ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC FITNESS OF ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS THROUGHOUT ANNUAL TRAINING CYCLE

Abstract

The study deals with partial findings making part of the research project VEGA 1/1020/11 targeted at the variability of aerobic and anaerobic fitness in athletes throughout annual training cycle. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of training and competition load on aerobic and anaerobic fitness in ice hockey players throughout 2012/2013 hockey season. Nine ice hockey players aged 15 to 16 years on P.H.K. Prešov ice hockey team were tested for parameters of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Anaerobic power was measured using Wingate test performed on cycle ergometer Monark894E. The parameters measured were peak anaerobic power and average anaerobic power. Aerobic fitness was assessed using field-based Beep test and laboratory spiroergometric test W₁₇₀ performed on cycle ergometer. Both tests were used to determine maximal oxygen uptake. The results of the study showed significant increase in aerobic fitness mainly in preparatory and pre-season period (49-56.7 ml/kg.min^-1). Aerobic fitness remained at a relatively stable level up to the playoffs (55.5-57.5 ml/kg.min^-1). Anaerobic fitness increased especially in the regular season (from 10.9 to 11.7 W/kg) until the end of season due to specific on-ice training.