Physiological responses of female basketball players across graded training intensities: cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations

Background and Study Aim. Basketball is characterized by high-intensity, intermittent efforts that require rapid transitions between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Monitoring physiological responses across training intensities is essential to optimize conditioning strategies, manage workloads, and improve player performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of training with differentiated intensity on the complex cardiovascular and respiratory responses of female basketball players. Material and Methods. Thirty-two female university-level basketball players (age: 24.1 ± 3.4 years; height: 156.4 ± 6.2 cm) with ≥5 years of structured training participated. Four controlled training conditions were randomized: mostly aerobic, mixed aerobic–anaerobic, anaerobic glycolytic, and anaerobic alactate drills. Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored using the Sunfox Spandan Pro electrocardiography (ECG) system. Expired gases were analyzed via Douglas bags and a calibrated gas meter to determine oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), pulmonary ventilation (VE), oxygen pulse, and oxygen debt. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), Bonferroni post-hoc tests, Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and linear regression modeling. Results. Progressive increases in VO₂, HR, VE, and oxygen debt were observed from aerobic to anaerobic glycolytic drills (p < 0.001). Effect sizes were medium to large (η² = 0.39–0.52). Post-hoc analysis revealed significantly greater VO₂ and HR during anaerobic glycolytic drills compared to aerobic and mixed drills (Cohen’s d > 0.80). MANOVA confirmed significant multivariate differences (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.42, p < 0.001). VO₂ correlated strongly with HR (r = 0.81) and VE (r = 0.76). Regression modeling indicated that HR and VE explained 68% of VO₂ variance, while ICCs (>0.85) confirmed measurement reliability. Conclusions. Controlled basketball drills elicit distinct physiological responses depending on intensity. Anaerobic glycolytic efforts produce the highest demands. HR and VE provide reliable predictors of VO₂ and offer practical tools for field-based monitoring. However, the controlled design may not fully capture the unpredictability of live competition. This highlights the need for complementary training approaches that integrate situational and tactical elements.