Impact Of A 12-Week Circuit And Conventional Training On Core Strength Among High School Boys

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week circuit and conventional training program on abdominal strength among high school male students aged 14 to 16 years. Abdominal strength, a crucial component of core fitness, plays a significant role in postural stability, athletic performance, and injury prevention. A total of 60 students were randomly assigned into two groups: The Circuit Training Group (CTG) and the Conventional Training Group (CVTG), each comprising 30 participants further categorized by age (14, 15, and 16 years). Both groups underwent age-appropriate training protocols, with CTG following a structured circuit regimen twice a week and CVTG engaging in traditional training exercises six days a week. Abdominal strength was assessed at various time points: pre-test, mid-test (every two weeks), and post-test using the standardized AAHPER Youth Fitness Test (1957). The data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc test to assess within-group and between-group differences across time. Results revealed that both training methods significantly improved abdominal strength over the 12-week period. However, the circuit training group demonstrated superior gains compared to the conventional training group across all age categories. The findings suggest that circuit training is a more effective and time-efficient method for enhancing abdominal strength among adolescent boys, supporting its inclusion in school-based physical education programs.