Effect of Squat Jump and Split Jump Training on Dynamic Balance among Male Kabaddi Players: A Comparative Study

Background: Kabaddi is an indigenous game which is popular in India. It requires tremendous physical stamina, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, dynamic balance, agility, neuromuscular coordination, lung capacity, quick reflexes, intelligence and presence of mind on the part of both attackers and defenders during the game. Squat jump and split jump are the types of plyometric exercises which are often used by athletes. Aim: The aim of the study is toevaluate the effect of squat jump and split jump training on dynamic balance among male Kabaddi players. Method: 44 male Kabaddi players were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 3 Kabaddi clubs from Jalgaon city. Their age ranged between 18-25 years. All the players were assessed prior to the intervention for dynamic balance using SEBT. 22 players were recruited in group with Squat jump (Group A) and 22 players were recruited in group with Split jump (Group B). Both the squat jump and split jump were included in their daily practise for 6 weeks for 5 days/week with 3 sets of 10 reps. After 6 weeks all the 44 players were reassessed for dynamic balance by using SEBT. Result: The result of our study showed that both the squat jump and split jump are equally effective in improving balance among the male Kabaddi players. Conclusion: The study concluded that, both the squat jump and split jump were equally effective in improving dynamic balance among male Kabaddi players aged between 18-25 years, as the comparative study showed no statistical significance (p value greater than0.05) between group A and group B.