IMPACTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON THE PHYSICAL FITNESS OF SHOT PUT ATHLETES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Shot put is a competitive sport that combines speed, strength, and explosiveness. Training the skill with aerobic exercise has attracted the attention of many coaches and scholars on competitive sports training. Shot put is a fast-powered activity, and its shooting speed is the determining factor for sports performance. It is believed that aerobic exercise can improve the ability of its practitioners. Objective: To analyze the impacts of aerobic exercise on the physical fitness of shot put athletes. Methods: 18 shot put athletes were randomly selected as volunteers for research that consisted of a random division between experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a protocol involving aerobic training, while the control group received regular training before, during, and after the experiment. The maximal strength and explosive power of the two groups of athletes were tested before and after the intervention, and mathematical-statistical methods were used to process the collected data. Results: The maximum strength index of both groups was improved; however, the improvement in the experimental group was statistically relevant(P<0.05). The values of the pressure index, power, and balance of the athletes from the experimental group were statistically altered to those before the experiment (P<0.01). Conclusion: The implementation of aerobic exercise in the routine of shot put athletes can effectively improve the performance in the sport and the special abilities of its practitioners. The training method analyzed was also shown to improve specific performance in the shot put athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.