Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the maximum aerobic and anaerobic capacities of Indian hockey players at different positions and also to compare them with those of world class players for assessing their cardiorespiratory efficiency. The study was conducted on 36 hockey players which included 6 full back, 9 halves and 21 forwards. The maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) of the players was determined during a graded protocol of bicycle ergometer exercise. The anaerobic capacity was measured from 10 min O2 recovery debt after graded exhaustive work. The mean VO2 max and O2 debt of the players were 3.74 L/min (61.1 ml/kg/min) and 5.7 L (94.4 ml/kg) respectively. Mean relative VO2 max of the Indian players is comparable to that of the world class players. One way ANOVA was applied to all physical and physiological parameters of the hockey players at different positions. This exhibited significant difference in body weight and O2 debt among the groups. Further analysis by applying students t test, revealed that the full backs had significantly higher body weight than the halves and forwards and the forwards and halves had significantly higher O2 debt than the full backs. The present study indicates that the VO2max of the Indian hockey players is comparable to that of the world class players. Full backs are heavier than halves and forwards. Forwards and halves had significantly higher anaerobic work capacity than full backs while aerobic capacity of players at the three positions showed no significant differences. Verf.-Referat