Comparison Between Effect Of Plyometric Exercises Versus Circuit Training Along With Iastm On Speed And Agility In Skaters

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Skating refers to the act of gliding on skates, which can be done on various surfaces like ice, concrete, and even snow. It encompasses various sports and recreational activities involving the use of skates for movement, including ice skating, roller skating, and skateboarding. Agility refers to the capacity to change the direction of the physique quickly. Strength denotes the skill of the muscles to produce energy with a solitary utmost exertion and is a vital component of aptness and performance. Plyometric is the term given for a type of workout that is planned to increase intensity or explosive control in certain muscle groups. Circuit drill is a way to train with limited equipment including series of stations including variations between different muscle groups for lower limb exercises. AIM: This study aims to compare the effects of Plyometric Exercises and Circuit Training combined with Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on speed and agility in skaters. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty skaters were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received plyometric exercises along with IASTM and Group B underwent circuit training along with IASTM. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the 30-meter sprint test and the Illinois agility test. The interventions were administered over six weeks, with sessions held three times per week. RESULT: Unpaired and paired t-tests were used to compare means between two groups and within groups. Results were measured to be significant as p<0.05. There is improvement in both agility and strength within the group as the value for agility p=0.001 and value post strength training p=0.083 hence a significant difference was found only in the agility group for between group comparison. In the Plyometric group, for agility, at baseline and end of the 6th week, t-value=13.78 and associated significant value p=0.000. For strength, at baseline and end of 6th week, t-value=-10.298 and associated significant value p=0.000. In Circuit training group, for agility, at baseline and end of the 6th week, t-value= 12.894 and associated significant value p=0.000. For strength, at baseline and end of 6th week, t-value=-7.669 and associated significant value p=0.000. Results showed that both interventions significantly improved speed and agility; however, Group A demonstrated greater improvement in speed, while Group B exhibited superior gains in agility. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that both methods are effective, but their impact varies depending on the performance component targeted. There is a noteworthy difference found within the group for both circuit training and plyometric training groups over agility and strength performance.