ANALYSIS OF ANTHROPOMETRIC, BIO-MOTOR, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PLAYING ABILITY AMONG FEMALE KABADDI PLAYERS

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining a comprehensive set of anthropometric, bio-motor,
physiological, and psychological factors that influence playing ability among female kabaddi players.
The study was conducted on 85 district-level female Kabaddi players of Manipur with age ranging
from 18-25 years. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to
determine the relationship between playing ability and the selected variables. The results indicate that
playing ability is significantly correlated with variables such as weight (r = 0.988, p < 0.05), arm
length (r = 0.758, p < 0.05), grip strength (r = 0.978, p < 0.05), explosive power (r = 0.901, p < 0.05),
VO2 Max (r = 0.970, p < 0.05), breath holding time (r = 0.960, p < 0.05), sports achievement
motivation test (r = 0.222, p < 0.05) and Rosenberg self-esteem (r = 0.993, p < 0.05). The findings
indicate that weight and arm length positively correlate with performance, enhancing stability and
reach. Among bio-motor factors, grip strength and explosive power are significant contributors,
facilitating effective raids and defensive maneuvers. Physiological parameters, including VO₂ max and
breath-holding time, also exhibit a positive relationship with playing ability, highlighting the
importance of endurance. Furthermore, psychological factors demonstrate a significant association
with performance, emphasizing the role of mental well-being in competitive success. These results
suggest that Kabaddi training programs should focus on enhancing strength, power, endurance, and
psychological resilience. The study provides a foundation for talent identification, player selection,
and performance optimization, with implications for future research across different competitive levels
and playing positions.