Maximal aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power output of sportspersons: relationship with body composition profile

Abstract

Keeping in view the relationship of body composition parameters with the physiological parameters the present study was designed to investigate the status of various physiological variables like maximum aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power of sportspersons A total of (178) sportspersons were selected as subjects for this study from the three different sports categories (Endurance, Combative and Intermittent). Each sports category consisted of 30 approximate sportsmen and 30 sportswomen of age group of 20-28 years. All the sportspersons were Elite level selected from the national level players who were represented India in different competitions. The morphological variables included height, body weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass and somatotype. Physiological functions are measured in the laboratory in terms of oxygen consumption, oxygen debt, anaerobic power and heart rate which is again dependent on other coordinated physiological functions, particularly of circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems. The instruments used for the measurements of the above tests were readily available at Exercise Physiology laboratory and Anthropometry laboratory of Sports Authority of India, NetajiSubhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala. Results of present study reveals that there are significant differences in body height between intermittent vs endurance sports categories. But no significant difference was observed between combative and intermittent and combative and endurance sports category. Cyclists have been found to tallest followed by hockey and judokas respectively. This may be due to as combative sports require movement speed and coordination coupled with agility and explosive power, the taller individuals find it difficult to execute the skill, which are prerequisites for combative group.Result reveals that there are significant differences in recovery heart rate between all the three sports categories (endurance vs combative and intermittent vs endurance).