Effectiveness of Fartlek Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Endurance in Young Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Fartlek is a Swedish word meaning “speed play”. It is a training method that blends continuous training with interval training. Fartlek is a form of road running or cross country running in which the runner, varies the pace significantly during the run. Physical inactivity is an important public health issue and is the seventh most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease globally. Fartlek training is majorly used for athletic population. Evidences are still lacking for the role of Fartlek training in non-athletic young population. So, this study was conducted to find the effect of the Fartlek training among young adults. Aim: To study the effectiveness of fartlek training on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance in young adults. Methodology: 32 participants were included after taking ethics approval and written informed consent. The patients were then equally divided in two groups. The patients were then equally divided in two groups by random sampling. Group A (Study Group) was given fartlek training while Group B (control group) performed aerobic exercise. 12 min. Cooper test, Curl ups and Squats (Performed in 1 min.) were evaluated before and after completion of 6 weeks of training. Results: Data of 32 participants were analysed by SPSS 16 and Microsoft Excel 2007. T test was applied for evaluation. Results showed significant improvement in both the groups for cardiorespiratory fitness and curl ups performed in 1 min. But no. of squats performed were improved only in study group. Between group analysis showed statistically significant improvement in fartlek training group (p <0.05). Conclusion: Results showed significant improvement in both the groups. But there was statistically significant difference found between the effect of fartlek and aerobic training groups. Thus, Fartlek training is statistically signifanctly effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance in young adults