Effects Circuit Training on Strength and Power in Youth: A Study on Futsal KSC Academy

Abstract

This study examined the effects of circuit training on strength endurance and lower-limb power in 13-year-old futsal athletes at KSC Academy. Considering that adolescence represents a sensitive period for neuromuscular adaptation and long-term athlete development, structured and time-efficient training models are essential. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was implemented involving 20 athletes divided equally into treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The treatment group completed a four-week circuit training program (three sessions per week), while the control group continued routine technical training. Strength endurance was assessed using 60-second push-up, sit-up, and back-up tests, and explosive power was measured via the standing broad jump. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk normality test followed by Independent Samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U test (α = 0.05). The findings revealed a significant between-group improvement in upper-body strength endurance, as indicated by push-up performance (p = 0.002), supporting the principle of training specificity and neuromuscular adaptation under repeated submaximal loading. No significant differences were observed in sit-up and back-up outcomes, suggesting limited trunk-specific overload. Although within-group analysis demonstrated significant improvement in standing broad jump performance (p < 0.001), intergroup comparison did not confirm exclusive intervention effects. Overall, circuit training effectively enhances muscular endurance in youth futsal athletes; however, optimizing explosive power likely requires more targeted modalities such as plyometric or progressive resistance training.