Effects of Basketball on Aerobic Capacity, Anaerobic Capacity, and Body Composition of Male College Players

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of preseason practice and a season of basketball on aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, and body composition in 9 NCAA Div. I basketball players, ages 18 to 22 years. Test items included % body fat, a functional capacity test, and an anaerobic capacity test. The study comprised 3 testing phases. Phase 1 tested fitness before preseason practice began. The subjects were considered to be deconditioned at this time. Phase 2 occurred 5 weeks later following preseason practice and 4 days before the first game of the season. The same fitness tests were administered as in Phase 1 to determine the effects of preseason practice on fitness. Phase 3 took place at the end of the season, at which time the subjects were again tested to determine the effects of the season on fitness. Results suggest that players had significant decreases in body fat and significant improvements in anaerobic capacity during preseason. Aerobic capacity did not improve during preseason. The players also lost aerobic capacity during the season but maintained anaerobic capacity.