The_Affects_of_Aerobic_and_Anaerobic_Training

The Adaptive Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Training on Members of a Football Team Introduction As part of a college project this experiment was designed to investigate physiological adaptations to specific types of training. Specifically, the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular adaptation to a programme of either aerobic or anaerobic training. It has been specifically designed to ascertain whether or not short periods of either aerobic or anaerobic training has any significant effect on physical factors that might improve fitness and performance. This was designed to use relatively simple equipment such as that available to small local teams and coaches. There is already a great deal of previous research and literature around regarding the adaptations that take place, but to replicate them usually requires laboratory conditions, expensive equipment to measure the adaptations and often a large number of subjects. Also much research is done over many months or even years, time that is not available for the current project. It is also designed so that ongoing research can take place and the findings be used by the coaches of small teams to target specific needs of team members. Literature Review A great deal of literature has been reviewed on the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular adaptations to endurance and strength training. Reversibility training was also researched as well as the functions of the systems. The training requirement of different sports was also researched, in particular football. All sports, games in particular, make demands on anaerobic pathways and muscular strength as well as on oxygen transport mechanisms. In football whilst aerobic metabolism provides the main energy sources, other aspects of performance may depend on anaerobic efforts (Bangsbo 1994). Different types of training are needed either for individuals or the whole team. A training programme should be balanced to address needs at specific times, i.e. before competitions, out of season, weather conditions etc. The topics mentioned are described more fully later in the report (Appendix II). Further information on Literature and on-line information can be found in the reference section of this report. Hypothesis Short-term training programmes have an effect on the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems and different types of training will produce different adaptations. Method Plan • 18 subjects. 6 controls, 6 on an aerobic and 6 on an anaerobic training programme. • Training to take place 3 times per week, once at the regular club training session and twice more evenly spread throughout the week to fit in to individual subjects lifestyles. • Training Sessions to be relatively short (20 minutes) in addition to their regular pattern of training. • Training plans to be relatively simple to increase the likelihood that they will be followed. • The club night session to be monitored by the coach. • Quantitative analysis using simple, easily accessible equipment. Pre and post test measurements to be taken. • Programme to last for 6 weeks. • Par-Q questionnaire for each subject. Subjects The subjects for this experiment were all male members of a local amateur football club. The club has a number of teams and they train at a local sports club. Most of the members are between the ages of 16 and 25. They form several teams that compete against each other and in local 5 a side leagues. Originally it was planned to have 18 subjects. Unfortunately, for various reasons, such as sickness and non-attendance only 6 subjects participated in and completed the programme. The use of a control group had to be forgone due to time constraints. The subjects were all between 17 and 19 years old and physiques varied, as did levels of fitness. However, they all played football and trained on a regular basis. Research Design The adaptation to exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic was researched (appendix II). Different methods of analysis were also looked at along with types of equipment and availability. Apparatus Watch with second hand. (To measure heart rate) Hand Grip Dynamometer (To measure strength) Spiro meter (to measure vital lung capacity) Calliper (to measure body fat) Peak Flow Meter (To measure respiratory function) Procedure 1. Initially, each subject was asked to complete and sign a Par-Q form. This was done prior to subjects’ participation in training programmes. All of the forms were satisfactory and the coach indicated that the programmes were acceptable to be used in addition to their usual training routines. (Appendix IV) 2. The coach and subjects were met at the local sports centre before they commenced a training session. The subjects were then asked to relax for ten minutes prior to measurements being taken. Each of the subjects was then tested with the equipment above following test protocols and/or the instructions for the equipment used (Appendix III). 3. The measurements were recorded for each subject, taking care to enter them individually on a record sheet (Appendix VI). 4. Each subject was given either an aerobic or anaerobic exercise plan (Appendix V) randomly with equal numbers of aerobic and anaerobic programmes being distributed. It was explained to each person that they could do two sessions of their allocated plan to fit in with their personal timetable. The plan they had been given was added to the individual record sheet. It was also explained that the third session would be at the Tuesday evening training and would be monitored by the coach. They were advised that if they missed the Tuesday session they should still do 20 minutes of the plan some time during the week so that they achieved a total of 60 minutes per week of additional anaerobic or aerobic exercise. 5. The coach witnessed that the measurements had taken place. 6. The result sheets were collated and the information recorded on a spreadsheet. 7. The author Checked weekly to confirm that the subjects were continuing with the programme and that they were not having any problems. 8. After 6 consecutive weeks the measurements for each subject were taken in the same way as the pre-test measurements. 9. The final measurements were recorded on each record sheet. 10. The results of the experiment were recorded on a raw data spreadsheet using excel software. Results The Raw Data is to be found later in the report (Appendix I) Average Test Scores For Whole Population The results were difficult to analyse due to small population size and unforeseen technological problems with the computer. However, further analysis of the results will take place as soon as circumstances allow. This report will be revised and updated accordingly in due course. Discussion of Results The results show no real difference between the two groups. This may be because the population is too small. However, it does appear to show that both groups improved their level of fitness with the extra training undertaken. The tests are fairly reliable and could be probably be repeated, however, if repeated again there might be variation due to the subjects being diverse in shape and size. Additional information could be used. The results may have been different had they experiment been more controlled with more frequent monitoring. For example, the subjects could have missed training sessions or undertaken other training in addition to their programme and club training. Footballers may do different training for different positions and therefore this could have affected their scores. There may have been a difference in some of the post programme results due to the subjects consciously or unconsciously altering them, i.e. relaxing more for longer before resting heart rate test or making a better effort with the peak flow and vital capacity tests. As the Group is diverse and the experiments are not in a laboratory the experiment is difficult to control. The experiment had limited validity due to the small sample size and lack of a control group. However, it is valid enough to provide a basis for the improvement of this type of experiment. More time to plan the experiment and find suitable subjects would have been an advantage. This may have given a larger population with controls. There was not really enough time to fulfil all of the objectives of the plan. Health and safety issues were adhered to by using par Q forms and by following testing protocols and equipment instructions for use and cleaning. There may have been experimental errors, i.e. because measurements were not taken with optimum equipment, i.e. using the pulse rate instead of a heart rate monitor. All of the tests were taken by the same person therefore there is less likelihood of experimental error due to differing techniques. It is difficult to say if the subjects took the experiment seriously, however, most were pleased with an improvement in the measurements as individuals/ they may be more motivated to participate again in the same sort of experiment, or they may now be motivated to increase their training by a small amount. All of the individual measurements improved with just 20 minutes of exercise 3 times per week. All appeared to be cooperative but it is difficult to assess the extent of compliance with the training programmes. The improvements could have been due to other changes in training other than the programme. Conclusions Further statistical analysis may show more significance in the results, however it is unlikely that the hypothesis was proved. The null hypothesis is not really proved either. Lets just say that the results are inconclusive and further primary research needs to be undertaken. More time would have improved the planning of the project as a whole and the primary data collection would have also benefited. It takes time to set up a group of subjects. Appendices ----------------------- [pic]