A Comparative Study of Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity of Raiders and Defenders in Kabaddi Game

Sports

Abstract

Background: Kabaddi is a high-intensity contact team sport that demands significant contributions from both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Modern positional specialization has created distinct physiological demands for raiders and defenders, yet limited research has systematically compared these profiles at university level. Objective: This study aimed to compare the aerobic capacity (VO₂max) and anaerobic capacity (peak power, average power, minimum power, fatigue index) between raiders and defenders in competitive kabaddi. Method: Thirty male university-level kabaddi players (15 raiders, 15 defenders; age 18–25 years; ≥2 years competitive experience) were assessed using Cooper's 12-Minute Run Test for aerobic capacity and the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) for anaerobic capacity. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test at α = 0.05. Results: Defenders demonstrated significantly higher VO₂max (49.27 ± 3.88 vs 43.86 ± 3.42 ml/kg/min; p = 0.0004). Raiders showed significantly higher peak power (10.24 ± 1.08 vs 9.18 ± 0.96 W/kg; p = 0.008) and average power (8.76 ± 0.92 vs 7.92 ± 0.85 W/kg; p = 0.014). Minimum power (p = 0.074) and fatigue index (p = 0.251) did not differ significantly. Correlations between aerobic and anaerobic parameters were non-significant in both groups. Conclusion: Raiders and defenders exhibit distinct physiological profiles: defenders possess superior aerobic capacity while raiders demonstrate greater anaerobic power. These findings support position-specific training prescriptions and talent identification protocols in competitive kabaddi.