Abstract

EFFECTS OF MAT PILATES TRAINING IN TERMS OF ATHLETIC CONDITIONING IN TEENAGE PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS

Perooru Rupesh*

ABSTRACT

Background: Pilates is a comprehensive body conditioning method that is directed towards the development of both the body and the mind of the individual. Objective: To identify the effects of Pilates training with skill practice and recovery is followed for 12 weeks in complete off season training with sports specific skills. Methodology: Study Design: Quasi-Experimental design, Descriptive study. Sample size: 32 players where in the training sessions. The study setting was observed through virtual sessions during COVID‟19 season for continuity of physical fitness. The duration of the study was 12 weeks. The quasi-experimental group (N=32) was prescribed with Mat Pilates exercise design progressively for 12 weeks for 3 sessions a week with a intensity grading for every 2 weeks. The pre and post-test values were taken. The outcome measures were 20 m run test, agility T test, core stability, push ups and squats. Results: This study shows statistically significant improvement in 20 Meter, Core Stability, Push Ups, and Squats. The Pilates exercise prescription improves Speed (20 meter run test), Agility (agility T test), Core Stability, Upper Body Strength (push ups), Lower Body Strength (squats). Sports Specific performance among the teenage professional cricketers has improved with Pilates Method of training. We used Paired t-test for the comparison of both pre and post test data which shows the p – value (0.000 < 0.05) for 20 meter run test, p – value (0.000 < 0.05) for Agility T test and p – value (0.00 < 0.05) for Core Stability, p – value (0.000 < 0.05) for Push Ups, p – value (0.000 < 0.05) for Squats. The Mean value are 0.27, 11.6, 18.81, 2.97 and 3.22 respectively. Conclusion: The use of Mat Pilates in the off season training can be an adjunct method in the Athletic Conditioning Program in teenage cricketers.

Keywords: conditioning, Pilates, core, breathing, posture.