Effect of Training on Physiological and Biochemical Variables ofSoccer Players of Different Age Groups

Purpose: to find out the effect of training on selected physiologicaland biochemical variables of indian soccer players of different agegroups.methods: a total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study,were divided (n=30) into 4 groups: (i) under 16 years (u16), (ii)under 19 years (u19), (iii) under 23 years (u23), (iv) senior (sr).the training sessions were divided into 2 phases (a) preparatoryphase (pp, 8 weeks) and (b) competitive phase (cp, 4 weeks). thetraining program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skilldevelopment, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. selectedphysiological and biochemical variables were measured at zerolevel (baseline data, bd) and at the end of pp and cp.results: a significant increase (p<0.05) in lean body mass (lbm),vo2max, anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acidand high density lipoprotein cholesterol (hdl-c); and a significantdecrease (p<0.05) in body fat, hemoglobin (hb), total cholesterol(tc), triglyceride (tg) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(ldl-c) were detected in some groups in pp and cp phases of thetraining when compare to bd. however, no significant change wasfound in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after thetraining program.conclusion: this study would provide useful information fortraining and selection of soccer players of different age groups.