Efficacy of Speed, Agility and Quickness Training with and without Equipment on Athletic Performance Parameters – A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) are the key determinants in soccer which enable the player to address decisive situations. Therefore the objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the SAQ training with and without specialized training equipment on sports performance parameters in amateur soccer players. In this study, 64 amateur male soccer players between the ages of 18-25 were recruited and randomized into the experimental group and control group. The experimental group received SAQ training with specialized equipment whereas the control group received SAQ training without equipment for six weeks (three times/ week). The study adopted a pretest-posttest design. Vertical jump test, 20-meter sprint test and Illinois agility test were the outcome measures. Both groups were significantly improved (p< 0.05) from pre to post-training in all sports performance measures. Between-group analysis by independent t-test showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group significantly in vertical jump test t(53)=7.71; p=.01,Cohen's d =1.24; 20 m sprint test t(53)=5.05; p=.03,Cohen's d =1.12 and in Illinois agility test t(53)=2.84; p=.03,Cohen's d =0.72. This study found that SAQ training is an effective training program for improving selected sports performance measures in amateur soccer players. Addition of specialized training equipment in SAQ training can cause a significant improvement in sports performance measures. The findings of the study can assist the clinician to design the late stage of rehabilitation protocol, preseason training and conditioning in novice and semiprofessional athletes.

The Effect of Balinese Traditional Games 'Megoak-goakan' and 'Megala-gala' on Physical Agility in Martial Arts Athletes

“…This element is the reason why the Balinese traditional games 'megala-gala' can increase agility. Agility along with quickness and speed in the first few steps represents the key motor ability [6].…”