Date

12-16-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Eric Sobolewski

Keywords

Grounding, earthing, sports performance, recovery, strength, power

Disciplines

Sports Sciences

Abstract

Grounding is the practice of connecting the human body to the Earth’s electrical surface. It has been proposed as a natural intervention capable of reducing inflammation, enhancing recovery, and improving physiological balance. While previous research has identified benefits for general health and recovery, limited evidence exists regarding its effects on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of grounding interventions on strength and power among Division II track and field athletes. A five-week, pre/post randomized prospective cohort design was employed with thirty participants, stratified for men and women, which included three groups: grounding sheets, grounding pads, control. Athletes were assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) for relative peak power, concentric peak velocity, and the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) for relative peak force. Data was collected using the VALD ForceDecks system. The results revealed that athletes in the grounding pad group demonstrated notable improvements in all key performance metrics, indicating enhanced neuromuscular performance following the intervention. The grounding sheets and control groups exhibited minimal or non-significant changes across the testing period. These findings suggest that grounding, particularly using conductive grounding pads, may serve as an effective, non-invasive recovery modality capable of supporting performance adaptations in competitive athletes. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects, physiological mechanisms, and applications of grounding within human performance, athletic training, and rehabilitation settings.

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