Abstract
Objective: A high correlation between lower limb explosive power and muscular strength, production of high power levels in the shortest time, and high level of agility are essential to achieve optimal performance in Parkour. It seems that polymetric exercises can make it possible to achieve the highest performance. In this regard, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week plyometric exercise program on knee kinematic parameters, body composition, agility and horizontal jumping power of Parkour athletes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design, 20 elite Parkour athletes aged 19-26 years were selected and randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=10) and control (n=10). The exercise group carried out the program for eight weeks, three sessions per week, each for one hour. Before and after exercise, measurements of kinematic parameters of knee, agility, and horizontal jumping power, and body composition in subjects were performed. The collected data were analyzed using t-test considering a significant level of P≤0.05. Results: Plyometric exercise for eight weeks had a significant effect on knee kinematic parameters of Parkour athletes (P=0.003) and significantly improved their horizontal jump, agility and reduced body fat percentage (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Plyometric exercise can significantly improve kinematic parameters of the knee, increase the jumping power and agility, and reduce body fat percentage in Parkour athletes; however, since Parkour movements are very similar to plyometric exercises, more study is needed.
Highlights
This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric exercise program on kinematic parameters, body composition, agility and horizontal jump of elite parkour athletes in Tehran
The study population consists of male parkour athletes in Tehran, Iran aged 19-26 years with at least 4 years of professional experience
Teversion angle test, internal and external hip rotation, and knee hyperextension; body composition was analyzed with bioelectrical impedance IN-BODY 230 analyzer (InBody Inc., USA) in the pre-test and post-test stages; and the Illinois agility test was used to evaluate their agility
Summary
1. Introduction arkour is an activity involving movement through obstacles in the fastest possible time using the easiest and simplest method with the least energy consumption from one point to other [1]. Introduction arkour is an activity involving movement through obstacles in the fastest possible time using the easiest and simplest method with the least energy consumption from one point to other [1] These plyometric exercises enable the muscles to reach their maximum strength in the shortest possible time. They put a lot of pressure on the athlete’s neuromuscular system and joints in a short period of time; if these exercises be performed without a proper and accurate program, they can cause severe damage to the joints and muscles [2]. This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric exercise program on kinematic parameters, body composition, agility and horizontal jump of elite parkour athletes in Tehran
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