To evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks combined core and plyometric training programme on power and muscular strength among selected Tripura cricketers. Pre test – post test randomized group design were undertaken for the present study which consist of an experimental group and control group. Equal number of subjects (n= 30) were assigned randomly to both the groups. The experimental group was exposed to 12 weeks combined core and plyometric training programme whereas, no treatment was given to control group. For the purpose of the present research work a total of 60 Cricketers were randomly selected for t he present research work. Power and muscular strength was selected as a dependent variable and 1 2 weeks combined core and plyometric training programme was considered as an independent variable .

1. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 –
6480(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6499(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 49-53 © IAEME
49
EFFECT OF COMBINED CORE AND PLYOMETRIC
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON POWER AND MUSCULAR
STRENGTH OF TRIPURA CRICKETERS
Dr. Deepak Kumar Dogra
Director (Operation), Laxmibai Sports Education & Welfare Society, New Delhi (INDIA)
ABSTRACT
To evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks combined core and plyometric training programme
on power and muscular strength among selected Tripura cricketers. Pre test – post test randomized
group design were undertaken for the present study which consist of an experimental group and
control group. Equal number of subjects (n= 30) were assigned randomly to both the groups. The
experimental group was exposed to 12 weeks combined core and plyometric training programme
whereas, no treatment was given to control group. For the purpose of the present research work a
total of 60 Cricketers were randomly selected for the present research work. Power and muscular
strength was selected as a dependent variable and 12 weeks combined core and plyometric training
programme was considered as an independent variable. The data was analyzed by applying one
tailed t-test was used to draw appropriate conclusions and to find out the effect of 12 weeks
combined core and plyometric training programme on power and muscular strength variables among
selected Tripura cricketers. The significance level was set at 0.05. The results indicated that there
was significant difference found in experimental group selected Tripura state cricketers on power
and muscular strength variables in comparison to control group. The findings of this study showed
that 12 weeks repeated combined core and plyometric training programme was an effective training
tool to improve a cricketers’ power and muscular strength abilities.
Keywords: Core, Plyometric, Programme, Power, and Muscular Strength
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of all sports training is the maximization of the physical and mental elements
required to perform exercises or play games. Therefore, the application of specialized and specific
training suitable for sports is important. In particular, the acquisition of maximum muscle strength
and power is an essential element of all sports.
Plyometric and core training is widely used as a method of developing explosive power
capacity in those sports that require jumping ability such as athletics, basketball, and volleyball
(Kim, 2012).Most sports require various kinds of fast and slow muscle strength and speed (Park,
2000). Although typical training methods for increasing the muscle strength of athletes include
weight training, such as resistance exercises and plyometric training (Yang et. al. 2007) , the power
necessary for explosive jumping refers to the power exhibited in dynamic states (Lee & Choi, 2005).
Plyometric training is a type of muscle strength exercise that can improve basic physical strength and
it has been extensively studied for the improvement of exercise performance ability. It is an
explosive and repetitive rebounding load type exercise that uses the muscles’ stretch reflexes and
stretch-shortening cycles to develop lower extremity muscles (Impellizzeri et. al. 2007 & Komi,
1992). Stretch reflexes are used to promote motor unit mobilization in order to reduce differences
between speeds and muscle strength (Wilmore et. al. 2008).
In cricket, diverse efforts have been made to try and enhance records through active studies
and the development of training methods. With increasing interest in cricket, the importance of
athletic scientification has been recognized. Desired records in performance cannot be achieved only
with natural movements and efforts, but also require more reasonable and scientific training content
and methods (Lee, 2005). The physical strength and power elements required for cricket throwing,
bowling, batting events include muscle strength, swiftness, agility, speed, flexibility, and physical
balance. Although plyometric training and core training are implemented as representative training
methods for improving swiftness and agility, most studies of it have been conducted with players of
other sports.
Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of 12 weeks combined
core and plyometric training programme on power and muscular strength among selected Tripura
cricketers in order to develop more efficient training methods.
METHODOLOGY
For the purpose of the present research work a total of 60 cricketers were randomly selected.
These subjects had represented Tripura Cricket Association (Affiliation to BCCI) in tournaments.
The age of the subjects were ranging from 19 years to 31 years. The average age was being 25 years.
Power and muscular strength were selected as a dependent variable and 12 weeks of combined core
and plyometric training programme was considered as an independent variable. Power was measured
in centimeters rounded off 0.01 centimeter by using measuring steel tape. Whereas, muscular
strength was measured in kilograms rounded off 0.1 kilogram by using Olympic set (Nelco). To test
power and muscular strength the vertical jump and bench press test were respectively administrated
for Tripura cricketers. Combined core and plyometric training programme including upper and lower
body were administered three times a week on experimental group subjects at M.B.B. Stadium in
Agartala for a period of 12 weeks (84 days) while the control group underwent only their regular
practice schedule during morning time. Before the administration of training programme, vertical
jump and bench press test were respectively administrated at same venue on both the group’s namely
experimental group and control group respectively to collect pre test data. After the completion of 12
weeks training programme again the same power and muscular strength tests were conducted to

3. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976
6480(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6499(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp.
collect the post training data. To analyze the data t
set at 0.05.
FINDINGS
The findings of the study are given below:
Table 1.0: Analysis of One tailed
Variables
Groups
Power (Centimeters)
Control
Experimental
Muscular Strength
(kilograms)
Control
Experimental
N = 30
* Significant at .05 level. ‘t’ 0 .05 (29) =1.70
The graphical representation of pre and post test means of
power (vertical jump test) and muscular strength
presented in figure 1.0 and 1.1.
DISCUSSION
The control and experimental group
respectively. This could be the fact that
, as the region gets heavy shower (2001 Census average annual rainfall of Tripura state was
approximately 192.8 centimeters) due to its loc
Ranges (Such as, Garo; Khasi; and Jaintia Hills).
soccer lover and in the absence of extensive facilities and heavy rain during the training day
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
CONTROLGROUP EXPERIMENTAL
GROUP
Figure – 1.0
Graphical Representation of Mean Differences on Power
(Vertical Jump Test) of Selected Control & Experimental
Group
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976
6499(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 49-53
51
o analyze the data t-test was computed and the
The findings of the study are given below:
One tailed t-test on the Data of Running between the Wickets
Groups
Groups Df
Pre-test
Mean
Post-test
Mean
Control 29 47.36 49.53
Experimental 29 42.73 51.20
Control 29 57.66 57
Experimental 29 56.66 62.83
* Significant at .05 level. ‘t’ 0 .05 (29) =1.70
The graphical representation of pre and post test means of control and experimental
) and muscular strength (one repetition maximum bench press test)
he control and experimental group subjects were outperformed in power
. This could be the fact that rains for the play spoilsport in the control group participation
, as the region gets heavy shower (2001 Census average annual rainfall of Tripura state was
approximately 192.8 centimeters) due to its location in the Lower Himalayan Region Poorvanchal
Ranges (Such as, Garo; Khasi; and Jaintia Hills). However, domiciles of North East in general are
and in the absence of extensive facilities and heavy rain during the training day
Graphical Representation of Mean Differences on Power
(Vertical Jump Test) of Selected Control & Experimental
PRE TEST
POST TEST
0
20
40
60
80
CONTROLGROUP EXPERIMENTAL
GROUP
Figure – 1.1
Graphical Representation of Mean Differences on Muscular
Strength (One Repetition Maximum Bench Press Test) of
Selected Control & Experimental Group
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 –
3 © IAEME
and the significance level was
Wickets among Selected
DM ‘t’
2.16
3.37*
8.46 11.42*
- 0.66 1.44
6.17 10.79*
control and experimental group for
(one repetition maximum bench press test) are
were outperformed in power variable
rains for the play spoilsport in the control group participation
, as the region gets heavy shower (2001 Census average annual rainfall of Tripura state was
ation in the Lower Himalayan Region Poorvanchal
f North East in general are
and in the absence of extensive facilities and heavy rain during the training days lead
Graphical Representation of Mean Differences on Muscular
Strength (One Repetition Maximum Bench Press Test) of
Selected Control & Experimental Group
PRE TEST
POST TEST

4. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 –
6480(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6499(Online), Volume 6, Issue 1, January (2015), pp. 49-53 © IAEME
52
them to practice soccer. As the results of control group are fair remarkable rich in ability such as
power in comparison to experimental group subjects. Athanasios et. al. (2008) examined the
movement actions performed during two different small-sided games and their effects on a series of
field physical conditioning and technical tests. Thirty-four young soccer players (age: 13 ± 0.9 yrs;
body mass: 62.3 ± 15.1 kg; height: 1.65 ± 0.06 m) participated in this study. Soccer player
performance was evaluated using five field tests: a) 30m sprint, b) throw-in for distance, c) Illinois
Agility Test, d) dribbling the ball and e) horizontal jump for power before, in the middle and after
the implementation of both game situations and the results of the present study indicated similar
findings that soccer side games provide higher stimulus for physical conditioning like power and
agility and technical improvement and their use for training young soccer players is recommended.
This fact could be the main reason for significant within group differences results in both the groups,
namely control and experimental respectively to develop power variable. On the other hand,
experimental group in muscular strength variable found significant as compared to control group.
This could be due to the fact that the experimental group hence underwent a with rigorous and
regimented fitness regime in a structured set-up as prescribed 12 weeks combined core and
plyometric training programme by the researcher in comparison to non-structured set-up used by the
control group owing to their remote geographical location with reference to the place of training. In
reference to this, Rolf et.al. (2012) also investigated the effect of 12 week exercise programme using
a combination of static core and lower limb exercises on trunk strength and lower limb stability and
similar facts were reported that combined core and lower limb exercises improves strength and
stability in Australian soldiers.
CONCLUSION
The results indicated that there was a significant improvement had exhibited by experimental
group cricketers on muscular strength after exposed to 12 weeks combined core and plyometric
training programme in comparison to control group subjects. Hence, it is concluded that combined
core and plyometric training programme was an effective training method to improve a cricketers’
muscular strength.
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