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Research Article
Effect of a 12-week Skill Training Programme on the Health-related Components of Physical Fitness of Secondary School Female Football Players in Benue State, Nigeria
Andrew Aor Tyoakaa
,
Donatus Udochukwu Chukwudo,
Joy Nneoma Akameze*,
Francis Chibunine Ugwueze
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
84-90
Received:
6 June 2025
Accepted:
23 June 2025
Published:
22 July 2025
Abstract: Physical fitness and skills are critical determinants of performance in football, particularly for female players at the secondary school level. This study aimed to assess the effect of a 12-week skill training programme on health-related components of physical fitness in secondary school female football players in Benue State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Fifty-eight female football players participated in the study, comprising two experimental groups and a control group. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the PACER test, body composition through BMI, flexibility via the sit-and-reach test, and muscular strength and endurance using push-up and squat tests, respectively. The training intervention was conducted three days per week for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. The 12-week skill training programme significantly improved aerobic fitness (t(56) = 7.096, p =.001), flexibility (t(56) = 2.604, p =.012), and muscular strength (t(56) = 2.857, p =.006). No significant effects were observed for body composition (t(56) = 1.301, p =.198) and muscular endurance (t(56) =.910, p =.367). It was concluded that the 12-week skill training programme was effective in enhancing aerobic fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength but did not significantly impact body composition or muscular endurance. The findings highlight the need for integrating periodized endurance training alongside skill drills to optimize overall fitness in female football players.
Abstract: Physical fitness and skills are critical determinants of performance in football, particularly for female players at the secondary school level. This study aimed to assess the effect of a 12-week skill training programme on health-related components of physical fitness in secondary school female football players in Benue State, Nigeria. A quasi-exp...
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Research Article
Factors Influencing Participation of Physical Activity Among Senior Staff of Volta River Authority, Akuse
Tetteh Nelson*,
Emmanuel Osei Sarpong,
Michael Sedegah Mawuli
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
91-100
Received:
13 June 2025
Accepted:
30 June 2025
Published:
22 July 2025
Abstract: Physical activity participation has become a global health priority to people of all age groups due to its health benefits. The purpose of the study was to assess the factors that influence participation in physical activity among senior staff of Volta River Authority (VRA) in Akuse. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and twenty-two respondents were sampled using the census sampling technique. A questionnaire was self-developed on factors that influence participation in physical activity for data to be collected. Equipment and facilities were considered as highly influential factors to physical activity participation. Results indicated a significant correlation between attitude, biological factors, equipment and facilities, motivation, and nature of work. Again, males and females shared differences in opinion on attitude and nature of work. Lastly, the study recorded a significant difference among the ages of VRA senior staff on only the nature of work. It is recommended that VRA management create awareness of the existing facilities and equipment, making sure the facilities and the equipment are adequately maintained to standard and made accessible to all staff for use. Again, management of the Authority must empower the health department to develop programmes that would educate staff on the importance of physical activity and its associated health benefits.
Abstract: Physical activity participation has become a global health priority to people of all age groups due to its health benefits. The purpose of the study was to assess the factors that influence participation in physical activity among senior staff of Volta River Authority (VRA) in Akuse. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Two hu...
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Research Article
Effects of Close Kinetic Chain Exercise on Hand Grip Strength in Young Adult Males
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
101-108
Received:
20 May 2025
Accepted:
4 June 2025
Published:
28 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsspe.20251003.13
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Abstract: Background: Hand grip strength (HGS) is a key biomarker of overall muscular function, health status, and athletic performance. While open kinetic chain exercises are commonly employed to enhance HGS, the acute effects of close kinetic chain exercises (CKCE) on grip strength remain underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of CKCE on hand grip strength in healthy young adult males, focusing on both dominant and non-dominant forearms. Methods: Twenty-seven untrained male participants (mean age 19.56 ± 1.50 years) performed a standardized CKCE protocol involving wrist curls, grip crush, forearm squeezes, and fingertip push-ups. Hand grip strength was assessed at baseline (pre-test) and at 30 seconds, 2 minutes, and 5 minutes post-exercise using a digital grip dynamometer and EMG analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted to evaluate within-subject changes. Findings: Significant reductions in HGS were observed post-exercise. In the dominant forearm, grip strength significantly declined at 2 minutes (p = 0.004) and 5 minutes (p = 0.015) compared to pre-test values. In the non-dominant forearm, a significant difference was noted between 30 seconds and 5 minutes’ post-exercise (p = 0.01). The results suggest that CKCE induces acute muscular fatigue, leading to transient reductions in grip strength. Conclusion: CKCE elicits immediate but temporary reductions in hand grip strength due to neuromuscular fatigue. These findings are relevant for clinicians and trainers in designing exercise programs aimed at functional strength and recovery optimization.
Abstract: Background: Hand grip strength (HGS) is a key biomarker of overall muscular function, health status, and athletic performance. While open kinetic chain exercises are commonly employed to enhance HGS, the acute effects of close kinetic chain exercises (CKCE) on grip strength remain underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the immedi...
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