Abstract
The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of step aerobic training (SAT) on muscle power and agility in female badminton players. Twenty female badminton players were assigned to experimental groups (EG = 10) were for 30 minutes 3 days a week to perform SAT (age: 16.70 ± 1.15 yrs), and control groups (CG = 10) were regular badminton training. (age: 16.60 ± 1.17 yrs). Measures of muscle power was tested with a knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF) isokinetic peak toque 180°/sec (NM) and agility was tested in badminton specific movement. Results indicate that mean KE was after 4 weeks (left leg; 42.70 ± 5.65; p < 0.037, right leg; 45.90 ± 6.60; p < 0.002), KF (left leg; 40.60 ± 8.05, right leg; 41.90 ± 6.75; p < 0.001), and KE after 8 weeks (left leg; 45.00 ± 7.30, right leg; 47.30 ± 7.30; p < 0.001), KF (left leg; 45.00 ± 7.30, right leg; 47.30 ± 7.30; p < 0.001) increase than before, KE after 8 weeks (left leg; p < 0.023, right leg; p < 0.009), and KF in EG (left leg; p < 0.047, right leg; p < 0.014) increased than CG was statistically significant. Agility in EG after 4 weeks (52.42 ± 1.81 sec) and 8 weeks (49.12 ± 1.96 sec) decrease than before (55.91 ± 2.74 sec; p < 0.001). The agility time after 4 weeks (p < 0.004) and 8 weeks (p < 0.001) decreased than in the EG compared to CG. These findings indicate the 6-8 inches height of SAT and the rhythm movement control of 130-140 beats per minute (BPM) can increase muscle power and agility in 4 weeks, which is beneficial for those badminton players and coaches who want to use a short period of training.