EFFECT OF YOGIC PRACTICES ON SELECTED PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIABLES AMONG WOMEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of yogic practices on flexibility and VO2 max among women basketball players. Forty five women basketball players were randomly assigned to a yogic practices group (N=15), flexibility group (N=15) and control group (N=15). The yogic practices group underwent a 12-week yogic practices program, consisting of 6 sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Flexibility, VO2 max and control group were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The results showed significant improvements in flexibility and VO2 max in the yogic practices group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that yogic practices can be a valuable adjunct to traditional training methods for women basketball players. The program included various yogic postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and relaxation methods. Flexibility was measured using the sit-and-reach test. VO2 max was measured using the Bruce treadmill test. Measurements were taken before and after the 12-week intervention.Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and F ratio) confirmed the normality of the data. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to determine significant mean differences in the selected variables between the initial and final assessments.