Abstract
The specificity of the 400m race requires runners to run at speeds close to their maximum. This places a significant role on the central nervous system, which is responsible for the continuous mobilization of muscle fibers when a large amount of lactate accumulates. Consequently, it must improve the efficiency of the nervous system to increase the mobilization of fast-twitch muscle fibers during high lactate accumulation within the muscles. This must also increase the ability of these fibers to generate the energy they need by removing and breaking down lactate during intensive training and competition. This is the key to developing a runner's ability to tolerate and handle lactate accumulation and produce high speed despite the large accumulation, which is a high indicator of the efficiency of the body's functional organs and systems. The study aimed to: 1. Identify the effect of combined running and plyometric exercises using modified circuits on strength endurance, final speed, aerobic capacity, and the 400m completion rate for under-20years. 2. Identify the superiority of the effect between the experimental and control groups in developing research variables. The researchers used the experimental approach, designing two equivalent groups: control and experimental, to suit the research objectives and hypotheses. The research population consisted of 16 runners from the Middle Euphrates Governorates (Karbala, Babil, Najaf, Diwaniyah) and the capital, Baghdad, in the 400m under-20 competition. The researcher randomly selected the 10 runners for his research sample, representing 62.5% of the research population. The most important conclusions of the researchers were: Keywords: Sprinting, Plyometric, Training, Strength, Endurance. Introduction Athletics is a widely popular sport worldwide. What distinguishes it from other sports is the variety of its competitions, each one distinct from the next. The 400m race is one of
selected the 10 runners for his research sample, representing 62.5% of the research population. The most important conclusions of the researchers were: Keywords: Sprinting, Plyometric, Training, Strength, Endurance. Introduction Athletics is a widely popular sport worldwide. What distinguishes it from other sports is the variety of its competitions, each one distinct from the next. The 400m race is one of the most exciting, thrilling, and competitive athletic events, requiring runners to run the entire race distance at speeds close to their maximum. "The uniqueness of this event places a significant burden on the body's various functional systems due to the increased accumulation of lactate during training and competition, as this competition falls within the framework of the lactic system. Since the uniqueness of this competition requires runners to run at speeds close to their maximum, this places a significant role on the central nervous system, as it is responsible for the continuous mobilization of muscle fibers when a large amount of lactate accumulates. Athletic performance is influenced by several physiological *Correspondence: Hussein Alawi Abdel Email: hussein.allawi@uokerbala.edu.iq Received: 05-07-2025 Accepted: 17-08-2025 Published: 28-09-2025 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Submitted for open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/).
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 2 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo processes related to the nervous system's ability to regulate the activities of the body's various systems and organs. Enhancing the central nervous system's ability to recruit fast- twitch muscle fibers during high muscle lactate buildup and increasing its ability to generate the necessary energy by removing and breaking down lactate during intense training or competition is a key factor in developing a runner's ability to withstand lactate buildup and maintain high speeds despite elevated lactate levels. This is an important indicator of the efficiency of the body's functional systems and organs." Using a combination of sprint training and plyometric exercises within modified training circuits aims to enhance the central nervous system's ability to recruit fast-twitch muscle fibers under conditions of high muscle acidity, contributing to the development of muscle endurance, terminal velocity, and aerobic capacity, thus improving overall athletic performance. Methodology Research Problem: Clarifying the true relationship between the central nervous system and endurance racing remains complex and challenging. Runners who specialize in this type of competition possess powerful nervous systems that play a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of both training and competition. The nervous system contributes to regulating running speed during endurance training and racing and can also be a major cause of fatigue. Based on this concept, which is part of recent developments in training science, and through field observations by researchers with extensive practical training experience, a clear decline in athletic achievement has been observed. This is attributed to the weakness of training programs designed to enhance the nervous system's ability to recruit fast-twitch muscle fibers to function under conditions of lactate accumulation. It has also been shown that many coaches focus on training that targets speed and strength separately, adopting training methods that enhance only one physical characteristic without combining exercises specifically designed to develop the nervous system's ability to function under challenging conditions. Accordingly, researchers have developed a modern training program that focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the nervous system, which positively impacts the development of the
coaches focus on training that targets speed and strength separately, adopting training methods that enhance only one physical characteristic without combining exercises specifically designed to develop the nervous system's ability to function under challenging conditions. Accordingly, researchers have developed a modern training program that focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the nervous system, which positively impacts the development of the physical qualities and abilities associated with this type of sporting activity. Research Objectives: 1. Identify the effect of combined running and plyometric exercises with modified circuits on strength endurance, final velocity, aerobic capacity, and 400m completion for under-20s. 2. To identify the differences between the two groups in developing the research variables under study. Research Hypotheses:
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 3 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo 1. Combined running and plyometric exercises with modified circuits have effects on strength endurance, final velocity, aerobic capacity, and 400m completion for under- 20s. 2. Identify the superiority of the effect between the experimental and control groups in developing the research variables. Research Areas: • Human Area: 400m runners under 20 years of age in the Middle Euphrates and Baghdad clubs for the 2025 season. • Time Area: From January 11, 2025 to April 24, 2025. • Spatial Area: Karbala Olympic Stadium track, Hilla Stadium track, Najaf Stadium track, and Baghdad Ministry of Youth Stadium track. Research Methodology: The research methodology is determined by the nature of the problem to be studied. Since the research problem is experimental in nature, requiring the implementation of a specific training program, the researchers relied on the experimental approach by designing two equivalent groups: a control group and an experimental group, in line with the research objectives and hypotheses. Research Population and Sample: The research population was determined from 14 runners from the Middle Euphrates Governorates (Karbala, Babil, Najaf, Diwaniyah) and the capital, Baghdad, for the 400m under-20 race. The researchers randomly selected their sample of 10 runners, representing 71% of the research population. The sample was divided in the same manner into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, each comprising five runners. The researchers performed a homogeneity process on the research sample members, using the variables of height, mass, and training age, and analyzed them statistically using Levene's law for the aforementioned variables, as shown in Table (1). Table 1. Shows the homogeneity of the research sample members Variables Units Degrees of freedom between groups Degrees of freedom within groups Levene's value of the mean Morale level Type of statistical significance Height Cm 1 8 1.100 376. Sig. Mass Kg 1 8 148. 741. Sig. Training Age Month 1 8 638. 469. Sig. It is clear from Table (1) that the level of significance for the test for all variables was greater than the significance level (0.05),
freedom within groups Levene's value of the mean Morale level Type of statistical significance Height Cm 1 8 1.100 376. Sig. Mass Kg 1 8 148. 741. Sig. Training Age Month 1 8 638. 469. Sig. It is clear from Table (1) that the level of significance for the test for all variables was greater than the significance level (0.05), which indicates the absence of significant
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 4 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo differences between the individuals of the research sample, which indicates their homogeneity in these variables. Methods, devices, and tools used in the research: • Observation. • Personal interview. • Questionnaire. • Tests and measurements. • Chinese medical scale. • (2) Japanese Sony cameras. • ACER electronic calculator. • (2) Chinese whistles. • 2 m long leather measuring tape. • (4) Chinese stopwatches. • (4) 30 cm high cones. Field Research Procedures: Identifying Tests for the Variables: After reviewing sources, references, theses, and scientific frameworks, the researchers identified the following tests to measure the research variables: • Strength endurance was measured using the Bosco test 2 —jumping up onto a strength platform from a half-squat position for 60 seconds. • Final velocity was measured using the achievement test, where the time for the last 60 meters of the race was measured. • Measuring aerobic capacity using the Bruce test. Test Description: 3 First: Bosco test, 60 seconds. • Test objective: Measuring strength endurance. • Test requirements: Strength measuring platform - computer - whistle - stopwatch. • Test description: "The test consists of jumping on a strength measuring platform for 60 seconds. After completing the warm-up requirements properly, the test begins with the subject standing on the strength measuring platform with their hands on their waists (waist position). When ready for the test, the timer blows a whistle to begin the test. The subject jumps up from a half-squat position and continues jumping until the 60 seconds are complete. After that, the timer blows a whistle to stop the test. All research sample members complete the test in the same manner." • Recording: Data were recorded using a computer, then entered and processed using Excel. Second: Final velocity: • Test objective: Measuring the final velocity of the research sample members.
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 5 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo • Test requirements: Athletics track - computer - Whistle, Stopwatch, Indicators • Test Description: The last 60m of the athletics track was marked. Indicators were placed on the fields, and a camera was installed to record the time of the last 60m. The time was analyzed using the Kinovea program, in addition to manual timing by setting a special timer to record the time of the last 60m. • Recording: The times are recorded by analyzing the test using the aforementioned program and then statistically processing. Third: Bruce Test: • Test Purpose: Measuring aerobic capacity. • Test Requirements: Fitmate Pro system: o A Life Fitness stationary bike with a capacity of 9700, American-made, mechanical (hand and foot), with a screen to monitor speed and determine the resistance of each test subject. o Hygienic paper for cleaning respirator masks/Antiseptic solution for sterilizing respirator masks. o A personal electronic scale measuring (kg) and its parts. • Test Description: Before starting the test, the test administrator cleans the respirator mask used to measure capacity. The airway is sterilized with a disinfectant solution, the parts of the Fitmate Pro device are connected together, the pulse belt is secured to the tester's chest, and the Bluetooth pulse signal receiver is installed in the device. This is followed by entering the tester's information into the device, including name, date of birth, gender, height, weight, and the type of test required, which is aerobic capacity. The breathing mask is then securely fastened using its straps, ensuring that no air is leaking from the mask. The tester then climbs onto a stationary bicycle with a push-feet function. The tester gradually increases the speed, with the test administrator instructing the user to control the speed of the machine by gradually increasing the speed and monitoring it from (2.5) to (7) km/h. This differs from the treadmill in that it determines the speed and engages the body's muscles during the exercise. The device contains a small screen with a bar chart showing the pulse and aerobic capacity,
test administrator instructing the user to control the speed of the machine by gradually increasing the speed and monitoring it from (2.5) to (7) km/h. This differs from the treadmill in that it determines the speed and engages the body's muscles during the exercise. The device contains a small screen with a bar chart showing the pulse and aerobic capacity, along with the percentages of each, which are monitored by the assessor. Recording: The Fitmate Pro device provides a comprehensive reading of the measurements for aerobic capacity in milliliters/kg/h. Minutes, and compared to the objective standard issued by the device to determine the individual's rate of improvement. Fourth: 400m Test: • Purpose of the Test: Measuring the achievement of the research sample members • Test Requirements: Legal athletics track, stopwatches, timers, whistle, starter, scoring form, recorder.
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 6 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo • Test Description: Each pair of research sample members is tested. The two test subjects stand near the starting line, each in their designated area. Upon hearing the starter's signal, they move around, and each sits in the low starting position. The starter then gives the "Get Ready" signal. The starter then gives the start signal, and the two test subjects set off to complete a full lap as far as possible. Upon crossing the finish line, the timers stop their watches and record them on the scoring form. The rest of the test subjects complete the test in the same manner. Pre-tests: Before beginning the exercises designed by the researchers, pre-tests were conducted on the research sample over two consecutive days, separated by one rest day. This interval was intended to avoid fatigue from the athletes' excessive testing, thus ensuring the accuracy of the results obtained. These tests included measuring strength, terminal velocity, and aerobic capacity, in addition to a 400-meter completion test. The tests were conducted on the Karbala Olympic Stadium track, with the exception of the strength and aerobic capacity tests, which were conducted in the laboratory of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences/University of Karbala using a force platform and a FitTM Pro device. On the first day of testing, the researchers measured and recorded the mass and height, as well as the chronological and training age of the sample members. The researchers ensured that all testing conditions were standardized, including the location of the test, the performance mechanism, and the support team, to ensure consistent post-test conditions. The tests were distributed as follows: • Day One: Sunday, January 19, 2025 1. 9:00 AM / Strength Endurance Test 2. 11:00 AM / Aerobic capacity test. • Day Two: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 1. 9:00 AM / 400m run achievement test 2. 2-4-4 Equivalence Procedures: To enable the researchers to identify the differences between "the two independent groups, the control and the experimental, and attribute these differences to the experimental factor, the
1. 9:00 AM / Strength Endurance Test 2. 11:00 AM / Aerobic capacity test. • Day Two: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 1. 9:00 AM / 400m run achievement test 2. 2-4-4 Equivalence Procedures: To enable the researchers to identify the differences between "the two independent groups, the control and the experimental, and attribute these differences to the experimental factor, the researchers conducted an equivalence process between the two groups in the variables of strength endurance, final speed, aerobic capacity, and achievement. The parametric statistical law (t-test) was used for two independent samples of equal number, based on the results of the pre-measurements and tests, as shown in Table (2)". Table . 2 shows the equivalence of the control and experimental groups in terms of the variables studied. Variables under study Units Control group Experimental group t valu e Mora le level Statistica l significa nce Mean Std Mean Std
Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Vol: 3, No 1, 2025 7 of 13 https://edu.pubmedia.id/index.php/jpo Strength Enduranc e Newtons 2129.7 00 24.406 2177.3 0 85.884 - 1.19 1 0.267 Non sig. Terminal Velocity seconds 9.116 0 0.065 8 9.086 0 0.052 73 0.7 96 0.44 9 Non sig. Aerobic Capacity milliliters/kg/m inute 43.66 40 0.533 79 43.65 00 0.798 47 .03 3 0.97 5 Non sig. Achievem ent seconds 54.01 50 0.293 45 53.99 50 0.099 55 0.1 58 0.87 8 Non sig. Table (2) shows that all significance level values were greater than (0.05), indicating that there were no statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups in the variables under study, which confirms their equivalence. Main Experiment: "The researchers prepared combined running and plyometric exercises with modified circuits to develop the studied research variables. They relied on their own field training experience and expertise, consulting the opinions of specialists in the field of training science and consulting Arab and foreign scientific sources on training and physiology. The exercises were characterized by the following": • The exercises were implemented in the last quarter of the baseline period and continued until the end of the special preparation period. • The exercises included in the training program for the experimental group sample began on Sunday, January 26, 2025. • The exercises continued for (8) weeks. • The number of training units per week (two training units). • The days for implementing the training units were Saturday and Wednesday. • The total number of training units was (16) training units (*). • The training time for the modified circuits varied according to the goals and requirements of each, and their location in the planning. It ranged between (30-45) minutes. • The intensity used in running exercises ranged between (85% - 115%) of the maximum 5 km stride for the research sample, which was standardized according to the (5-Tier System) theory for multi-step training and the four-second rule of the Italian coach Frank Horwill. As for the intensity used in plyometric exercises and running technique exercises, the intensity ranged between (80% - 90%) of
Description
This study explores the impact of combined training on young athletes' performance.