A Proposed Training Program for Developing Relative Arm and Leg Strength and Its Impact on Discus Throw Performance in Students

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of a proposed training program focused on developing relative muscular strength in the arms and legs on the performance level of third-year intermediate school students in the discus throw. This was achieved through the design of a specific training program that focuses on developing this important physical attribute. The importance of this research stems from the fact that strength, particularly relative strength, is a fundamental attribute influencing the technical performance of throwing events. It plays a direct role in generating and optimally directing kinetic power during the various phases of the discus throw.

The study adopted an experimental design in which a training program was implemented with a sample of third-year intermediate students, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The sample consisted of 16 third-year intermediate students from Al-Rawad Intermediate School for Boys in the Holy Karbala Governorate during the academic year (2024–2025). They were randomly divided into two groups of eight students each. The experimental group underwent a proposed training program to develop relative arm and leg strength, while the control group continued with the traditional physical education curriculum. The training program was implemented for two months, with two training sessions per week.

Physical variables and performance levels were measured using tests appropriate to the nature of the study. After statistical analysis of the data, the results showed a significant improvement in the performance level of the discus throw event among the experimental group compared to the control group. This improvement is attributed to the effectiveness of the proposed training program and its exercises, which contributed to developing relative muscular strength in the arms and legs. In light of this, the study emphasizes the importance of employing training programs based on developing relative muscular strength to improve performance levels in throwing events among third-year middle school students.