A study of the effects of explosive strength exercises on some blood parameters, technical and conditional characteristics of female basketball players in the 15-17 age group

Abstract

Aim. This study analyzed the effects of explosive strength exercises on some blood parameters, technical and conditional characteristics of female basketball players aged 15-17 years. Methods. A total of 20 female basketball players volunteered to participate in a 6-week physical training program. Two groups were formed: the training group (N.=10, age 14.80 +/- 1.14 years, height 161.20 +/- 5.07 cm, weight 54.30 +/- 8.64 kg) performed explosive strength exercises in addition to technical exercises, while control group (N.=10, age 14.90 +/- 0.99 years, height 164.60 +/- 7.77 cm, weight 59.70 +/- 15.83 kg) performed only technical exercises. Venous blood samples (5 mL) for blood parameter analysis were taken from both groups before the beginning of the training program and then after motor and technical tests at completion of the program. The data of both groups prior to and after exercise were compared with the Wilcoxon test and the intergroup comparisons performed with the chi-square test. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 19.0 package program. A P value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Comparison of blood profiles and motor and technical test values before and after completion of the exercise program showed statistically significant differences in body weight and systolic blood pressure, reaction time of left hand to light, agility, right and left hand grip strength, leg and back strength, flexibility, 10 x 5 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint time, cholesterol, iron-binding capacity and sodium, urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), uric acid and albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) values. Conclusion. Explosive strength exercises performed for 6 weeks have a positive impact on motor characteristics such as leg, back and grip strength, agility, speed and continuity in speed, in addition to certain blood parameters such as iron-binding capacity, sodium, urea, CK, GGT, uric acid, and albumin. Physical exercises and strength training decrease the levels of CK and LDH, two enzymes with a role in determining skeletal muscle damage. Explosive strength exercises improve muscle tolerance to damage.