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Effectiveness of game-based physical training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in volleyball players aged 15-18 years: a randomized controlled trial

Andriansyah, Sumaryanto, Ngatman, Trisnar Adi Prabowo · Sportis Scientific Journal of School Sport Physical Education and Psychomotricity · 2026

Researchers randomly split 48 volleyball players aged 15-18 into a game-based physical training group or a conventional training group for 8 weeks (24 sessions) at 65-85% intensity, testing aerobic fitness with the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and anaerobic fitness with a 10 x 20 m repeated sprint test. The game-based group improved significantly more in both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, with large effect sizes.
Takeaway: Use game-based conditioning drills instead of purely conventional drills to build both aerobic and sprint-repeat fitness in young volleyball players.
Abstract (source)

Volleyball is an intermittent sport that requires both aerobic and anaerobic capacity; therefore, training approaches should match these physiological demands. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of game-based physical training on aerobic and anaerobic endurance in volleyball players aged 15-18 years. The study employed a randomized controlled trial

Design: with a pretest-posttest format involving two groups. A total of 48 volleyball players aged 15-18 years (24 males and 24 females) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (game-based physical training) and a control group (conventional training). The intervention was conducted over 8 weeks (24 sessions) with an intensity of 65-85%. Aerobic endurance was measured using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1), while anaerobic endurance was assessed using the 10 × 20-meter Repeated Sprint Ability test with Total Sprint Time as the indicator. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The

Results: showed a significant group effect on the combined posttest scores of aerobic and anaerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.738). Univariate analysis revealed that the group significantly affected both posttest aerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.508) and posttest anaerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.687). Game-based physical training was more effective than conventional training in improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance in volleyball players aged 15-18 years. Future studies should employ more comprehensive designs,

Objective: measurements, and longer intervention periods.

Randomized controlled trialOpen accessEndurance & Cardiovascular
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