A Randomized controlled trial will be conducted with sample size of 40 players divided into two groups of 20, 20 players in each. Players will undergo 18 training sessions in six weeks, and each week has three training sessions. Each session, including a 10-minute warm-up and a 10-minute cool down, with 60 minutes in duration. The training will start with low intensity for the first two weeks, then progress to moderate intensity for the next two weeks, and finally reach high intensity, to the individual's ability and physical endurance.
Taekwondo is a dynamic martial art that requires skill in speed, strength, flexibility, and coordination. It includes a variety of powerful techniques, such as kicks, punches, and defensive moves. For athletes to perform at their best and reduce the risk of injury, it is essential to develop flexibility, balance, and core strength. However, traditional Taekwondo training often emphasizes agility, instead of core stability and balance. The most basic drill involves jumping with one foot into each box of the ladder in motion forward and then the other foot in a quick manner. Jump training, especially plyometric training, is concerned with training the body to produce explosive force and speed, essential qualities in a taekwondo performer. To address this issue, the current study aims to explore the added benefits of combining ladder drills and jump training into a regular Taekwondo training program. This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial and will involve male Taekwondo athletes aged 18 to 25. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: Group A will receive standard Taekwondo training with ladder and jump drills, while Group B will focus on standard Taekwondo training only. This will be a 6-week training program consisting of a total of 18 sessions held 3 times a week. Each 60-minute session will include a 10-minute warm-up, 40 minutes of ladder drills and jump training, and a 10-minute cool-down phase. Data will be collected from athletes affiliated with the Pakistan Sports Board Lahore, focusing on three key variables: agility, core strength, and balance. These variables will be measured using standardized tests: the T-Test for agility, the Plank Test for core stability, and the Star Excursion Balance Test for balance. Assessments will be conducted before and after the training program to find changes in these physical characteristics. The results of this study will aim to assist coaches and trainers in enhancing Taekwondo performance while also focusing on injury prevention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
The intervention plan consists ladder drills lasting 20 minutes.
The intervention plan consists jump training lasting 20 minutes.
Pakistan Sports Board coaching center
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
T-Test for Agility
The T-Test takes 1-2 minutes per trial, and therefore 5-6 minutes for 2-3 trials. A typical arrangement of cones has 5m with the top of the Τ letter and 2.5m between them horizontally, while they are 9 to 12 inches high generally. Runners race ahead, make side-to-side movements to the left and right, then run backward to the starting line; the best agility scores are the shortest.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Core Stability Test
The Core Stability Test may take anywhere between 1 and 3 minutes per trial. Superior core stability is demonstrated in exercising athletes who undertake as long as possible for the forearm plank position.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)
The SEBT will measure dynamic balance by 2 to 3 minutes for each trial. Athletes stand on one leg and reach as far as possible in eight directions: forward, backward, inward, outward, forward-inward, forward-outward, backward-inward, and backward-outward.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40