Selective antioxidant and muscle–metabolic responses to basketball-specific moderate-intensity interval training: A randomized controlled trial

Background Basketball-specific interval training combines cardiovascular, mechanical, and technical demands, yet its effects on antioxidant, nitric oxide-related, and muscle–metabolic biomarkers remain unclear. This study examined the effects of eight weeks of basketball-specific moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on selected biochemical markers in competitive male basketball players. Methods Twenty-three players were allocated using simple individual randomization to an experimental group (EG; n = 13) or control group (CG; n = 10). Both groups continued broadly comparable routine technical–tactical basketball training, while the EG additionally completed basketball-specific MIIT three times weekly at 65–75% of maximal heart rate. Serum SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, L-arginine, eNOS, CK, urea, and creatinine were assessed at baseline and 48 h after the final training session. Post-intervention outcomes were analysed using ANCOVA, with group as the fixed factor and baseline values as covariates. Results Baseline-adjusted SOD was significantly higher in the EG (difference = 2.03 U/mL, 95% CI 0.66–3.39; p = .006), whereas MDA was significantly lower (−0.357 nmol/mL, 95% CI −0.701 to −0.012; p = .043). Urea was also significantly higher in the EG (8.31 mg/dL, 95% CI 2.13–14.49; p = .011). CAT, GSH, L-arginine, eNOS, and CK showed no significant baseline-adjusted between-group differences. Creatinine was significantly higher in the EG; however, because the homogeneity-of-regression-slopes assumption was violated for this outcome, the adjusted group difference should be interpreted cautiously. Conclusions Basketball-specific MIIT was associated with marker-specific antioxidant and metabolic responses. Because measurements were limited to baseline and 48 h after the final session, cumulative adaptations cannot be distinguished from residual exercise responses.