Effect of Specific Strength and Pilates Training on Deceleration and Agility among Young Elite Male Cricket Batters: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Cricket is a high-intensity sport that requires agility, strength, and core stability, particularly during running between the wickets, which involves rapid acceleration, sprinting, and controlled deceleration. Core and lower-limb strength support stability, efficient load transfer, and injury prevention. Pilates, which focuses on core control, flexibility, and neuromuscular coordination, may complement strength training to enhance deceleration, agility, and Change Of Direction (COD) performance. Need of the study: Despite the significance of agility and deceleration in cricket, limited evidence exists on integrated training methods. This trial investigates the combined effect of specific strength and Pilates training on agility and deceleration in young elite cricket batters. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial will be conducted at KLE College of Physiotherapy, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, over six months from April 2025 to September 2025. Ethical approval has been obtained, and the study is prospectively registered. A total of 32 elite male cricketers aged 18-22 years will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive Pilates and specific strength training in addition to conventional training, while the control group will follow routine exercises. Training will be conducted thrice weekly for six weeks. Outcomes (agility t-test, shuttle run test, and 505 COD test) will be measured at baseline, six weeks, and eight weeks. Data will be analysed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0.