Effect of calisthenic exercises applied to kickboxing players on strength parameters

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a calisthenic exercise program on static/dynamic strength and muscular endurance in young male kickboxers. Methods: A total of 20 kickboxers between the ages of 20–26, healthy, volunteers and actively involved in this branch for at least 4 years participated in the study. The volunteers participating in the study were randomly divided into two groups as the study and control groups. The study group applied calisthenic strength exercises in addition to routine kickboxing technical training for 8 weeks and 3 days a week, while the control group continued only their weekly routine kickboxing training without applying any strength training. Static strength performance (grip-leg-back), dynamic strength performance (1RM bench press and 1RM barbel squat), 30-second push-ups and 30-second sit-ups tests were applied to the athletes participating in the study before and after the 8-week training. Results: In order to determine whether there are statistically significant differences between the control and study groups, an independent samples t-test was applied. A repeated measures anova test was performed to compare the pre-test and post-test results of the experimental and control groups. According to the research results, right/left hand grip strength, back strength, leg strength, 1RM bench press and 1RM barbel squat values ​​in both the study and control groups increased significantly after the 8-week training program compared to the values ​​before the program (p < 0.05). 30-second push-up and 30-second sit-up values ​​increased significantly only in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be said that the calisthenic exercise program applied in addition to kickboxing training has positive effects on muscular endurance performance. Trial Registration: NCT07149779-24.08.2025