The effect of square stepping exercises training on lower extremity motor performance, muscle strength and muscle quality in healthy young people: a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

The square stepping exercise (SSE), which is a new type of aerobic exercise, is preferred for various purposes. This study attempted to explore the effect of SSE training on lower-extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality in healthy young individuals. Participants were 120 healthy young individuals aged between 20-25 years, who were randomly divided into two groups as the treatment group, which received SSE training (Group 1; n=60) and control group (Group 2; n=60). The participants’ lower-extremity motor performance was analyzed through vertical jumping, side jumping, one leg squat, and step-up tests, whereas their muscle strength was analyzed through a hand-held dynamometer and their muscle quality was analyzed through Muscle Quality Index. The SSE was employed to the treatment group in 12 sessions, four days a week for three weeks and each session lasted 45 minutes. The control group did not receive any treatment and only evaluation was implemented. A significant improvement was observed in lower-extremity motor performance (p<.001), muscle strength of quadriceps femoris muscle (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001) in Group 1 in the post-training evaluations. This study revealed a significant improvement in favor of Group 1 in side jumping (p<.001), one leg squat (p<.001), step-up test (p<.001), quadriceps femoris muscle strength (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001). However, no significant change was observed between the groups in the vertical jumping test (p=.099). The results showed the effect of SSE training on the lower-extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality of healthy young individuals.