Motor Imagery and Action Observation-Based Plyometric Training as a Potential Alternative to Traditional Methods in Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background:

Plyometric training (PT) improves jump performance, change of direction (CoD), balance, and reaction time (RT) in volleyball. Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) activate motor control networks and may induce similar neuromotor adaptations with lower mechanical load. This study compared static and dynamic MI+AO-based PT added to regular volleyball training with traditional PT in female volleyball players.

Hypothesis:

Static and dynamic MI+AO-based PT would significantly improve RT, jump performance, CoD, and balance, with outcomes comparable with those of traditional PT.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

A total of 45 female volleyball players were allocated randomly to static MI+AO (Group A), dynamic MI+AO (Group B), or traditional (Group C) PT. Interventions were performed twice weekly for 8 weeks. RT was assessed using BlazePod; vertical jump test (VJT) and single-leg horizontal jump test (SLHJT) using My Jump 2, CoD via the T-test, and balance with the Y balance test (YBT).

Results:

At baseline, RT was slower in Group A than in Groups B (P = 0.001) and C (P = 0.004), while other variables were comparable (P > 0.05). All groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all outcomes (P < 0.05) with large effect sizes. No between-group differences were found for YBT (P > 0.05). Significant group effects were observed for VJT (η² = 0.198), SLHJT-L (η² = 0.176), SLHJT-R (η² = 0.214), and T-Test performance (η² = 0.242) (all P < 0.05). VJT improved similarly in Groups B and C, both exceeding Group A. For SLHJT, Group C showed the greatest gains, followed by Group B; both outperformed Group A. CoD improvements were greater in Group C than in Groups A and B. Although RT improved in all groups, analysis of covariance revealed no post-test between-group differences after baseline adjustment.

Conclusion:

MI+AO-based PT appears to be a complementary, load-efficient strategy to support neuromotor performance when mechanical loading must be limited, rather than a substitute for traditional PT.

Clinical Relevance:

This low-risk MI+AO approach may help maintain neuromuscular performance during recovery, rehabilitation, or restricted training periods.