Implementation of a medicine ball circuit program to improve handgrip strength and biceps muscle endurance in adolescents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the school environment, it is important to work on muscular fitness to promote physical and mental health among students and to foster an active and healthy lifestyle in the future.

Objective: To determine whether the implementation of a circuit training program using medicine balls could improve handgrip strength and bicep muscular endurance in adolescents.

Methodology: A pre-experimental study was designed. Twenty-six students aged between 14 and 16 participated in an intervention consisting of four physical training sessions using medicine balls. Anthropometric measurements were taken during the pre-test and post-test, including the calculation of body mass index (BMI), evaluation of handgrip strength, bicep curls, and a self-perception questionnaire regarding muscular strength.

Results: In comparisons between pre-test and post-test results for both sexes, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for women in any of the analyzed variables (handgrip strength, bicep curls, and self perception of strength). In men, a significant difference was observed only in the right-hand bicep curl; no significant differences were found in the other variables (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The evaluated intervention showed a significant effect only on the right-hand bicep curl in men, while no significant differences were found in any of the analyzed variables for women, suggesting that the program did not generate measurable changes in this group.