The effects of forward sprint and retro sprint training on body composition, speed, agility, balance, and motor coordination in male children aged 8-10 attending football schools

THE EFFECTS OF FORWARD SPRINT AND RETRO SPRINT TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION, SPEED, AGILITY, BALANCE, AND MOTOR COORDINATION IN MALE CHILDREN AGED 8-10 ATTENDING FOOTBALL SCHOOLS ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of straight sprint and retro sprint training on body composition, speed, agility, balance, and motor coordination in male children aged 8-10 attending football schools. For this reason, a total of 45 male children from the Yalova Faruk Yiğit Football Academy participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups: Straight Sprint (SSG) (n=15), Retro Sprint (RSG) (n=15), and Control Group (CG) (n=15). Children who continued their football training participated in an 8-week training program, which consisted of 2 sessions (1 hour each) per week. Before the football training, the SSG group performed additional 8x30 m straight sprints, and the RSG group performed 8x30 m retro sprints. The CG only followed the football training program. Body composition measurements were taken using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (TANITA MC 780, Japan), skinfold thickness measurements with a Skinfold Caliper (Holtain Ltd, UK), and circumference measurements using a Gulikmeter. Speed and the Illinois Agility Test were measured with photocells (Microgate Witty Double Photocell). Balance was measured using the Flamingo Balance Test and Children's Body Coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK) test, measuring balance, transportation, jumping, and hopping (KTK_Balance, KTK_Transportation, KTK_Jumping, and KTK_Hopping, respectively). The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. In the statistical tests, the data were first examined for the prerequisites of parametric tests by checking the Skewness and Kurtosis values, which were found to fall between -1.0 and +1.0, indicating a normal distribution. Since SSG and RSG showed normal distribution, dependent sample t-tests were used for pre-test and post-test analysis within each group. Findings were evaluated at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level (p<0.05). For the CG, which did not show normal distribution, the dependent sample test Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used. To compare pre-test and post-test scores among SSG, RSG, and CG, Kruskal-Wallis Test was applied. Post-hoc tests were conducted using Tamhane's T2 test to determine differences between SSG, RSG, and CG. The results of the study showed significant differences in the SSG group in measurements of 0-10 meters straight sprint, 10-20 meters straight sprint, left foot Flamingo balance test, right foot Flamingo balance test, vertical jump, KTK_Balance, KTK_Transportation tests, and anthropometric measurements (triceps, biceps, medial calf) (p<0.05). In the RSG group, significant differences were found in 0-10 meters straight sprint, 10-20 meters straight sprint, left foot Flamingo (balance) test, right foot Flamingo (balance) test, vertical jump, KTK_Balance, and KTK_Transportation tests (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the tests and measurements for the CG (p<0.05). In pre-test measurements, no significant differences were found among the SSG, RSG, and CG (p<0.05). However, in post-test measurements, significant differences were found in KTK_Transportation between SSG, RSG, and CG (t=-9.31; p<0.01). In conclusion, it can be stated that the 8-week straight sprint and retro sprint training programs improved balance and motor coordination in children. These characteristics, which are of critical importance not only in football but also in many team sports, can be incorporated into training units and plans, contributing to the multidimensional development of children. Keywords: Straight Sprint, Retro Sprint, Children, Balance, Children's Body Coordination