Effect of a 10-week Training Program on Muscle Power, Endurance, and Jump Kick Performance in Young Male Taekwondo Athletes Using the 4D PRO® Bungee Trainer and Battle Ropes Exercises

Taekwondo, which mainly involves kicking and flexibility exercises, demands physical fitness of strength, endurance, and power. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on muscle strength, endurance, and jump kick performance of using 4D PRO® Bungee Trainer and Battle Rope for training in Taekwondo. Methods: The study included 40 male Taekwondo players aged 16-18, and the participants were divided into two comparable groups: the first group of subjects (experimental group) underwent training with 4D Pro and Battle Ropes (n = 20, mean ± SD, age 16. 95 ± 0.96 years, height 168.95 ± 1.28 cm, weight 67.55± 1.54 kg, training experience 3.30 ± 0.47 years). The second set of subjects (control group) included subjects who underwent traditional training without 4D Pro and Battle Rope (n = 20, mean ± SD, age 17.00 ± 0.73 years, height 168.90 ± 1.52 cm, weight 67.50 ± 0.95 kg, and training experience 3.35 ± 0.49 years). It was carried out using pre- and post-measurements, with ten weeks of training. In the EG, the program was designed to enhance muscle strength, endurance, and jump kick performance, with sessions conducted three times a week. Each training session was between 60-90 minutes and the training repetition duration was 50 to 90 seconds. The tool requires 30-60 minutes for a session and the load intensity level is between 60-85% maximum heart rate. The training program for the CG matched the program without 4D PRO® Bungee Trainer and Battle Rope exercises. Results: This study revealed that there was a significant difference between the pre and post-tests of the EG. This meant that the Cohen’s d values for the EG were above 0.8 thus implying a very large effect size. The EG had a higher mean score than the CG in the measurements being used in this study. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of using 4DPro and Battle Rope in providing quality training programs to develop muscle strength, endurance, and jump kick performance in Taekwondo.