Abstract
To find training related physiological and cardiovascular changes and adaptations in field hockey players, this interventional study was conducted with 30 male field hockey trainees (age: 15.7±1.55 years, range: 13-20 years) undergoing training in preparation phase. In addition to the their usual routine of 2 hours per day, 6 times a week of aerobic, anaerobic and skill training session of field hockey; a specialized additional training of 2 hours per day- 3 times a week, consisting of sprint, strength-power and agility was incorporated in the schedule. Selected variables measured before and after the 6 week training were compared with paired t test. Upon analysis we found that lean body mass (LBM) of the participants showed significant improvement (P<0.05) after the 6 week training. Significant reduction (P<0.05) was observed in resting heart rate, resting systolic blood pressure, resting diastolic blood pressure, resting double product or rate pressure product. We also found significant changes (P<0.05) in the echocardiographic parameters – increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular ejection fraction; and decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume. However when these parameters were expressed relative to LBM, no significant change was seen. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and volume, body weight and body mass index too did not change significantly after the training. This 6 week specialized additional training resulted in improvement of body composition and cardiovascular functions of the participants, indicating favorable physiological, morphological and functional adaptations.
Description
This study examines the effects of specialized training on cardiovascular adaptations in young male field hockey players.