Countermovement Jump Performance in Elite Senior Male Kabaddi Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the peak power and relative peak power output between raiders and defenders in professional kabaddi players using the counter movement jump test. Method: A total of 16 professional male kabaddi players, evenly split into 8 raiders, and 8 defenders with an average kabaddi experience of 6 years (aged 22.5 ± 3.1 years, height 175.1 ± 6.3cm and weight 78.7 ± 0.5kg) participated in this study. A counter movement jump test on a force platform was performed to determine their power output values along with their whole-body composition analysis. All players have played in national, international, or pro league competitions. During their 8-week pre-season camp in September–October 2022, these athletes trained and were tested at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, India. Results: The results indicated that there is no significant difference in peak power output with respect to a Kabaddi player’s playing position or training age. But a significant positive correlation (p=0.039) was established between lean body mass and relative peak power output. Conclusion: The current study suggests that peak power production from the countermovement leap test may be a good way to measure explosive leg power in kabaddi athletes. Kabaddi raiders and defenders have similar vertical jump height, peak power, and relative peak power. Years of kabaddi experience did not affect countermovement jump test variables. According to the study, all kabaddi players have similar physiological demands.