The effect of hatha yoga exercises on some biochemical variables and stress levels in basketball players

Abstract

Basketball is a team sport that differs from many other sports in its rapid rhythms, continuous rhythmic sequences, and reciprocal movement between continuous offensive and defensive operations. It is characterized by speed, strength, and endurance. The player transitions from offense to defense quickly and continuously, which requires continuous energy consumption and the replacement of that energy in order to continue performing physical efforts throughout the game. Here, it is necessary to identify some of the body's biochemical indicators at rest and during physical exertion. The study aimed to identify the effect of some Hatha Yoga exercises on some biochemical variables. (Beta-endorphin, Cortisol) among basketball players, and to know the effect of some Hatha Yoga exercises on the level of stress among basketball players. The researchers hypothesized that there would be statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-measurements of the sample under study in the level of biochemical variables (Beta Endorphin, Cortisol), in favor of the post-measurement. There were also statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-measurements of the sample under study in the level of stress, in favor of the post-measurement. The researchers used the experimental method with a pre-post measurement design for one group, as it was suitable for the nature of this study. The researchers selected the research sample from Al-Muqdadiya Basketball Club players. To simplify the raw scores for interpretation, the researcher used several statistical methods. In light of the above, the researcher reached several conclusions, including that hatha yoga exercises led to an improvement in beta-endorphin concentrations in dimensional measurements during rest and after exertion in the sample under study. The researchers recommended that the results be adopted by coaches and that hatha yoga exercises be included in training sessions, given their physical, psychological, and physiological benefits.