The Impact of Physical Activity on Maximum Oxygen Consuption in Latvian Master Basketball Players

Objectives. Maximum oxygen consumption measures aerobic fitness level and is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and increased longevity. The aim of the study was to analyse how the duration of physical activity per week in master basketball players correlates with their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max).
Materials and Methods. Latvian master basketball players completed a questionnaire in which they indicated the amount of physical activity per week and performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, during which their VO₂ max was measured. All data was collected and analysed using SPSS Statistics (Spearman’s Correlation).
Results. A total of 61 men master basketball players aged 50 – 81 years (medium age of 64 years, SD 7.8 years) participated in the study (enrolled March 2024 – September 2024). The amount of physical activity ranged from 60 to 870 minutes per week. The average VO2max was 31,34 ml/ kg/min. The correlation in the 50–59 age group is moderate (ρ (17) = 0,463; p = 0,046). There was no statistically significant correlation found between physical activity and VO2 max in the 60-69 age group (p = 0,643p) and the 70+ age group (p = 0,913). This may possibly be contributed to the subjective intensity of exercise and game load, comorbidities, or other subjective factors.
Conclusions. The moderate positive correlation in the 50–59 age group (p = 0,046) and the lack of significance in the 60–69 (p = 0,643) and 70+ (p = 0,913) age groups may be due to subjective exercise intensity, game load, comorbidities, or other factors.