The effects of strength training with the TRX resistance band on selected motor performance parameters of adolescent basketball players

Aim: It is considered important to investigate the effects of current training equipment and methods on athletic performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of suspension training based central column strength training on selected motor skills in adolescent basketball players. Material and Method: 22 adolescent male basketball players were included in the study. The basketball players were randomly divided into two different groups, the control and the suspension training group. The suspension training group was included in the training process, which consisted of 16 sessions (8 weeks x 2 days). To compare the values for linear sprint, agility, vertical and standing long jump, handgrip strength and medicine ball chest throw before and after training, analysis of variance was used for two-way repeated measures and t-test analysis for dependent groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups involved in the study in terms of pre-exercise demographic and physical composition (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in the study in terms of test performance before training (p > 0.05). When examining performance outcomes before and after training, the suspension training group was found to have an advantage (p < 0.05) in all linear sprint and agility performance (Δ = 3.4 - 4.9%) and strength and jumping performance (Δ = 4.6 - 13.4%). A statistical improvement was observed. Furthermore, with regard to the training method used, there were changes in favour of the training group in the effect of group, time and group x time interaction (effect size range = ηp2 = 0.334 – 0.841, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Regular suspension exercises are thought to provide significant benefits for basketball players in the adolescent developmental category who are sensitive to external stimuli.