Effect of Resistance Training on Physical Fitness Variables of Female Hockey Players

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of resistance training on selected physical fitness variables of female hockey players. Thirty female hockey players of 18-25 years of age were randomly assigned into two groups i.e. experimental group and control group. The experimental group underwent a structured resistance training program for 8 weeks, while the control group maintained their normal daily activities with no specific training intervention. The main physical fitness variables such as muscular strength, speed, agility and endurance were assessed using standardised testing procedures before and after the training period. The collected data were analysed statistically by pair and independent t-tests The results of the study showed that the muscular strength (t=6.42), speed (t=4.87), agility (t=5.12) and endurance (t=6.01) of the subjects of the experimental group were significantly improved at 0.05 level of significance. In contrast, no significant improvement was observed in any of the chosen parameters in the control group. These findings strongly suggest the important role of resistance training in improving the athletic performance and general physical fitness of female hockey players.