The Development of Students' Lower Limb Strength through the Implementation of a Functional Training Program Using Aqua-Fit Equipment

The aim of this study was to develop explosive strength in the lower limbs of students by implementing an experimental functional training program using Aqua-Fit equipment, specifically targeting university students enrolled in non-sports-related academic programs. This study was conducted over 14 weeks, structured: the first week of the initial test, 12 weeks of training, and the last week of the final test. A total of 40 students, aged 19-25, specializing in general medicine, participated in functional training sessions as part of their physical education classes, conducted twice a week over 12 weeks, with one 60-minute session per week. The evaluation focused on the Squat Jump test on both the right and left leg, using OptoJump technology, quantifying parameters such as contact time, flight time, jump height, power, and student progress. The results indicated a statistically significant p<0.05 improvement in all test parameters: maximum contact time, maximum flight time, maximum jump height, and maximum power. The most remarkable progress was observed in the jump height parameter for both the right and left leg. The Cohen’s d values were all < 0.8, indicating a very large effect size, demonstrating the effectiveness of the experimental training program using Aqua Fit equipment. The findings suggest that the functional training program utilizing Aqua-Fit equipment contributes to improving lower limb strength parameters.