Effects of Beta-Blockers and Diuretics on Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Master Basketball Players

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of beta-blockers and diuretics on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in master basketball players. VO2max is a key measure of cardiovascular fitness, with higher levels strongly linked to lower mortality rates. It can be influenced by physiological as well as pharmacological factors. The analysis assesses the medication’s impact across four groups: beta-blocker users, diuretic users, combined users, and non-users.
Materials and methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with master basketball players. Participants were grouped into beta-blocker users (n=7), diuretic users (n=6), combined users (n=2), and non-users (n=46). Data included anthropometric measurements, training history, and VO2max assessed via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and regression test, were performed.
Results. 61 master basketball players aged 50–81 years (M=64 years, SD± 7.8 years). The average VO2max was 31.07 ± 5.47 mL/kg/min, with non-users showing higher statistically significant mean VO2max 32.13(SD ± 5.46, p=0.014) compared to beta blockers users 27.25(SD ±
3.87, p=0.044) and diuretics users 28.69 (SD± 4.21, p=0.138). Regression analysis showed that the combined use of diuretics and beta-blockers explained 11.5% of VO2max variability. Individually, diuretics accounted for 3.5% of the variability (p=0.138), while
beta-blockers explained 7.7% of the variability (p=0.046). Group differences in VO2max among beta-blocker and diuretic users were not statistically significant (p=0.094) compared to non-users, but the effect size (η² = 0.120) indicated a small-to-moderate impact of medications.
Conclusions. Beta-blocker and diuretic usage were correlated with lower VO2max in master basketball players (p=0.044 for beta blockers; p=0.138 for diuretics), with an effect size of η² = 0.120(p=0.071 for between-group differences) highlighting their small-to moderate impact on cardiovascular performance.