Author(s): KIM, S.H., YOO, J., JANG, S., JEONG, H.S., KIM, J., AN, H., KIM, D., Institution: CHONNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 588

INTRODUCTION:
Squash is a high-intensity intermittent racket sport characterized by repeated acceleration-deceleration, directional changes, and lunging movements. These movement characteristics are closely related with lower limb muscle strength, particularly the eccentric contraction capability of the hamstring flexors. According Athletes in racquet sports benefit from performance enhancement and reduced injury risk by developing isokinetic muscular function. However, there is limited research systematically analyzing the complicated effects of squash-specific training on body composition, physical fitness, and isokinetic muscle function. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of structured squash training on the various physical adaptations in elite high school athletes.
METHODS:
Four high school squash players recruited and participated in this study. All participants have possessed at least 3 years of competitive experience and had no history of lower limb injuries within the previous 6 months. An 8-week structured squash training was applied and total 38 variables were determined at pre- and post-testing. During pre- and post testing, body composition (InBody 770), isokinetic muscle function (Cybex NORM; knee flexion/extension at 60°/s and 180°/s), functional fitness (grip strength, back strength, flexibility, agility, coordination), and anaerobic power (Wingate test) were measured. Statistical analysis was completed using paired t-tests with significance set at α=0.05. Effect sizes also were calculated using Cohen's d.
RESULTS:
Statistically significant changes were observed in 13 of 38 measured variables (p<0.05). The most prominent improvements occurred in high-velocity (180°/s) isokinetic hamstring flexor function: left side %BW(p=0.011); right side %BW( p=0.041). Body composition improvements were confirmed: skeletal muscle mass(p=0.022); fat-free mass(p=0.032); total body water(p=0.029). Functional fitness enhancements included grip strength (right)(p=0.043), trunk extension(p=0.049), and coordination (p=0.019). Anaerobic power also increased: average power (p=0.021). Notably, all significant changes demonstrated a large effect sizes (d>0.8).
CONCLUSION:
The results demonstrate that structured squash training induces comprehensive physiological adaptations, specifically in hamstring flexor function at high-velocity, enhanced body composition, increased functional fitness, and elevated anaerobic power. These findings suggest that structured squash training may induce an effective sport-specific conditioning method with simultaneously achieving performance enhancement and injury prevention.