Effects of Bulgarian bag training on bio-motor fitness, physiological, haematological, and performance in young adult male Kabaddi players

Abstract

Kabaddi demands high bio-motor fitness and physiological robustness in players.The Bulgarian Bag, known for its dynamic training potential, offers multi-planar movements to enhance strength, endurance, and coordination. However, its impact on Kabaddi players still needs to be explored.To assess the effects of Bulgarian Bag training (BBT) on bio-motor fitness, physiological, hematological, and performance measures in young adult Kabaddi players. A total of 30 participants were randomly assigned to either the BBT Group (BBTG) (n = 15; age = 20.73 ± 1.83 years; weight = 72.56 ± 7.27 kg; height = 175.20 ± 6.03 cm) or the active Control Group (CG) (n = 15; age = 20.80 ± 1.69 years; weight = 71.86 ± 4.75 kg; height = 171.46 ± 6.06 cm).The training intervention lasted 12 weeks and was conducted during the in-season period. All outcome parameters tests were conducted before and after the intervention, including agility (AG), explosive strength (ES), shoulder strength (SS), muscular strength (MS), resting heart rate (RHR), VO2max, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HG), and playing ability (PA).The ANCOVA analysis revealed significant between-group differences in all physical fitness measures at post-test. Specifically, the BBTG showed significant improvements in AG, ES, SS, MS, RHR, VO2Max, RBC, WBC, HG, and PA (d = 0.75 to 3.28; Δ0.50% to 16.37%). Moreover, the BBTG group significantly reduced resting heart rate (d = 0.75; Δ-3.31%). In contrast, no significant changes were reported in the Control Group (CG) between pre- and post-tests (d = 0.00 to 0.78; Δ-0.08% to 4.59%). Integrating BBTG into the training program of young adult male Kabaddi players yielded beneficial effects across multiple parameters of bio-motor fitness, physiological, hematological, and playing ability.The findings reveal the potential of BBTG as a valuable training method for enhancing Kabaddi performance and overall athletic conditioning.