Impact of Circuit, Resistance and Combined Training On Speed, Speed Endurance, Explosive Power and Muscular Endurance Among School Boys

The present study investigated the effects of circuit training, resistance training, and combined training on selected physical fitness variables among school boys. A total of 60 school boys aged 15–17 years from R.S. Government Higher Secondary School, Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, were selected and randomly assigned into four equal groups: circuit training group, resistance training group, combined training group, and control group. The experimental groups underwent their respective training programmes for 12 weeks, while the control group continued routine activities without any special training intervention. The selected physical fitness variables were speed, speed endurance, explosive power, and muscular endurance. Speed was assessed using the 50 m dash, speed endurance through the 300 m run, explosive power through the standing broad jump, and muscular endurance through sit-ups. Pre-test and post-test data were collected before and after the intervention period. The data were analysed using analysis of covariance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test was applied wherever significant differences were found. The results revealed significant improvements in all selected physical fitness variables among the experimental groups when compared with the control group. Among the three training methods, combined training produced the most favourable improvement in speed, speed endurance, explosive power, and muscular endurance. The findings suggest that integrating circuit training with resistance training provides a more comprehensive stimulus for improving physical fitness among school boys. Therefore, combined training may be recommended as an effective, practical, and school-friendly training approach for enhancing overall motor fitness and physical performance in adolescent boys.