Efficacy of Kettlebell Exercise Regimen to Improve Strength and Cardiorespiratory Function among 200-metre Sprinters: A Research Protocol

1. PhD Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. 2. Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Introduction: A kettlebell is a cast-iron or cast-steel weight with a handle, resembling a cannonball. It gained popularity in 2015 and is now widely used in fitness routines. Dumbbell training is also beneficial for strength training in sprinters. Dumbbell exercises are used for specific muscles, but kettlebell exercises provide overall body strength, which is beneficial for sprinters. The present study will compare a dumbbell exercise with a kettlebell exercise.

Need of the study: Kettlebell exercises provide several benefits by engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, whereas dumbbell exercises typically target specific muscles. While previous studies have highlighted the advantages of kettlebell training, limited research has compared its effectiveness to dumbbell exercises in sprinters.

Aim: This study focuses on kettlebell exercises and their effects on improving the strength and cardiorespiratory function of 200-metre sprinters, compared with dumbbell workouts.

Materials and Methods: This study will be a randomised controlled trial conducted in the sports premises of Subharti University, Meerut, India from March 2025 to September 2026. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group-A and Group-B. Group-A will engage in a series of kettle-bell exercises, while Group-B will continue their regular exercise regimen, which consists of dumbbell exercises. To assess strength, the investigators will utilise the bench press test and the sit-up test. Additionally, the home step test will be employed to evaluate cardiorespiratory function. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used for data normality. The paired t-test will be employed for comparisons within groups, while the independent t-test will be applied to compare between groups. A p-value will be considered statistically significant if it is less than 0.05.

Athletic performance, Cool-down exercise, Sports, Warm-up exercise