THE EFFECT OF SMOKING ON AEROBIC ENDURANCE AND CERTAIN HEART FUNCTIONS IN YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS AGED (17-18) YEARS

Abstract

The research aims to determine the effect of smoking on youth basketball players, both smokers and non-smokers, regarding aerobic endurance, and to determine the effect of smoking on youth basketball players, both smokers and non-smokers, regarding certain heart functions. The sample consists of a group of players from the Ramadi Sports Club basketball team, totaling (10) players, following the conclusion of the training season for the 2023/2024 season. Their ages range from (17-18) years. Within the single group, they are divided into two groups: (5) smokers and (5) non-smokers. Through tests conducted on the experimental group, results, analysis, and discussion of the research variables appeared. The researcher concluded that there are statistically significant differences between smoking and non-smoking youth basketball players in aerobic endurance, the functional indicator Heart Rate (H.R), the functional indicator Systolic Pressure, and the functional indicator Diastolic Pressure, in favor of the non-smokers. There are many negatives of smoking on the athlete's body and functional systems, as smoking has a significant impact on various body systems. Smoking increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood coagulation, and it decreases aerobic endurance capacity in sports exercises