Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations
The effect of two plyometric training programs with different intensities on the performance of Young karate practitioners
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: In karate, the ability to generate rapid energy, change direction quickly, and execute explosive defenses and movements is extremely important. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of two plyometric training programs with different intensities (high and moderate) on the performance of young karatekas.
Methodology: This semi-experimental study, utilizing a pre-test/post-test design, involved 30 young male karatekas (15-17 years old) from Qazvin city. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: high-intensity training, moderate-intensity training, and a control group. The average weight of participants was 60.46±6.86 kg, height was 170.23±5.90 cm, age was 16.32±1 years, and training experience was 4.16±1.1 years. Interventions included two plyometric training programs of moderate and high intensity, conducted three sessions per week for eight weeks. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess data normality, while ANCOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were employed for group comparisons.
Results: The ANCOVA results indicated a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.001). Bonferroni's post-hoc test revealed a significant difference between the high-intensity training group and the control group for anaerobic power, agility, and lower-body explosive power (P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was observed between the control group and the moderate-intensity training group in lower-body explosive power (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, high-intensity plyometric training can effectively improve the overall performance (anaerobic power, agility, and lower-body power) of young karatekas. Furthermore, moderate-intensity plyometric training can only contribute to enhancing the lower-body power of young karate players.
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