3).

 Â·        One of the key elements of badminton is agility. Sustaining equilibrium while making fast, precise movements requires agility. In badminton, agility refers to an athlete’s capacity to move quickly and precisely while maintaining the shuttlecock’s position. The ability to rapidly alter direction requires leg muscle power, which can be generated through exercises that involve rapid jumps(3).

 Â·       Contrary to popular belief**, balance** is a complex, dynamic, three-dimensional process that involves various brain pathways. Loss of balance occurs after landing in badminton, which is a dynamic equilibrium process. Players therefore requires static as well as dynamic balance in it(3).