Relationship between vertical stiffness and soft-tissue injuries in professional Australian football.

Soft-tissue injuries are common in Australian football. Recently, literature has identified non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, including vertical stiffness (K). However, limitations regarding measurement frequency and duration exist; thus, further information is required about the role of K as a modifiable risk factor for injury.

The effect of water-based plyometric training on vertical stiffness and athletic performance.

Since higher vertical stiffness is related to superior athletic performance, training has traditionally been aimed at augmenting this variable to enhance neuromuscular output. However, research has linked elevated stiffness with increased injury risk, therefore, this study examined the effect of a novel training intervention on vertical stiffness and athletic performance. Vertical stiffness, jump performance and athletic performance were assessed in two randomly allocated groups, prior to, and following, an eight-week period.