The effects of physical training on the basic components of physical fitness in pubertal boys

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in aerobic power, isokinetic strength and joint mobility between trained and control pubertal boys of the same age through an 18 month training period due to the difference in training status. Twenty basketball players (13) and eighteen control boys (C) participated in the study. B participated both in their school's physical education program and in a children's basketball team training program (6 times per week, 90min, similar to75-85% of the maximal heart rate; MHR). C participated only in their school's physical education program (2-3 times per week, 40min, similar to40-50% MHR). All subjects were tested every 6 months for oxygen uptake (VO2). peak torque values of the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) and mobility of the knee and hip joints. Results showed that the magnitude of improvement in the B group's aerobic power was significantly higher after eighteen months of training compared to the pre-existing difference of the two groups at the initial test. Q and H peak torque values increased with the same rate for both groups. No significant differences in joint mobility existed between groups. In conclusion basketball training, as applied here, improved VO2max but did not effect isokinetic muscle strength and joint mobility in pubertal boys.