Abstract

Background: Flexibility and agility are two important parameters for selection of athletes for various competitions; reduced flexibility makes the athletes prone for injury. Reduced agility affects the performance of the athletes. This study was pursued as there is a paucity of literature understanding the effect of training on agility, flexibility and the relationship between flexibility and agility in runners, with skinfold thickness (SFT) and body mass index (BMI). Aims and
Objective: The main purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of training on agility by side step test and flexibility by sit and reach flexibility tester and to see effect of SFT, BMI on agility and flexibility among runners.
Materials and Methods: Agility and flexibility of 31 national level runners were compared with that of 31 controls. Runners were subdivided into two groups, Group A (>2 and <3 years of training) and Group B (>3 and <10 years of training). A correlation of agility and flexibility and also with SFT and BMI was done.
Results: Agility and flexibility were found to be higher for runners and was statistically significant. Among runners agility was higher for Group B players (seniors) and was statistically significant. A negative correlation was found between flexibility and SFT, BMI, also agility and SFT but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Improvement in agility and flexibility is seen after give training, reducing the rate of injury and improving the performance. Not much difference happens with SFT and BMI with agility and flexibility.