Title : Combined training effects in hurdler
Abstract:
This study aims to determine the effect of flexibility exercises combined with plyometrics in hurdles race, on physical fitness, motor skills (MS), and hip range of motion. Thirty-four male hurdlers, (age=15.7±0.7 years, body mass=59.7±2.3 kg, height=170.8±2.4 cm) were randomly assigned to four independent groups. The (Gflex+plyo), the (Gplyo), the (Gflex), and a control group (Gcon). All participants performed different tests: a test of right and left hip flexion (RHF, LHF) and extension (RHE, LHE), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), stiffness jump (STFJ), and three (MS) exercises (running, hopping and leaping). A 60-m sprint on the hurdles was also performed. The two-way analyses of covariance for repeated measures showed that Gflex+plyo increased significantly: the CMJ, performance on 60-m and showed higher performance in the between groups’ comparison. The Gflex+plyo and Gflex showed higher percentages of changes in flexibility (RHF: 3.2±1.3% and 3.0±2.1%; RHE: 6.4±2.4% and 9.4±4.1%, LHE: 8.4±3.4% and 7.8±4.3%, respectively). Gplyo increased significantly the LHF (3.9±1.4%) more than the other groups. In the between groups’ comparison, Gplyo showed a higher percentage of change in STFJ (6.4±1.8%) and Gflex+plyo showed higher values in running and hopping (10.7±4.6% and 13.3±2.1%, respectively). Specific stretching exercises combined with plyometrics may be more beneficial than other training strategies in young sprint hurdlers. This may better improve physical fitness, hip range of motion and may increase the different level of skills which may better improve performance in hurdles race.
