Author(s): Naveen Antony Machado, Dr. Veena Kiran Nambiar and Ruth Boyle

Abstract:
The physiological demands imposed on basketball players is provided by the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. It was conventionally assumed that anaerobic training improved the strength and conditioning of basketball players. However, recent studies show the importance of aerobic training in athletes. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test is used to assess an athlete’s aerobic capacity. This study aimed to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) of basketball players using Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The study included 24 participants. The athletes were asked to follow the command given by an audio clip, to run back and forth between placed cones. Distance covered (marked at 5 and 20 meters) and speed levels were recorded (distance/time), and VO₂ max was calculated using Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. Results of the study reported that the VO₂ max of the players was 48.06±60 ml/kg/min. Distance covered by the participants was 1456.67±313.39 meters, with minimum of 800 and maximum of 1880 meters. The maximum speed level was achieved by the player positioned in post/power forward (17.37±0.58 km/hr). The distance covered and the speed level had a strong correlation with VO₂ max (P< 0.001). The study concluded that the VO₂ max or the aerobic endurance is a key point in every sport, and yet there are no research papers on the aerobic endurance (VO₂ max) of elite Indian basketball players. The aerobic endurance of basketball players in this study was found to be 48.06±60 ml/kg/min, suggesting further aerobic conditioning in basketball players in India is essential.

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