EFFECTS OF 12-WEEK COMBINED CIRCUIT TABATA TRAINING (CTT): EMPOWER THE FITNESS AND PASSION OF YOUNG SQUASH ATHLETES

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of combined circuit tabata training (CTT) on physical fitness and passion of young squash athletes. This true experimental randomized control trial (RCT) research was carried out three times a week for 12 weeks. A total of 50 young squash athletes were divided into CTT (n = 25, 18.7 ± 1.06 year, 161 ± 3.74 cm, 58.0 ± 3.03 kg, 22.0 ± 1.06 kg/m2) and control group (CG, n = 25, 18.9 ± 1.04 year, 162 ± 3.50 cm, 59.0 ± 3.49 kg, 22.2 ± 1.04 kg/m2). Pre and post measurements were carried out using the handgrip dynamometer test (HDT), 5m sprint test (5mST), 5-0-5 COD test (M505CODT), medicine ball throw test (MBCT), sit and reach test (SRT), yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRTL1). We observed Time (T) effects for physical fitness on components HDT [p < .001], 5mST [p < .001], M505CODT [p < .001], MBCT [p < .001], SRT [p = 0.006], and YYIRTL1 [p < .001]. There were significant differences in group (G), including HDT [p < .001], 5mST [p = 0.048], M505CODT [p = 0.018], MBCT [p = 0.005], SRT [p = 0.004], and YYIRTL1 [p = 0.001]. There was an interaction (I) on the components HDT [p < .001], 5mST [p < .001], M505CODT [p < .001], MBCT [p < .001], YYIRTL1 [p < .001]. However, no interaction was reported on SRT [p = 0.687]. In addition, based on %∆ and ES, it shows that CTT group has greater changes in physical fitness and passion from pre-test to post-test compared to CG group. Among young squash athletes, the study revealed that CTT was the key factor in the improvement of physical fitness and passion.