RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BIOCHEMICAL VARIABLES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS

Ms. Khushbu Sisodiya and Dr. Brij Kishore Prasad

Abstract

The present research study explored the relationship between key biochemical markers and performance indicators in elite female hockey players. Twenty players, ages 18 to 25, from the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Gwalior, (M.P.) were evaluated throughout standardised performance tests, such as the RAST Test for anaerobic speed and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Testing for aerobic capacity. At baseline and after training, blood samples were taken to assess lipid profiles, white blood cell (WBC) measure, platelet count, haemoglobin (Hb), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The results of the Pearson correlation analysis showed that aerobic performance (Yo-Yo test distance) was significantly positively correlated with haemoglobin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), while the results of C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were negatively correlated. Anaerobic sprint performance (RAST test timings) substantially improved with increased haemoglobin and HDL-C, but it deteriorated with increasing CRP and total cholesterol. White blood cell and platelet levels had no notable correlations with performance. The results highlight the significance of monitoring specific biochemical markers in an individual's health and performance management, indicating that better lipid profiles and diminished inflammation correlate with greater endurance and sprint performance in hockey players.

Keywords: Female Athletes, Aerobic, Anaerobic, Haemoglobin (Hb), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Lipid profile.