Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41915660›Full record

SynthesisPloS one2026

The effects of combined balance and plyometric training on change-of-direction and dynamic balance: A meta-analysis.

Guang Feng, Ruobing Chen, Chonghui Wu, Yongfeng Liu

Abstract readMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Guang FengSchool of Sports Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Ruobing ChenSchool of Sports Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Chonghui WuSchool of Foreign Languages, Xihua University, Chengdu, China.
Yongfeng LiuSchool of Sports Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2563-0407

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPreceding studies have demonstrated that a combination of balance and plyometric training can enhance change-of-direction and dynamic balance. However, to date, a paucity of meta-analyses has precluded the provision of a comprehensive summary of the extant data.

objectiveThe meta-analysis aims to examine the effects of combined balance and plyometric training on change-of-direction and dynamic balance compared to active controls.

methodThe present meta-analysis was conducted in strict adherence to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, EBSCOhost. The present study incorporated studies published from inception until June 2025. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS method. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. For the meta-analysis, the random-effects model was utilised, and the Hedges' g effect size (ES) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were reported. Subgroup analyses were conducted (age, gender, training frequency, duration).

resultsA total of 10 studies with 270 participants were included. Compared with the control group, combined balance and plyometric training significantly improved change-of-direction (ES = -0.77, I2 = 65.6%, P < 0.05), Y-Balance (ES = 1.32, I² = 67.5%, P < 0.05), dynamic postural stability index (ES = -1.27, I² = 0.0%, P < 0.05), and center of pressure (ES = -1.25, I² = 58.8%, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that age, gender, training frequency, and duration had no effect on the training effect of change-of-direction.

conclusionsCombined balance and plyometric training can significantly improve change-of-direction and dynamic balance, and existing evidence shows that the training effects of change-of-direction are not affected by age, gender, training frequency, or duration.

Indexed as

Plyometric ExercisePostural BalanceHumans

Identifiers

PMID41915660
PMCPMC13037961

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.