Development and Efficacy Evaluation of a Periodized Professional Endurance Training Program for U19 Male Basketball Athletes in Da Nang, Vietnam

Abstract

This study aimed to design and rigorously assess the effectiveness of an eight-week periodized professional endurance (PE) training intervention for U19 male basketball athletes in Da Nang, Vietnam. Grounded in Bompa’s periodization theory and informed by expert consensus (>80%), the program incorporated thirty basketball-specific endurance exercises executed over two distinct phases: anatomical adaptation (weeks 1–4) and maximal endurance development (weeks 5–8). Twenty athletes (mean age 17.9 ± 0.5 years) underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments encompassing five field-based PE tests and dual-mode VO₂max measurements (Beep Test and Cosmed K4b2). Post-intervention, significant enhancements were observed across all PE metrics, with performance increases ranging from 8.2% to 17.0% (p < 0.001) and VO₂max improvements of 7.7% (47.9 → 51.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and 8.5% (48.2 → 52.3 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) via Beep Test and Cosmed K4b2, respectively. The proportion of athletes achieving 'Excellent' endurance levels rose from 10% to 30–60%. These findings substantiate the program’s capacity to elevate aerobic capacity and sport-specific endurance, offering a scientifically grounded framework for optimizing youth basketball training.