Abstract
Wearable resistance (WR) is increasingly used in sports training to enhance performance by adding external loads to sport-specific movements. However, limited research has explored WR applications in Pencak Silat, particularly during jumping kicks. This study aimed to (1) determine and compare the biomechanical effects of WR loading distributions (3% of body mass at shank, thigh, combined shank and thigh, and 0% without load) on jumping front and back kicks, (2) examine the psychological effect of WR on mood responses during warm-up, and (3) evaluate the chronic effects of WR loading distributions on kicking performance after six weeks of training. A total of fifteen (N=15) athletes participated in the biomechanical analysis, sixty (N=60) in the mood response study, and forty (N=40) in the training intervention. Kinematic data, including kicking velocity, kicking time, kicking height, hip angle, and leg displacement, were analyzed using Kinovea software, while the Brunel Mood Scale measured mood responses. Results indicated significant changes in kinematic parameters, with longer kicking time, reduced kicking velocity, shorter kicking distance, and lower hip angle and leg displacement in WR conditions. Mood responses showed significant increases in anger, depression, and fatigue during warm-up with WR. After six weeks, WR training significantly improved kicking velocity and kicking time. These findings provide insights into optimizing WR loading distributions to enhance Pencak Silat performance, though future studies should further investigate the long-term psychological and performance effects.