Abstract
The present study is aimed at determining the effects of intensity-modified recreational volleyball training on health markers and physical fitness in healthy middle-aged men. Thirty-four healthy untrained men aged 25–55 years were randomized to either a modified recreational volleyball group (MRV, n = 17) or a recreational volleyball group (RV, n = 17). Both groups performed volleyball training twice a week over 12 weeks, with participants in MRV playing a modified game with higher intensity due to shorter breaks between rallies. The small to moderate improvements of both groups were observed in SBP (MRV gav = −0.50 [-0.67, -0.33] vs. RV gav = −0.37 [-0.55, -0.20]) to a similar extent (p = 0.12). However, only the MRV significantly improved (p < 0.001) the mean body weight (gav = −0.35 [-0.52, -0.18]) and BMI (gav = −0.39 [-0.56, -0.22]) to a moderate extent and the YYIR1 performance (gav = 2.45 [2.22, 2.69]) to a large extent. Even though both groups significantly improved the rest HR, the mean change of rest HR was significantly greater in MRV as compared to the RV (p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.47). The study revealed that an intensity-modified type of recreational volleyball, involving shorter breaks between rallies, improves cardiorespiratory fitness and health markers for men aged 25–55 years.
Highlights
The development of various chronic diseases begins in childhood and adolescence [1,2,3]
Average training intensity was 80 ± 7% HRmax for modified recreational volleyball (MRV) compared to 72 ± 7% HRmax, respectively, for recreational volleyball (RV) (p < 0:05; Figure 3)
Average Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for MRV was 4:25 ± 0:24 compared to 3:14 ± 0:24 for RV
Summary
The development of various chronic diseases begins in childhood and adolescence [1,2,3]. The importance of physical fitness in promoting quality of life was highlighted in healthy young men [4]. Considering the fact that low CRF is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and total mortality [7], and that hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia as risk factors for cardiovascular disease are influenced by fitness [8, 9], developing exercise programs which is aimed at improving physical fitness should be one of main objectives of national strategies. Due to the fact that contexts, content, and purposes of PA are the main condition when health or fitness benefits are addressed different types of exercise programs should be introduced and tested [10]. Team sports (games) have been shown to have a positive impact on physical fitness in the adult population [11, 12]. Similar findings were observed for the effect of recreational team handball in a study by Hornstrup et al
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