Effect of a 6-week agility training program on performance indices of Indian taekwondo players

Abstract

Background: Taekwondo is a martial art sport requiring high level of agility, 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 agility, anaerobic power, reaction time, balance, and flexibility of Indian taekwondo players. Subjects and Methods: Thirty elite national level taekwondo players (mean age 19.86 ± 1.81 years; mean height 1.70 ± 7 m; mean mass 60.36 ± 13.74 kg) volunteered and were randomly assigned into two groups, Group 1 (G1; n = 15) agility training group and Group 2 (G2; n = 15) control group. Both agility training group and control group were assessed for agility by illinois agility test; anaerobic power, lower limb reaction time, and balance assessed by kinematics measurement system; and flexibility assessed by sit and reach test. Control group had followed their routine training schedule, and agility training group had performed agility training for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of training, postmeasures were taken. Results: Significant changes (P Conclusion: This program significantly improved the performance indices and may be implemented as a regular part of the training schedule.