Kinesiology, Vol. 57 No. 1, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.26582/k.57.1.4
The effect of square stepping exercises training on lower extremity motor performance, muscle strength and muscle quality in healthy young people: a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Asli Demirtas
orcid.org/0000-0001-6240-1780
; Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Bor Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Niğde, Türkiye
*
Filiz Altug
; Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye
Ayse Unal
orcid.org/0000-0003-0959-5664
; Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Antalya, Türkiye
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The square stepping exercise (SSE), which is a new type of aerobic exercise, is preferred for various purposes. This study attempted to explore the effect of SSE training on lower extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality in healthy young individuals. Participants were 120 healthy young individuals aged between 20-25 years, who were randomly divided into two groups as the treatment group, which received SSE training (Group 1; n=60) and control group (Group 2; n=60). The participants’ lower extremity motor performance was analyzed through vertical jumping, side jumping, one leg squat, and step-up tests, whereas their muscle strength was analyzed through a hand-held dynamometer and their muscle quality was analyzed through Muscle Quality Index. The SSE was employed to the treatment group in 12 sessions, four days a week for three weeks and each session lasted 45 minutes. The control group did not receive any treatment and only evaluation was implemented. A significant improvement was observed in lower-extremity motor performance (p<.001), muscle strength of quadriceps femoris muscle (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001) in Group 1 in the post-training evaluations. This study revealed a significant improvement in favor of Group 1 in side jumping (p<.001), one leg squat (p<.001), step-up test (p<.001), quadriceps femoris muscle strength (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001). However, no significant change was observed between the groups in the vertical jumping test (p=.099). The results showed the effect of SSE training on the lower extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality of healthy young individuals.
Keywords
square-stepping exercise; healthy young individuals; motor performance; muscle strength; muscle quality
Hrčak ID:
330681
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2025.
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