SE Academic Review 2023

26.50

26.00

Step 6: Final tness tests for all participants

56 ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD

Distance (cm)

25.50

25.00

Figure 6. Graph showing the change in agility performance (seconds) during baseline and post-training testing in the experiment and control groups. 24.50 Experiment Control

A paired t-test established an insignificant difference between the average results of baseline and post training for the agility test in the experimental group, t (8) = 0.47, p = 0.65. A paired t-test established an insignificant difference between the average results of baseline and post training for the agility test in the control group, t (9) = 0.64, p = 0.54.

Agility

33.00

32.00

31.00

30.00

29.00

Time (s)

28.00

27.00

26.00

25.00

Control

Experiment

Experimental group

Regular training and stretching programme

Discussion I found that through the results from the t-test on the two means for speed in the stretching group I can accept the hypothesis as there was a significant improvement in performance. This is because the muscles have greater elasticity allowing a quicker contraction phase in quick movements, thus making you faster. The results from the t-test on the two means for speed in the control group shows that there is no significant improvement. This shows that a stretching programme has a significant, positive effect on adolescent girl hockey players and should be recommended. The results of the t-test on the two means for power in the stretching group meant that I can accept the hypothesis that there is a significant improvement in hockey performance from the intervention of a stretching programme. This is because the muscles have greater elasticity allowing a more powerful contraction in quick movements, therefore allowing you to have more power. This is in line with previous studies that say stretching is recommended to improve strength performance (Peck, et al., 2014). The results from the t-test for power in the control group shows that there is no significant improvement. This shows that a stretching programme has a significant improvement on performance in adolescent girls. Baseline testing April 30th Regular training

However, I found out that from the t-test on the two means for agility in the stretching group that I reject the hypothesis and accept the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant improvement to performance from the intervention of a stretching programme. This is possibly because stretching only helps the shorter and quicker movements whereas the agility is slightly too long. The results from the t-test on the two means for agility in the control group also shows that there is no significant improvement. This shows that a stretching programme is not recommended to enhance performance. The change in average time for speed in the control group has in fact decreased. This suggests that not completing a stretching programme does not just mean there is no improvement but also may lead to a decline in performance. This may be because the muscles do not have elastic properties which are needed for powerful contractions in quick movements. Therefore, this has meant that I accept the hypothesis for there being a significant improvement to hockey performance in speed and power but I reject the hypothesis and accept the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant improvement to hockey performance for agility. June 2nd Final testing Regular training

Control group