HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS REGISTER		Author Keyword(s) Vol Page [Advanced]

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this link to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Add article to my folders Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Jawis, M N Articles by Khanna, G L Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Jawis, M N Articles by Khanna, G L

Anthropometric and physiological profiles of sepak takraw players

¹ Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Professor Rabindarjeet Singh
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sports Science Unit, Kota Bharu, Malaysia; rabindar{at}kb.usm.my

Objectives: Anthropometric and physiological profiles of national sepak takraw players were determined.

Methods: Thirty nine players, specialising in the three playing positions (tekong/server, feeder, and killer/spiker) were divided into three age categories of under 15 (U15), under 18 (U18), and under 23 (U23) years of age. Height, weight, percent body fat (%bf), maximum oxygen consumption (Vo_2max), range of motion (ROM), back and leg strength, and heart rate, for the estimation of oxygen consumption during matches, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA for independent measurements and data are presented as mean±standard deviation.

Results: The U23 players were significantly taller and heavier with significantly better ROM of the neck, trunk, and ankle joints and back and leg strength than the U15 players. No significant difference was found in %bf between the three age categories. Mean maximum heart rate during exercise was significantly higher in the U15 group when compared to the U18 and U23 groups (p<0.05). Mean Vo_2max was similar between the three groups. Estimated oxygen consumption during matches was 69.1%, 68.5%, and 56.4% of Vo_2max in the killer, tekong, and the feeder groups, respectively.

Conclusions: The mean height, body weight, and cardiopulmonary capacities of the players were within the Malaysian population norms, but were somewhat lower than those of players of other court games from other countries. %bf was also lower in these players. This study provides the much needed anthropometric and physiological data of sepak takraw players for further development of this sport.

Abbreviations: %bf, percent body fat; HR_max, maximum heart rate; O₂P_max, maximum oxygen pulse; ROM, range of motion; SD, standard deviation; Vo_2max, maximum oxygen consumption

Keywords: anthropometry; maximum heart rate; sepak takraw; Vo2max

Commentary

² Sports Authority of India, New Delhi, India; glkhanna56{at}hotmail.com