Abstract

Shiko (leg lifting) is one of the ceremonial stomping techniques and the most fundamental sumo exercise practiced by every wrestler to achieve training goals. This study aimed to determine the effects of shiko exercises, combined with neuromuscular training, on athletes’ dynamic balance. This experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design involved 24 healthy volunteer athletes (21.46 ± 0.98 years). Subjects were recruited based on the study’s purpose and randomly assigned to a control (n = 12) and an experimental group (n = 12). Subjects in the experimental group received shiko exercises with neuromuscular training for six weeks, whereas the control group received no intervention. Dynamic balance was measured before and after the intervention using the Y-balance test to analyze training effects. Composite scores of anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions for both right and left lower extremities were calculated. The independent sample t-test with p < 0.05 significance level was established prior to the study. Significant differences were identified in dynamic balance (t = −8.377, p = 0.000*) for the right side and (t = −6.804, p = 0.000*) for the left side after six weeks of intervention between the experimental group and the control group. The results of this study demonstrated improvements in dynamic balance after six weeks of shiko exercises combined with neuromuscular training. These findings indicate that shiko exercises can be applied among sports athletes to effectively improve their dynamic balance.

Key words

shiko exercise, neuromuscular training, y-balance, dynamic balance