The effect of supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training on sprint-ability performance in university level badminton players

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The badminton being a highly explosive sport involves a unique movement technique and strength with a combination of speed (anaerobic fitness) and endurance (aerobic fitness). Strength, power, agility, and flexibility are key components of fitness as a part of a player’s fitness training. This training helps to promote recovery from exercise as well as restoring muscle energy for the next bout of activity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary regular training and short-duration sprint-agility training versus regular training on sprint-ability performance in university-level badminton players. METHODOLOGY: Thirty university-level badminton players were selected randomly and divided into Group A as regular training along with short-duration sprint-agility training and Group B as regular training group. Groups A and B received regular training for 5 days for 4 weeks and short-duration sprint-agility training for 2 days a week, respectively. Pre- and postset of performance tests were conducted which consist of 10-m sprint, 20-m sprint, 300-m shuttle run, badminton-specific repeated-agility sprint-ability test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test for oxygen consumption (VO2). RESULTS: There was a significant increase between both the groups in badminton shuttle distance (Group-A 34.51% >Group-B 13.87%), 20 m sprint time (Group-A 15.02% >Group-B 9.57%), and VO2 max (Group-A 5.61% >Group-B 3.94%). CONCLUSION: Supplementing regular training with sessions of short-duration sprint training led to substantial increase in repeated-agility sprint performance which helps to restore muscle energy and improve activity performance in university-level badminton players.