The effect of different exercise types on aerobic and anaerobic capacity among 15-18 year-old basketball players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of balance, posture and core stabilization exercises on aerobic and anaerobic capacity among 15-18 year-old basketball players who play in the amateur league. Twenty eight (n = 28) male basketball players from Pinar Karsiyaka Basketball Sports Club were included in the current study. The practical work was conducted in the Division of Sports Medicine at the Medical Faculty of Istanbul University and at the Kağıthane Branch of Pinar Karsiyaka Basketball Sports Club. Individuals were stochastically divided into two groups using Random Allocation Software 2.0. The group in which the players were exposed with balance and posture exercises was named Group 1 and the group in which the players were exposed with core stabilization exercises in addition to balance and posture exercises was named Group 2. All exercises were guided by a physiotherapist and carried out 3 times a week during the course of an 8-week training program. Prior to the exercises, socio-demographic data form was completed by all players and following tests/surveys were performed by the physiotherapist; Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), Plank test, standing stork test (blind), New York posture analysis assesment survey, skinfold measurement, Montreal cognitive assesment measurement (MoCA) and shuttle run agility test. All tests except for the MoCA were repeated after the completion of the training program. The results of the balance test (on both right and left feet), Plank test (sec), New York posture analysis score and VO2max(ml/kg/min) demonstrated significant changes in both groups (p≤0,05). Furthermore, WAnT values showed a significant change for players in Group 1 whereas it showed no significant difference for players in Group 2 (p≤0,05). However, amongst two groups, no significance difference was observed in WAnT, VO2 max, Plank test, New York posture analysis score, standing stork balance test (blind) and skinfold measurements (p ≤0,05). Of note is that, evaluation of the MoCA mean values for both Group 1 (X = 19,79) and Group 2 (X = 19) were found to be under the average values for normal cognitive state, 21. In conclusion, the results suggest that balance and posture exercises cause substantial increase in aerobic and anaerobic capacity whereas additional core stabilization exercises show no significant effect. Key words: posture exercises, balance exercises, core stabilization, wingate, shuttle run.