Jumps and Plyometric Exercises in the Return to Play After Sports Injuries

Abstract

Background: Jumps and plyometric exercises represent a fundamental component of high-intensity sports activities and must be included in the return to play programs after a sports injury. However, the scientific literature focused on the prescription methodology of these activities in the return to play programs is limited. Objective: The aim of this manuscript was to provide an overview of the aspects related to the incorporation of jumps and plyometric exercises in the return to play programs. Results: Some clinical criteria that the athlete must meet to be incorporated into jump work and plyometric exercises in return to play programs are capacity of the injured tissue to support the load, absence of symptoms, complete joint mobility, previous acquisition of basic motor patterns of the lower limbs, adequate level of strength and muscular balance and technically consolidated jump gesture. The methodological prescription of jumps and plyometric exercises in return to play programs must consider variables such as the type of jumps, intensity, volume, and execution surface, to guarantee adequate progression and minimize the risk of injury recurrence. Conclusions: Jumps and plyometric exercises are frequently included in intermediate and advanced phases of return to play programs but the information on their prescription in this area is scarce; we establish a methodological guide that can be useful for the prescription of jumps and plyometric exercises in return to play programs, based mainly on biomechanical studies that evaluate various aspects of the joint load during its execution.