Abstract

Background: Successful game of basketball and sprinting needs the ability of the players to generate good speed and tremendous power during the play of the game. These short sprints in the game need the player to be replete with strength and endurance as of an athlete. Studies on anthropometric characteristics between basketball players and sprinters have been far less reported or studied. Hence, our study aimed to compare physical fitness parameters between basketball players and sprinters. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess, analyses, and compare physical fitness parameters such as anthropometric measurements such as body composition, strength, and endurance between basketball players and sprinters.
Materials and Methods: Thirty (each) basketball players and sprinters from different clubs were selected for this study. The age of these selected players ranged from 16 to 20 years. The study commenced after obtaining the approval and written informed consent from participants. Parameters such as height, weight, arm span, upper segment, lower segment, bodycomposition, strength using bench-press and bench squat (1 RM method), leg and back dynamometry, and endurance using push-up, and sit-up scores were assessed.
Results: Significant lower value for height, weight, arm span, and upper body segments is seen in sprinters. Lean body mass shows a highly significant value when compared between basketball players and sprinters. Upper body strength and endurance were more in basketball players, while lower body strength and endurance were significantly more in sprinters. Discussion: Our study revealed basketball players to be taller, heavier than sprinters, and this can be attributed to having more lean body mass, stronger upper body, and having more upper body endurance, while sprinters had better lower limb strength and endurance than basketball players. Conclusion: Sports researchers should be encouraged so that studies can be done to gather data, analyze, and train players in a more scientific manner.