Effect of an Integrated Neurocognitive Training Programme (INTP) on Selective Fitness Variables in Amateur Kabaddi Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

SYNOPSIS

INTRODUCTION

Kabaddi is a traditional Indian contact team game with ancient roots that was historically used as a means of physical training self defence and combat readiness With standardized rules organized leagues and international governance under the International Kabaddi Federation kabaddi has gradually transformed from a rural leisure activity into a highly organized competitive sport Due to its inclusion in the Asian Games and the development of professional leagues the sport has gained international recognition resulting in more participation at both the amateur and elite levels

Because of its unpredictable and dynamic nature where player performance is constantly affected by opponents actions and strategic choices kabaddi is considered an open skill sport A high level of tactical intelligence agility speed coordination and perceptual abilities are necessary for successful performance The sport is technically defined by intricate movement patterns such as quick accelerations and decelerations lunges pivots evasive moves abrupt shifts in direction single leg stance phases and hard collisions These behaviors require outstanding postural balance and neuromuscular control

The ATP PC energy system is mainly used during brief explosive movements such as raids and tackles Anaerobic glycolysis is used during repeated high intensity activities and the aerobic system supports recovery between raids and throughout matches Studies show that kabaddi players maintain high cardiovascular intensities during games which require an optimal combination of strength speed endurance agility and neuromuscular efficiency

The high prevalence of injuries in kabaddi is due to its physiological and biomechanical demands Frequent cutting movements braking forces and physical contact during tackles lead to lower limb injuries especially at the knee and ankle Repetitive trunk flexion rotation and impacts may cause spinal overuse injuries while upper limb injuries of the shoulder wrist and fingers are also common From a physiotherapy perspective injury prevention and rehabilitation should focus on neuromuscular training proprioception eccentric strengthening correction of movement asymmetry and core stability

Integrated neurocognitive training targets the central nervous system to improve movement efficiency reaction speed sensory integration and motor control It enhances visual vestibular and proprioceptive functions improving brain body coordination Unlike conventional training which focuses mainly on muscles neurocognitive training emphasizes decision making spatial awareness balance and quick execution This type of training may also reduce injury risk by improving neuromuscular control and stability around joints like the knee and ankle

NEED FOR STUDY

Kabaddi performance depends on rapid reaction time agility and efficient footwork but traditional training mainly focuses on physical conditioning and ignores cognitive motor integration

There is limited research on amateur kabaddi players as most studies focus on elite athletes Amateur players require affordable field based training to improve both cognitive and motor performance

Integrated neurocognitive training programmes have shown improvement in agility coordination and reaction time in other sports but their effect in kabaddi is not well studied

Footwork is essential in kabaddi as it affects balance speed direction change and response to opponents It requires physical ability along with visual processing decision making and motor control However structured neurocognitive based footwork training is rarely included in regular kabaddi training

There is also lack of studies on the combined effect of neurocognitive training and footwork exercises on reaction time dynamic balance and performance in amateur kabaddi players

Therefore this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated neurocognitive training programme focusing on footwork to provide evidence for performance enhancement and injury prevention

RESEARCH QUESTION

Will integrated neurocognitive training programme have any effect compared to conventional training on selective fitness variables over 8 weeks in amateur kabaddi players

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of an integrated neurocognitive training programme on selective fitness variables in amateur kabaddi players

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of integrated neurocognitive training programme on reaction time in amateur kabaddi players

To determine the effect on dynamic balance in amateur kabaddi players

To evaluate the effect on footwork in amateur kabaddi players

HYPOTHESIS

Null hypothesis There will be no significant effect of integrated neurocognitive training programme compared to conventional training on selective fitness variables over 8 weeks in amateur kabaddi players

Alternative hypothesis There will be significant effect of integrated neurocognitive training programme compared to conventional training on selective fitness variables over 8 weeks in amateur kabaddi players

METHODOLOGY

Study design Randomized controlled trial Source of data Wadia park Study population Amateur kabaddi players Study setting Wadia park Study type Experimental study Type of data Quantitative Intervention period 8 weeks Study duration 2 years Sample size 66 using open EPI software Sampling method Simple random sampling

Selection criteria

Inclusion criteria Age 18 to 30 years Both male and female PAR Q clearance Regular participation in kabaddi training Willing to participate

Exclusion criteria Recent injury affecting practice Acute illness Participation in other training programmes

OUTCOME MEASURES

Reaction time lower limb measured using Blazepod visual stimulus test Dynamic balance measured using Y balance test lower quarter Footwork performance measured using hexagon agility test

PROCEDURE

Ethical clearance will be obtained Participants will be selected based on criteria and informed consent will be taken Demographic data will be recorded Participants will be randomly divided into experimental and control groups Baseline assessment will be done

Experimental group will receive integrated neurocognitive training along with conventional training Control group will receive conventional training Instructions and demonstration will be given

Training will be performed for one hour per session four days per week for 8 weeks Outcome measures will be recorded at week 0 week 4 and week 8 Statistical analysis will be performed and results will be concluded

Experimental group

Participants will perform integrated neurocognitive training along with conventional training three sessions per week for 45 to 60 minutes for 8 weeks

Level 1 week 0 to 2 Focus on basic motor control coordination footwork reaction and balance with simple exercises and low repetitions followed by cool down

Level 2 week 3 to 4 Focus on speed agility reaction and dynamic balance with moderate intensity drills followed by cool down

Level 3 week 5 to 6 Focus on decision making cognitive tasks and balance under load with advanced exercises followed by cool down

Level 4 week 7 to 8 Focus on sport specific training including kabaddi movements reaction drills and advanced balance followed by cool down

Control group

Participants will perform conventional kabaddi training including warm up running drills balance training kabaddi skills and footwork drills three times per week for 8 weeks followed by cool down