The Effect of Tabata Exercise on Physical Fitness and Skills Improvement of Male Students at Gymnastics Courses

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of TABATA exercise on physical fitness and skills improvement of male students at training gymnastics course. For the purposes of this study a semi-experimental approach was used. Study sample consisted of 60 students from the gymnastics course that were randomly divided into experimental and control group (30 students in each group). The experimental group performed TABATA exercise that consisted of high intensity interval training during warming up for 6 weeks 3 times a week. To determine physical fitness improvement flexibility, strength endurance, agility and coordination were measured. Skill improvement was assessed by measuring balance on one foot, hand stand, forward roll, forward roll after twist on the floor. Means, standard deviations, and t-test were used for data analysis. Study results showed significant improvement in post-test measurements for both groups compared to the pre-tests. Importantly, experimental group achieved significant improvement in post-test measurements compared to the control group. Therefore, the period of TABATA program application appeared to be sufficient for physical fitness and skill improvement in the study participants.