Impact of endurance training on vo₂max, sprint ability, and lactate in youth female basketball players

Introduction: Basketball is an increasingly popular sport characterized by rapid movements and frequent positional changes. These movements demand high speed and stamina, with players exhibiting exertion levels comparable to short-distance sprinters. To meet the physiological demands of the sport, athletes require enhanced aerobic capacity, sprinting ability, and lactate regulation. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of speed endurance training (SET) on maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), repeated sprint ability, and blood lactate levels in young female basketball athletes from Buriram Province. Additionally, it seeks to compare the pre-and post-training impacts of SET on these physiological parameters. Methodology: A total of 16 young female basketball athletes were selected through purposive sampling. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=8), which underwent speed endurance training in addition to regular basketball practice, and a control group (n=8), which engaged only in regular practice. The intervention lasted six weeks. Results: Post-training assessments revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 distance, VO₂max, average sprint time, speed, and blood lactate levels (L2) compared to the control group. Discussion: The results indicate that SET enhances both aerobic and anaerobic performance indicators. Conclusion: Speed endurance training is effective in improving speed, stamina, and physiological performance among junior female basketball players in Buriram Province.