Erythrocyte Carbonic Anhydrase II as a Marker of Metabolic Adaptation to Basketball-Specific High-Intensity Interval Training

This study was designed to investigate erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase II as a potential biomarker of metabolic adaptation to basketball-specific high-intensity interval training. Carbonic anhydrase II plays a key role in acid-base regulation and carbon dioxide transport, which are critical physiological processes during repeated high-intensity exercise.

Participants were healthy basketball players who completed a structured high-intensity interval training program reflecting the intermittent and high-demand nature of basketball activity. The training protocol consisted of repeated bouts of intense exercise interspersed with short recovery periods, consistent with established basketball-specific conditioning practices.

Blood samples were obtained at predefined time points to assess erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase II levels. These biochemical measurements were evaluated alongside selected performance and physiological indicators to characterize training-induced metabolic adaptations. All assessments were conducted under standardized conditions to minimize variability related to diet, hydration, and recent physical activity.

The study followed an observational pre-post design without clinical intervention beyond the prescribed training program. No experimental drugs or medical devices were used. Safety monitoring was conducted throughout the study period, and no serious adverse events were anticipated given the low-risk nature of the exercise protocol and the healthy status of the participants.

This study seeks to contribute to the growing body of research on exercise-related biomarkers by examining whether erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase II may provide practical insight into metabolic adaptation to sport-specific high-intensity training.