Yifei Li, Chuanwei Ding
Combined training may offer benefits, particularly for balance and agility (moderate-certainty evidence). These findings provide preliminary practical implications for coaches and may inform training program design. However, evidence for speed and explosive power is of low certainty, and further high-quality research is needed to verify these effects.
BACKGROUND: Plyometric training is an effective method for improving explosive power, while balance training plays a pivotal role in enhancing agility and dynamic stability. Recently, combined balance and plyometric training (hereafter referred to as combined training) has gained increasing attention. This approach integrates plyometric exercises with separate balance training components. However, whether combined training offers superior benefits over single-mode training remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training on athletic performance across different sports, assessing balance, agility, speed, and power. The review specifically examined interventions that included separate balance and plyometric components, and excluded plyometric training performed on unstable surfaces without a standalone balance component.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Embase was performed from inception to March 15, 2026. Randomized controlled trials examining combined plyometric and balance training in athletes were included. Duplicates were removed via EndNote. Two independent reviewers screened records in two stages (title/abstract, then full text) and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Disagreements were resolved by consultation with a third reviewer. The review followed the PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD420251273522), with no deviations.
RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving 522 athletes were included, covering badminton, basketball, handball, soccer, dance, and taekwondo. Participants were predominantly adolescents aged 11-24 years. Intervention duration ranged from 6 to 12 weeks, with a frequency of 2-3 sessions per week and session lengths of 5-60 min. The available evidence suggests that combined training may enhance balance and agility. However, findings on speed and explosive power improvements remain inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS: Combined training may offer benefits, particularly for balance and agility (moderate-certainty evidence). These findings provide preliminary practical implications for coaches and may inform training program design. However, evidence for speed and explosive power is of low certainty, and further high-quality research is needed to verify these effects.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier CRD420251273522.