Repetitive Sprint or Calisthenics Training: Which Is More Successful for Athletic Performance

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effects of repetitive sprint and calisthenics training methods on athletic performance improvement. The study was carried out with the voluntary participation of 20 international level kickboxers. Athletes were randomly assigned into two groups as Repetitive Sprint Training Group (RSTG) (n=10; age: 20, 20 +/- 1,32 years) and Calisthenics Training Group (CTG) (n=10; age: 21,20 +/- 1,23 years). Athletes participated in the training of their groups for six weeks, three times a week, every other day. The effects of training methods on the performance improvement of athletes were examined by measurements and tests performed at the pre-test (T1), interim-test (T2), and post-test (T3) stages. Athletes' height, body composition (body weight, body mass index, body fat mass), aerobic endurance (VO2max), peak anaerobic power, and isometric leg (knee, flexion-extension) strength values (60 degrees/sec- 90 degrees/sec) has been examined. At the end of the study, the data were analyzed at a 95% significance level. The results of the study revealed that the repetitive sprint and calisthenics training methods were effective on body composition, aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, and isokinetic strength parameters (p1<0.05), but the effect level was similar in both training methods (p2>0.05). Repetitive sprint and calisthenics training methods are both effective in regulating the body composition of athletes and accelerating aerobic endurance, power, and strength progress, but when designed at similar training intensity, both methods have similar effects.