Performance Profile and Conditioning Needs Analysis of Youth Silat Athletes in a Kuala Lumpur Sports School

Introduction: This study investigated the performance profiles and conditioning needs of youth Silat athletes in a Kuala Lumpur sports school. A survey with tests designed employed.’ Physical characteristics and significant differences existed among youth according to variables: gender,experience, and weight categories. Methodology: A total of 36 youth Silat athletes recruited; aged 13 to 17 years categories and comprising 18 males and 18 females. Physical performance was assessed using standardized fitness tests; broad jump forward; handgrip; push-up maximal; 20-second kicking test for both legs; Edgren Sidestep Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistic showed overall mean broad jump distance of 203.58 ± 30.53 cm, right-hand grip strength of 32.73 ± 8.86 kg, left hand grip strength of 31.90 ± 10.92 kg, dominant-leg kicking of 42.53, non-dominant-leg kicking of 39.67, Edgren Sidestep Test score 1.86 ± 0.49, and Yo-Yo test distance of 534.44 ± 328.76m. Male demonstrated significantly better performance than female in practically all profiling However, no significant gender differences in the Edgren Sidestep Test (p = .056). Hence, experiences showed significant differences in right and left hand grip strength (F = 4.576, p = .018),(F = 4.106, p = .026) respectively and 20-second kicking for the non-dominant leg (F = 3.637, p = .037), while no significant differences observed other variables. Weight category, only Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 - VO₂max significant difference (F = 2.970, p = .046), whereas all other variables were not. Conclusion, Youth Silat athletes demonstrated conditioned physical profiles and fulfilled their conditioning needs.