Position-Related Differences in Cardiorespiratory Functional Capacity of Elite Basketball Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine possible differences in cardio respiratory functional capacity between perimeter and post elite basketball players. The subjects included 42 highly trained basketball players subdivided into groups of perimeter and post players. Point guards, shooting guards and small forwards were involved in the group of perimeter players, while power forwards and centers represented the group of post players. All players performed a standardized exercise test to evaluate maximal oxygen uptake using a cycle ergometer and automated breath-by-breath system VMAX229C. Collected data of power, heart rate, pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange were compared between the groups of perimeter and post players. Significant differences in anthropometric features between the investigated subgroups were observed. Post players were heavier and taller. Therefore, the perimeter players had significantly higher values of VO2max and relative power. VO2max was related to relative power. Relations between those variables can be described by linear regression. Given regressions can be used as a source of typical values for male basketball players. The results indicate that the empirical repartition of basketball players into perimeter and post players has not only a morphological but a physiological basis as well.

The effect of age on positional differences in anthropometry, body composition, physique and anaerobic power of elite basketball players

“…This was in agreement with previous research in France [3] and in Bosnia [4], whereas other research revealed differences only between centers and guards in Belgium [5] or that centers and forwards did not differ [2]. Post-players have also been found taller than perimeter players [7]. All studies have shown the same trend even when the differences were not significant; centers were taller than forwards and guards, and forwards were also taller than guards.…”

“…We did not find any positional difference, whereas it had been suggested that guards had better aerobic power than forwards [5] and centers [2,3,5]. On the other hand, perimeter players from the Lithuanian league (FIBA world ranking 4th) had similar VO 2max with postplayers when oxygen uptake was in ml min -1 [7]. Therefore, it seems that in the top level positional differences for aerobic power are decreased or eliminated.…”

“…Two previous studies supported this finding [2,3], whereas other found difference only between centers and guards [5] or between all groups [4]. Post-players have also been shown heavier than perimeter players [7]. All studies have shown the same trend as in height even when the differences were not significant; centers were heavier than forwards and guards, and forwards were also heavier than guards.…”

“…According to their playing roles, basketball players are classified into guards, forwards and centers [1][2][3][4]. Other classifications have also been used in research; e.g., point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers [5], playmakers, shooting guards and small forwards, and power forwards and centers [6], or perimeter and post-players [7].…”

“…Differences in positional roles have been investigated in various levels and countries; e.g., professional in Lithuania [7], first league in Belgium [5], mixed sample of first and second league in Turkey [2], mixed sample of first and second league in France [3], mixed sample of second, third and fourth league in Greece [6] and mixed sample of national team and elite players in Bosnia [4]. The aforementioned research has revealed significant positional differences with regard to physical and physiological characteristics in adult players.…”