Effect of a 6-week agility training program on lower limb isometric strength and fatigue index of indian taekwondo players

Abstract

Background Taekwondo is a martial art sport requiring high level of agility and lower limb strength as it helps improve performance in activities. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a 6-week agility training program on lower limb isometric strength and fatigue index of Indian taekwondo players. Materials and methods A total of 30 elite national-level taekwondo players (mean age: 19.86±1.81 years, mean height: 1.70±7 m, and mean mass: 60.36±13.74 kg) volunteered and were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1 (n=15) agility training group and group 2 (n=15) control group. Both agility training group and control group were assessed for lower limb isometric strength and fatigue index assessed by HUR 5340 leg extension/curl computer controlled isotonic/isometric dynamometer. Control group had followed their routine training schedule, and agility training group had performed agility training for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of training, post-training measures were taken. Results Significant changes (P<0.05) in group 1 (agility training group) were observed in all the variables tested. No significant changes/decline in performance was found in group 2 group (control group). Conclusion This program significantly improved the performance and may be implemented as a regular part of the training schedule.

Keywords

• agility
• fatigue index
• isometric strength
• performance
• taekwondo