Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of eight weeks plyometric exercise on the
lower body performance of taekwondo and hurdling clubs. A quasi-experimental design was
employed. The study subjects were selected from three Addis Ababa area (Commercial Bank of
Ethiopia, Gere world taekwondo club, and Best world taekwondo club) using purposive
sampling technique. Thus, the subjects in the study were athletes (n=40), coaches (n=4), and
administrative staff of oromia world taekwondo federation (n=1). Data collection
instruments such as Standardized fitness test, semi-structured interview and observation. The
data gathered through Standardized fitness test were analyzed by using STATA version 14,
then Independent sample t-test was used. The result of this study shows that there was
statistically significant was observed between pre- test and post- test due to eight weeks
plyometric training at P<0.05. The findings of this study show that eight weeks plyometric
exercise had effect on the improvement of lower body power performance, leg explosive
power, leg strength and flexibility of taekwondo and hurdlers. The researcher recommends to
incorporate eight weeks plyometric exercise in to their annual training plan in order to
improve power, flexibility and strength.
