Variation in Age and Training on Selected Biochemical Variables of Indian Hockey Players

The present study was aimed to find out the variation of age and training on biochemical variables of Indian elite hockey players. A total of 120 hockey players who volunteered for the present study, were equally divided (n=30) into 4 groups: under 16 years (14-15 yrs); under 19 years (16-18 yrs); under 23 years (19-22 yrs); and senior (23-30 yrs). The training sessions were divided into 3 phases: Transition Phase (TP), Preparatory Phase (PP), and Competitive Phase (CP). The training programme consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill training; and completed 4 hours in morning and evening sessions, 5 days/week. Selected biochemical parameters were measured and data were analyzed by applying Two-way ANOVA and Post hoc test. The mean values of haemoglobin (Hb), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have been increased significantly (P<0.05) with the advancement of age of players. A significant increase (P<0.05) in serum urea, uric acid and HDL-C and a significant decrease (P<0.05) in Hb, TC, TG and LDL-C have been noted in PP and CP when compared to that of TP. The present study would provide useful information for biochemical monitoring of training of hockey players.