by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie
Leader, Combat Sports & Martial Arts Research Network (AIRBORNE)
Faculty of Sports Science & Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Name of Research:
The Effects of a 6-Week Plyometric Training on Muscular Strength Performance in Silat Athletes
Citations:
Al-Syurgawi, D., & Shapie, M. N. M. (2019). Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 14(2s), 28–30. DOI: 10.18002/rama.v14i2s.5976
Purpose of the Study:
To investigate the impact of a 6-week plyometric training programme on the muscular strength of young male Silat athletes.
Key Findings:
- Muscular Strength Gains:
- Experimental group showed a 29.7% improvement in 1RM squat test over 6 weeks.
- Control group showed minimal improvement (4% increase).
- Training Protocol:
- Experimental group: 3x/week conventional Silat training + 2x/week plyometric training.
- Control group: 3x/week conventional Silat training only.
- Statistical Significance:
- Significant strength improvements in the experimental group (p < 0.001).
- No significant change in control group (p > 0.05).
Practical Implications for Silat:
This study provides strong evidence that plyometric training enhances lower body strength, which is crucial for Silat athletes due to the sport’s reliance on explosive movements such as kicks, jumps, sweeps, and topples.
- Plyometric training complements conventional Silat routines, improving muscular strength without causing fatigue when properly scheduled.
- Lower limb strength is essential for executing techniques like guntingan (kicking) and jatuhan (grounding/catching).
- Neural adaptations from plyometric training (e.g., increased motor unit excitability and synchronization) contribute to performance gains.
Tips for Application:
Athletes:
- Incorporate plyometric drills (e.g., jump squats, bounding, box jumps) into weekly training.
- Focus on progressive overload and proper technique to avoid injury.
Parents:
- Support young athletes in accessing structured strength programmes.
- Ensure recovery and nutrition are prioritized during intensive training phases.
Coaches:
- Design integrated training plans combining Silat techniques with plyometric sessions.
- Monitor athlete fatigue and adjust volume/intensity accordingly.
- Use 1RM testing to track progress and personalize strength goals.
