Effects of battle rope training on performance in collegiate basketball players

Abstract

This study (Study 1) investigated whether battle rope (BR) training enhances multiple physical fitness dimensions, including aerobic capacity (AC), upper-body anaerobic power (AnP), upper-body and lower-body power, agility, and core muscle endurance, and shooting accuracy in basketball players and compared its effects with those of regular training (shuttle run [SR]). Moreover, this study (Study 2) investigated the acute effects of BR exercise on basketball players’ performance, blood lactate levels, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived muscle soreness. In Study 1, 30 male collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to the BR or SR groups (n = 15 per group). Both groups received 8-week interval training for 3 sessions per week; the protocol consisted of the same number of sets, exercise time, and rest interval time. The BR group exhibited significant improvements in AC (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run laps: 17.6%), upper-body AnP (mean power: 7.3%), upper-body power (basketball chest pass speed: 4.8%), lower-body power (jump height: 2.6%), core muscle endurance (flexion: 37.0%, extension: 22.8%, and right side bridge: 23.0%), and shooting accuracy (free throw: 14.0% and dynamic shooting: 36.2%) (p < 0.05). However, the SR group exhibited improvements in only AC (12.0%) and upper-body power (3.8%) (p < 0.05). The BR group demonstrated larger pre–post improvements in upper-body AnP (fatigue index) and dynamic shooting accuracy than the SR group did (p < 0.05). In Study 2, 15 well-trained Division-I male basketball players underwent the same test procedure at baseline, pre-BR exercise (30 minutes of rest after the baseline test), and post-BR exercise. The 30-minute experimental protocol comprised 6 BR exercises at a work-to-rest ratio of 1:2 (20-second exercise; 40-second rest). Shooting accuracy, basketball chest pass speed, counter movement jump (CMJ) height, blood lactate levels, RPE (Borg Category-Ratio-10 scale), and perceived muscle soreness (visual analog scale, 0–100 mm) were measured in each test. The results indicated no change for any variables between baseline and pre-BR exercise. After BR exercise, performance decrements (p < 0.05) were recorded in shooting accuracy (16.9%) and basketball chest pass speed (9.1%), but no significant changes were observed for CMJ height. Battle rope exercise caused increases in blood lactate levels (13.6 mmol·L−1), RPE (9.9), and perceived muscle soreness (upper-limb: 63–67 mm; trunk: 43–68 mm; lower-limb: 45–52 mm). In conclusion, an 8-week BR training program involving interval training effectively enhanced multiple physical fitness dimensions and shooting accuracy in collegiate basketball players. Battle rope training may be suitable for collegiate basketball players to enhance performance. Furthermore, a 30-minute BR exercise immediately reduces shooting accuracy and basketball chest pass speed; and increases blood lactate levels, RPE, and perceived muscle soreness. Battle rope exercise may be an appropriate option before basketball practice if the objective of the practice is to develop or strengthen technical skills under fatiguing conditions.