THE EFFECT OF SQUARE STEPPING EXERCISES TRAINING ON LOWER EXTREMITY MOTOR PERFORMANCE, MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND MUSCLE QUALITY IN HEALTHY YOUNG PEOPLE: A SINGLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Authors

  • Asli Demirtas Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Bor Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Niğde, Türkiye
  • Filiz Altuğ Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Denizli, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4287-8562
  • Ayşe Ünal Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Antalya, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0959-5664

Abstract

The square stepping exercise (SSE), which is a new type of aerobic exercise, is preferred for various purposes. This study attempted to explore the effect of SSE training on lower-extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality in healthy young individuals. Participants were 120 healthy young individuals aged between 20-25 years, who were randomly divided into two groups as the treatment group, which received SSE training (Group 1; n=60) and control group (Group 2; n=60). The participants’ lower extremity motor performance was analyzed through vertical jumping, side jumping, one leg squat, and step-up tests, whereas their muscle strength was analyzed through a hand-held dynamometer and their muscle quality was analyzed through Muscle Quality Index. The SSE was employed to the treatment group in 12 sessions, four days a week for three weeks and each session lasted 45 minutes. The control group did not receive any treatment and only evaluation was implemented. A significant improvement was observed in lower-extremity motor performance (p<.001), muscle strength of quadriceps femoris muscle (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001) in Group 1 in the post-training evaluations. This study revealed a significant improvement in favor of Group 1 in side jumping (p<.001), one leg squat (p<.001), step-up test (p<.001), quadriceps femoris muscle strength (p<.001), and muscle quality (p<.001). However, no significant change was observed between the groups in the vertical jumping test (p=.099). The results showed the effect of SSE training on the lower extremity motor performance, muscle strength, and muscle quality of healthy young individuals.

Keywords: square-stepping exercise, healthy young individuals, motor performance, muscle strength, muscle quality

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Published

2025-10-20

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

THE EFFECT OF SQUARE STEPPING EXERCISES TRAINING ON LOWER EXTREMITY MOTOR PERFORMANCE, MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND MUSCLE QUALITY IN HEALTHY YOUNG PEOPLE: A SINGLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL. (2025). Kinesiology, 57(1), 44-52. https://ojs.srce.hr/index.php/kinesiology/article/view/21564