Effect of training on anthropometric, physiological and biochemical variables of U-19 volleyball players

The effect of training on anthropometric, physiological and biochemical variables of U-19 volleyball players was aimed in the present study. A total of 30 Indian under 19 years (U-19) male volleyball players (age: 17.7 ± 0.5 yr; height: 185.1 ± 4.9 cm; body mass: 67.2 ± 4.0 kg) regularly playing competitive volleyball volunteered for this study. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (i) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 wk) and (ii) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 wk). The training programme consist of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hr/d; 5 d/wk. Selected variables were measured at zero level (baseline data, BD) and at the end of preparatory and competitive phases of training. A significant increase (P<0.05) in anaerobic power, back and grip strength, serum urea and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed after training. On the other hand, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in body fat, 1st min recovery heart rate, hemoglobin, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was noted after the conclusion of training. However, no significant change was reported in lean body mass (LBM), maximal heart rate (HRmax), maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), uric acid and total cholesterol level of the players following the training. The training programme is effective for improving selected anthropometric, physiological and biochemical parameters for volleyball.