EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING PROGRAM ON SPEED AND AGILITY IN YOUNG CRICKETERS

Objective: to evaluate the effects of plyometric training program on speed and agility of young Pakistani cricketers. Material & Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trail (NCT03830632) was conducted in Fitdiction Gym Islamabad after the approval from the competent authority. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect sample. The n=40 sample size was randomly allocated in two groups the plyometric training group and traditional training group, with 20 participants in each group. The male professional club cricketers with age between 14-24 years old from Islamabad were included after written informed consent. Speed was measured through 30 meter sprint test and T-Test to check the agility of cricketers. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze with-in group changes in both groups and independent t-test was use to compare the effects of both training programs. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age and BMI of cricketers were 18±1.97 years and 33.40±21.23 respectively. While comparing both groups, no significant difference observed throughout training session of agility and speed time (p>0.05). But the mean difference of agility and speed time of both groups was increased throughout training session. Conclusion: The results Indicated that both plyometric and traditional training improved speed and agility in young cricketers at the end of study. While comparing with traditional training, no statistically significance difference found between both groups. But when considering mean difference of time in speed and agility practical significance was observed. Keyword: Plyometrics, agility, speed, physical fitness, cricket.