Search Results (470)

Physical performance data is essential for planning youth training effectively; however, there is a lack of scientific information regarding performance in youth competitions. To address this gap, an innovative study was conducted with Portuguese U14 regional selections. Each player was equipped with a WimuPro™ inertial device. Six variables were considered: accelerations, decelerations, speed, player load, impacts, and high impacts. The objective of this study, based on data from official competitions, was to statistically analyze the distribution and intensity thresholds of six physical performance variables across five defined zones. A cluster k-means analysis was performed for a significance value of p < 0.05. Five zones were identified for all variables: acceleration [<0.37; 0.37 to 0.81; 0.81 to 1.54; 1.54 to 3.49; >3.49 m/s²], deceleration [<−0.26; −0.27 to −0.63; −0.63 to −1.22; −1.22 to −2.545; >−2.54 m/s²], speed [<5.42; 5.42 to 10.19; 10.20 to 14.63; 14.64 to 18.59; >18.59 km/h²], player load [<1.07; 1.07 to 1.36; 1.37 to 1.63; 1.64 to 1.95; >1.95 u.a./min], impacts [<133.45; 133.45 to 158.75; 158.76 to 181.45; 181.46 to 206.59; >206.59 cont/min], and high impacts [<1.13; 1.14 to 2.11; 2.12 to 3.13; 3.14 to 4.42; >4.42 cont/min]. These intensity zones should be taken into account to optimize training and enhance the understanding of competition in U14 basketball. Full article

Background: Understanding the relationship between physical demands and game performance is essential to optimize player development and management in basketball. This study aimed to examine the association between game performance and physical demands in youth male basketball players. Methods: Fifteen players (16.3 ± 0.7 years) from a Spanish 4th division team were monitored over seven official games. Game performance variables were extracted from official statistics, including traditional and advanced metrics. Physical demands were monitored using an Electronic Performance Tracking System device, combining a positioning system and inertial sensors. Partial correlations, controlling for minutes played, were calculated to explore associations between physical demands and performance variables, both for the entire team and by playing position. Results: Significant correlations between physical demands and game performance were observed. Points scored correlated strongly with total distance and high-intensity accelerations, while assists correlated with high-intensity decelerations. Inertial metrics, such as player load and the number of jumps, showed large correlations with points, two-point attempts, and the efficiency rating. Positional analysis revealed stronger and more numerous correlations for centers compared to guards and forwards. Inertial sensor-derived metrics exhibited a greater number and strength of correlations than positioning metrics. Conclusions: Game performance and physical demands are intrinsically related, with specific patterns varying by playing position. Inertial sensors provide valuable complementary information to positioning systems for assessing physical demands in basketball. These findings can assist practitioners in tailoring monitoring and training strategies to optimize performance and manage player workload effectively. Full article

Background: Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (T-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Results: Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (p < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (p > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, p = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, p < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation. Full article

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance and body composition in female basketball players. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD420251006285). A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Despite differences in protocols, a majority of studies reported improvements in VO_2max (6/9), explosive strength (7/9), agility (5/6), and speed (5/6) and reductions in body mass and fat percentage (3/3). These findings highlight HIIT as an effective method for enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as optimizing body composition. Despite variations in study protocols, HIIT consistently offers improvements in performance, irrespective of training level. The results underscore the importance of HIIT in preparing athletes, not only during the preseason but also throughout the competition period. Coaches should consider integrating HIIT into training programs, adjusting intensity and volume based on the season to optimize performance and prevent overtraining. Full article

Basketball requires intense movements like jumping and sudden changes in direction, increasing the risk of slips and falls due to poor shoe–court traction. Therefore, a significant demand is for good traction performance in basketball shoes, particularly in the heel region on different court surfaces, to prevent slipping. This study examined the traction performance of fifteen common basketball shoe designs that were considered and developed using thermoplastic polyurethane to assess the available coefficient of friction (ACOF) on popular floorings (hardwood, synthetic, and polyurethane) under dry and wet conditions using a robotic slip tester. Results indicate that the hardwood flooring provided better traction, followed by the synthetic flooring, while the polyurethane flooring showed reduced friction. The study also examined the traction with apparent contact areas. Shoes with herringbone and circular tread patterns demonstrated the highest traction on all flooring in dry conditions. This research is anticipated to help basketball shoemakers choose safer shoes for player safety and performance, providing a foundation for future research on shoe flooring interaction in basketball. Full article

Basketball referees play a crucial role in game management, yet the physical and physiological demands placed on them during a game remain understudied. This study analyzed the workload of 35 group 1 referees during a U-18 Spanish championship, examining the effects of refereeing technique (two referees vs. three referees) and competition sex (male vs. female) across game quarters. Physical and physiological demands were measured using inertial devices and heart rate monitors during 37 matches (18 men’s and 19 women’s). The results revealed that 2-referee teams experienced significantly greater physical demands, covering approximately 25% more total distance and demonstrating higher values in high-intensity running compared to 3-referee teams. Female competition elicited higher demands in specific variables, particularly in the distance covered above 16 km/h and average speed. Analysis across quarters showed distinct temporal patterns, with the first and third quarters presenting the highest demands, especially for 2-referee teams. These findings suggest that basketball referees’ physical preparation should be tailored to the officiating technique and competition sex, with a particular emphasis on developing specific conditioning programs for the 2-referee technique and implementing targeted recovery strategies between quarters to maintain optimal performance throughout the game. Full article

Wheelchair basketball (WB) grants important benefits for people with disabilities but also presents a relevant risk of injury. Wheelchair straps are restraint devices that can improve safety and performance, but limited research has explored their use in WB. This study aims to analyze the use of different types of straps among professional WB players, according to classification score. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups based on classification score: low-point players (LPPs; 1.0–2.5), who have greater physical impairment, and high-point players (HPPs; 3.0–4.5), who have lower physical impairment. A total of 82 WB players participated (43 LPPs; 39 HPPs). The Chi-squared test was used to compare variables between groups. Significant differences emerged: chest (p = 0.036), abdominal (p = 0.036), and foot (p = 0.016) straps were more frequently used by LPPs, while thigh (p = 0.020) and leg (p = 0.050) straps were more common among HPPs. No significant difference was found for pelvic strap. Straps used in WB vary with classification score, reflecting the influence of functional ability. These findings offer insights into individualized wheelchair setup and classification procedures. Further studies are needed to expand knowledge on this topic. Full article

Training individualisation is a key principle for maximising improvements in players’ performance, but there are still few approaches to individualisation of training in basketball players. The aims of this study were as follows: (I) to analyse the effects of two individualised training approaches on performance in male basketball players; (II) to compare the inter-individual differences in adaptations of these physical abilities; and (III) to assess differences in physical performance between two time periods of training intervention. Forty-five male basketball players (age, 22.3 ± 4.18 years; body height, 1.86 ± 0.15 m; body mass, 86.3 ± 7.85 kg) were divided into three groups: a vertical group (n = 15), who performed an individualised training programme based on a force–velocity profile; a horizontal group (n = 15), who underwent individualised intervention based on change of direction deficit; and a control group (n = 15). The assessments included jump and speed tests. Strength training was administered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Both intervention groups demonstrated large significant group x time interactions in jump (η_p² ≥ 0.24, p < 0.01) and speed (η_p² = 0.23, p < 0.01), with no significant changes in the control. The largest performance gains were achieved in the specific force orientation targeted by each intervention. These findings suggest that addressing the individual needs of each player and the specificity of the physical ability are key considerations for training programming in basketball players. Full article

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of shot selection on the muscle coordination characteristics during basketball shooting. Methods: A three-dimensional motion capture system, force platform, and wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) were used to simultaneously collect shooting data from 14 elite basketball players. An inverse mapping model of sEMG signals and spinal α-motor neuron pool activity was developed based on the Debra muscle segment distribution theory. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and K-means clustering were used to extract muscle coordination features. Results: (1) Significant differences in spinal segment activation timing and amplitude were observed between stationary and jump shots at different distances. In close-range stationary shots, the C5-S3 segments showed higher activation during the TP phase and lower activation during the RP phase. For mid-range shots, the C6-S3 segments exhibited greater activation during the TP phase. In long-range shots, the C7-S3 segments showed higher activation during the TP phase, whereas the L3-S3 segments showed lower activation during the RP phase (p < 0.01). (2) The spatiotemporal structure of muscle coordination modules differed significantly between stationary and jump shots. In terms of spatiotemporal structure, the second and third coordination groups showed stronger activation during the RP phase (p < 0.01). Significant differences in muscle activation levels were also observed between the coordination modules within each group in the spatial structure. Conclusion: Shot selection plays a significant role in shaping neuromuscular control strategies during basketball shooting. Targeted training should focus on addressing the athlete’s specific shooting weaknesses. For stationary shots, the emphasis should be on enhancing lower limb stability, while for jump shots, attention should be directed toward improving core stability and upper limb coordination. Full article

Markerless motion capture (MMC) offers a non-invasive method for monitoring external load in sports where wearable devices are restricted; however, its validity in 3x3 basketball contexts remains unverified. The viability and measurement precision of a multi-camera RTMPose-based MMC system for single-player tasks in 3x3 basketball performance monitoring were evaluated in this study. Recorded on a standard half-court, eight cameras (60 fps) captured ten collegiate athletes executing basketball-specific activities including linear sprints, curved runs, T-tests, and vertical jumps. The 3D coordinates of hip and ankle keypoints were reconstructed from multiple synchronized camera views using Direct Linear Transformation (DLT), from which horizontal displacement and average speed were derived. These values were validated using tape-measure distance and time–motion analysis. The MMC system demonstrated high accuracy, with coefficients of variation (CVs) below 5%, mean bias under 3.5%, and standard error of estimate (SEE) below 3% across most tasks. Speed estimates revealed great consistency with time–motion analysis (ICC = 0.97–1.00; standardized change in mean [SCM] varied from trivial to small). The Bland–Altman graphs verified no proportional error and little bias. These results confirm the MMC system as a consistent, non-invasive method for gathering movement data in outdoor basketball environments. Future studies should assess the system’s performance during live competitive play with several athletes and occlusions and compare it to a laboratory-grade motion capture system. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical period where exercise-induced oxidative stress is modulated by both training adaptations and hormonal changes, particularly the antioxidant effects of estrogen in females. However, data on how adolescent female athletes respond to long-term exercise remain limited. The aim of this study was to examine oxidative stress levels and some antioxidant defense parameters in adolescent female athletes who train regularly. Methods: The study included 20 adolescent female basketball players (16.65 ± 0.67 years; 165.50 ± 0.06 cm; 59.75 ± 5.50 kg) with at least three years of training experience and 20 non-athlete adolescent female participants (16.80 ± 0.69 years; 159.95 ± 0.04 cm; 60.15 ± 4.23 kg). Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels were analyzed by a spectrophotometric method using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer in blood samples taken from all participants, and the data were compared between the groups. Results: The results showed that MDA levels were significantly lower in the athlete group (p < 0.01; d = 4.78). In addition, CAT activity was significantly higher in athletes compared to non-athletes (p < 0.01; d = 7.81). However, no significant difference was observed in GSH levels between the groups (p > 0.05; d = 0.15). A strong negative correlation was found between MDA and CAT (r = −0.900). Conclusions: These findings suggest that prolonged exercise reduces oxidative stress and enhances catalase-mediated antioxidant defense in adolescent women. Increased CAT activity and decreased MDA levels support this effect, while stable GSH levels point to the role of compensatory mechanisms. Full article

In recent years, advances in artificial intelligence, machine vision, and the Internet of Things have significantly impacted sports analytics, particularly basketball, where accurate measurement and analysis of player performance have become increasingly important. This study proposes a real-time goal state recognition system based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, focusing on four shooting scenarios: rebounds, swishes, other shots, and misses. By installing IMU sensors around the basketball net, the system captures real-time data on acceleration, angular velocity, and angular changes to comprehensively analyze the fluency and success rate of shooting execution, utilizing five deep learning models—convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), CNN-LSTM, and CNN-LSTM-Attention—to classify shot types. Experimental results indicate that the CNN-LSTM-Attention model outperformed other models with an accuracy of 87.79% in identifying goal states. This result represents a commanding level of real-time goal state recognition, demonstrating the robustness and efficiency of the model in complex sports environments. This high accuracy not only supports the application of the system in skill analysis and sports performance evaluation but also lays a solid foundation for the development of intelligent basketball training equipment, providing an efficient and practical solution for athletes and coaches. Full article

Background: Basketball carries a high risk of both chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries, affecting various parts of the body. Additionally, stress is a critical factor that influences athletic performance, particularly in high-pressure sports like basketball. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a specific proprioceptive training protocol on professional basketball players. Methods: Thirty male basketball players (M = 21.93, SD = 3.75 years) were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group completed an adapted proprioceptive training program designed to enhance position-specific skills, following their regular team training. The control group continued to follow their routine training program without any additional proprioceptive intervention. The parameters assessed included stress levels, longitudinal body axis alignment, spinal range of motion, and total plantar load distribution. These were measured at three time points: baseline (T₀), after 4 weeks of training (T₁), and after 8 weeks of training (T₂). Results: Data analysis showed a significant reduction in stress (p < 0.001), postural alignment (p < 0.001), and spinal range of motion (p < 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings highlight the effectiveness of specific and detailed training programs in injury prevention, offering valuable insights for coaches and sports psychologists. Full article

Background: Understanding the physical demands of basketball at different competitive levels is essential for optimizing training and performance. While elite players are often assumed to experience the highest physical loads, evidence comparing peak external demands (PDs) between elite and non-elite athletes using time-window analysis is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how player level (Elite vs. Non-Elite) influences the external PDs experienced by male basketball players. Methods: This study examined PlayerLoad™ (PL) PDs in elite (n = 10) and non-elite (n = 11) male basketball players during the 2023–2024 season. Players were monitored using inertial measurement units (IMUs) during official and friendly matches (elite = 8 games; non-elite = 29 games). Peak PL values were computed using rolling averages across 30-s, 1-min, and 3-min time windows. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine differences between groups, adjusting for age and match nature. A secondary analysis was carried out including only friendly matches. Results: Non-elite players exhibited significantly higher PL PDs across all the time windows (p < 0.001), with effect sizes ranging from small to very large in the main analysis (ES = −0.41 to −2.11) and from very large to extremely large in the secondary analysis (ES = −2.68 to −5.06). Differences were more pronounced in longer durations. These results suggest that non-elite athletes sustain higher physical loads, possibly due to less efficient movement patterns and lower tactical regulation. Conclusions: Elite players display lower peak external loads than their non-elite counterparts, likely due to superior cognitive, tactical, and perceptual abilities that enhance movement economy. Training programs should incorporate tasks that combine physical intensity with decision-making demands to foster efficiency and potentially reduce injury risk. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is more prevalent in young athletes and women. A deficit of knee flexor strength and a H/Q strength ratio below 0.6 in athletes are risk factors. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine if there are differences in the strength of the knee musculature, joint work, and H/Q ratio between professional and junior elite basketball players and sexes, since there are differences in the incidence of ACL injuries between these groups. Methods: Forty-three professional (27 male and 16 female) and 42 junior elite (28 male and 14 female) basketball players were evaluated. Dynamometric knee flexion and extension measurements were performed on both lower limbs at three angular velocities: 30°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s. Concentric knee flexion and extension strength variables were measured in Newtons, the strength ratio between flexors and extensors in H/Q ratio, and muscle work (product of force times displacement) in Joules. Comparisons of the measured variables were made between categories and sexes. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between categories (professional and junior) in all measured strength parameters as well as in joint work. No differences were found between categories in the H/Q ratios. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between sexes in most measured strengths and joint work. However, no differences were found in most of the H/Q ratios. Female basketball players have lower values of strength and muscle work than male players, however, in the H/Q ratio data there are no differences between the two groups. The same occurs between junior and professional athletes. Conclusions: The authors conclude that flexor and extensor strength values should be analyzed in isolation and not in terms of the H/Q ratio. Full article