Date of Award
12-2009
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Human Performance and Health Education
First Advisor
Dr. Michael G. Miller
Second Advisor
Dr. Christopher C. Cheatham
Third Advisor
Dr. Jennifer O'Donoghue
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Agility is an important skill in athletic performance because it integrates intermittent, dynamic, and skilled movements. The purpose of this study was to investigate two forms of agility training, preplanned and reactive protocols. Thirty male adolescents (age 16.33 ±1.06; height 177.42 ±7.49 cm; weight 70.08 ±10.08 kg) participated in one of three treatment groups: 1) Control Group; 2) Preplanned Protocol; 3) Reactive Protocol. The three agility tests were the T-test, Illinois Agility test, and SPAD (Speed and Agility Drill). Subjects pre tested on each agility test and were divided into three groups based upon performance. Agility protocols were done two days per week for six weeks. Subjects post-tested on the agility tests at the completion of the six week program. There was a significant difference between the preplanned and control groups for the post SPAD scores using a one-way analysis of covariance, when pre SPAD scores were used as the covariate (F 2.26 = 6.62, p=.005). A paired sample t-test revealed significant improvement of the preplanned group in all three dependent variables (T-test p= .014; Illinois agility test p=.O26; SPAD p=.002). The reactive training group showed significant improvements over time in the SPAD test (p=.O48). The utilization of preplanned or reactive agility training has shown improvements for adolescent athletes. Agility training, especially in adolescent athletes can be implemented to prevent injuries and assist in developing correct biomechanics and increase performance.
Recommended Citation
Neitzke, Heidi, "Preplanned and Reactive Agility Training Influence on Agility Test Performance in Male Adolescents" (2009). Masters Theses. 293.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/293