Research
Adherence
Deep-water running (with buoyancy belt) is an effective recovery method for restoring muscle strength and reducing perceived soreness following plyometric exercise, though it does not prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
If you have access to a pool and a buoyancy belt, use it for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity for 3 days after intense plyometric training (like heavy jumping). It helps restore strength faster and makes you feel less sore during the session, even if it doesn't stop muscle damage markers.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Deep-water running failed to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness but appeared to speed up the process of recovery for muscle strength (determined using isokinetic dynamometry) and perceived soreness.
Why this rating
Based on a study of 30 previously untrained individuals; specific to plyometric damage.
Source
The use of recovery methods post‐exercise
Thomas Reilly et al. · Journal of Sports Sciences · 2005
DOI 10.1080/02640410400021302
narrative_reviewCited 245×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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