Multidimensional physiological adaptations to intensive training in elite sepak takraw athletes: an embedded mixed-methods study
Victoria Eka Prasetyo, Siti Baitul Mukarromah, Tri Aji, Fatkhur Rozi, Burhan Basyiruddin · Sportis Scientific Journal of School Sport Physical Education and Psychomotricity · 2026
Research on elite training adaptation has mainly relied on physiological outcomes, while studies integrating physiological and experiential data in elite sepak takraw remain limited. This study examined multidimensional physiological adaptation in elite male sepak takraw athletes during a 17-week national training camp using a quantitative-dominant embedded mixed-
Design: . Sixteen elite athletes completed an intensified and structured training program. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-training assessments of estimated aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, lower-limb power, speed, and agility, while qualitative autoethnographic data were collected concurrently through reflective journaling. The
Findings: showed meaningful improvements across the measured physiological domains, although individual responses varied, with high, moderate, and low responders identified. Qualitative
findings revealed a non-linear adaptation process involving initial fatigue, progressive adaptation, and performance stabilization. The integration of both datasets suggests that performance gains emerged after accumulated fatigue and recovery, rather than through a purely linear process. These
findings revealed a non-linear adaptation process involving initial fatigue, progressive adaptation, and performance stabilization. The integration of both datasets suggests that performance gains emerged after accumulated fatigue and recovery, rather than through a purely linear process. These findings highlight the value of combining
Objective: testing with subjective monitoring to guide individualized training decisions in elite sepak takraw.