When tradition trains: Physical Fitness adaptations to Oppana, Karate, and Combined Training in Young Muslim Women

P Sindhu; J. Glory Darling Margaret

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.83784

When tradition trains: Physical Fitness adaptations to Oppana, Karate, and Combined Training in Young Muslim Women

Author(s)	Ms. P Sindhu, Dr. J. Glory Darling Margaret
Country	India
Abstract	Physical inactivity among young women remains a significant public health concern, particularly in communities where sociocultural factors may limit participation in conventional forms of exercise. Culturally meaningful physical activity programs may provide an effective and sustainable approach to improving health while respecting community traditions. The present study investigated the effects of structured Oppana training, karate training, and their combination on selected components of physical fitness among young Muslim women in Kerala, India. A randomized pre-test–post-test experimental design was employed with 200 healthy Muslim women aged 18–21 years, who were randomly assigned to an Oppana Training Group (OTG), Karate Training Group (KTG), Combined Oppana and Karate Training Group (KOTG), or a Control Group (CG), with 50 participants in each group. The intervention was conducted over 12 weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Physical fitness was assessed using standardized tests measuring muscular strength, muscular endurance, speed, cardiorespiratory endurance, and balance. Data were analysed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), followed by Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed a significant multivariate effect of the interventions on overall physical fitness (Pillai's Trace = 1.670, p < .001). Significant improvements were observed in all five physical fitness variables among the intervention groups compared with the control group (p < .001). The combined Oppana and karate training group consistently demonstrated the greatest improvements across all measured outcomes, while karate training produced greater gains than Oppana training in muscular strength and speed. The findings suggest that integrating traditional cultural movement with evidence-based martial arts training provides a comprehensive and culturally acceptable strategy for enhancing physical fitness among young Muslim women and supports the inclusion of culturally responsive exercise programs in health promotion initiatives.
Keywords	Oppana; Karate; Combined Training; Physical Fitness; Young Muslim Women; Cultural Dance; Exercise Intervention.
Field	Sociology > Sports
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.83784

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When tradition trains: Physical Fitness adaptations to Oppana, Karate, and Combined Training in Young Muslim Women

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