Published Paper Details:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of weight training and resistance training on leg strength among triple jumpers. A total of forty-five inter-collegiate triple jumpers (N = 45), aged 18-22 years, were randomly assigned into three groups of fifteen each: Weight Training Group (Experimental Group I), Resistance Training Group (Experimental Group II), and Control Group. The experimental groups underwent their respective training programs for 12 weeks, while the control group did not receive any special treatment. Leg strength was assessed before and after the training period, and the data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that the Weight Training Group showed the highest improvement in leg strength, with a mean difference of 8.95 (Pre-test Mean = 57.70; Post-test Mean = 66.65). The Resistance Training Group showed a moderate improvement with a mean difference of 3.55 (Pre-test Mean = 58.65; Post-test Mean = 62.20), while the Control Group recorded a minimal change of 1.00 (Pre-test Mean = 56.80; Post-test Mean = 57.80). The obtained F-value (12.62) was greater than the table value (3.16) at 0.05 significance level, confirming significant differences among the groups. Post hoc analysis further indicated that weight training was significantly more effective than resistance training and the control condition in enhancing leg strength. The findings conclude that structured weight training using free-weight, multi-joint exercises is superior in developing leg strength essential for the hop, step, and jump phases of triple jumpers. Resistance training, though beneficial, did not produce significant gains compared to weight training. Coaches and physical educators are encouraged to incorporate weight training protocols with progressive overload and sport-specific exercise selection to maximize performance benefits in triple jumpers.