Features of Special Physical Training for Female Athletes in Cossack Fight during Different Phases of a Specific Biological Cycle

Abstract

Background. The training methods for female athletes’ special physical training are considered to be a crucial aspect of the overall preparation system for competitive activity, which requires correct planning and implementation. Objectives. The study aimed to determine the impact of special preparatory exercises on female athletes engaged in Cossack Fight, depending on the characteristics of the body’s functioning in different phases of a specific biological cycle. Materials and methods. The study involved 20 female athletes aged 17-24 years who participated in Cossack Fight, and were divided into experimental and control groups. The qualification levels of female athletes in the experimental group were as follows: 1 – Master of Sports of Ukraine; 2 – Candidates for Master of Sports of Ukraine; 7 – 1 sports category. The control group comprised: 1 – Master of Sports of Ukraine; 2 – Candidates for Master of Sports of Ukraine; 7 – 1 sports category. The training program lasted for ten weeks and took place at a special preparatory and control-preparatory stage of the preparatory period. Results. The findings showed that the variability of training loads, depending on the phase of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, had a statistically significantly greater impact on the indicators of special physical fitness in the female athletes’ experimental group compared to the control group. Thus, after ten weeks of special physical training, the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in the number of direct punches on the punching bag in 4 seconds (t=4.07; p<0.001) and 15 seconds (t=3.62; p<0.001), throwing a medicine ball weighing 3 kg (t=2.92; p<0.05), repeated circular kicks on the punching bag to the torso level for 15 seconds (t=4.22; p<0.001), direct punches on the punching bag for 1 minute (t=4.23; p<0.001), repeated circular kicks on the punching bag for 1 minute (t=4.49; p<0.001), and jumping rope after exercise (a 3-minute punching bag workout) for 1 minute (t=3.55; p<0.001).  Conclusions. The implementation of an experimental program for special physical training of female athletes, in accordance with the phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, into the general system of preparation for competitive activity, leads to a statistically reliable improvement in key indicators of physical fitness.