Effects of high-intensity interval training on aerobic capacity and sports-specific skills in basketball players

Abstract

IntroductionHigh intensity interval training (HIIT) are widely used to improve the cardiac performance in Basketball players. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training on the Aerobic Capacity and sports-specific skills in basketball players. Methods40 male basketball players in the age group 18–25 years were recruited after necessary ethical clearance. Athletes were categorized into two groups of 20 people each: Group 1 control group (age: 21.9 ± 2.4 years, height: 184.6 ± 12.1 cm BMI: 23 ± 3 kg/m2) and Group 2 study group with HIIT (age: 21.4 ± 2.6 years, height: 177.4 ± 6.0 cm BMI: 22.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2). The study group players underwent 5 weeks (10 sessions) of HIIT training. Pre and post intervention evaluation of the Aerobic Capacity (VO2 max) and sports-specific skills were quantified for both the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using one tailed t-test with p < 0.05 for significance. Cohen's D method was used to calculate the effect size and minimum important difference. ResultThere was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in VO2 max (pre:52.8 ± 2.3 ml/min/kg to post: 54.5 ± 2.4 ml/min/kg) in Group 2 whereas in Group 1 the change was not significant (pre:51.1 ± 2.6 ml/min/kg to post: 51.4 ± 2.9 ml/min/kg). Similarly, there was an increase in agility for Group 2 (pre:11.0 ± 1.0 s to post: 10.1 ± 1.0 s) compared to Group 1. In sports specific skills: Control Dribble, passing skills, Lower body power and shooting skills there was a significant increase in post HIIT training for Group 2, whereas in Group 1 there was no significant difference. DiscussionThe HIIT training improved the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and sports-specific skills in basketball players. ConclusionA 5-week HIIT training improved the aerobic capacity and sports specific skills and may be included as a part of training regime to improve the athletic performance in basketball players.