Collegiate Basketball Athletes Research Articles

Neurophysiologic inhibitory factors influencing subsequent ankle sprain in collegiate male athletes: a prospective cohort study.

Many athletes with recurrent ankle sprains complain of neurophysiological deficits related to chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, it remains unclear how changes in the corticospinal pathway affect the potential risk of subsequent ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the corticospinal excitability (input-output properties) and silent period (SP) could be related to the risk of subsequent ankle sprains among athletes. Forty-three male collegiate basketball athletes were enrolled, and 82 ankles were finally sorted into four ankle groups based on symptoms (CAI, sub-CAI, copers, and normal). The neurophysiological data was recorded in both ankles using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as baseline assessments. Subsequently, we prospectively followed the occurrence of subsequent ankle sprain injuries for 24 months (SG, subsequent ankle sprain group; NSG, non-sprain group). In the baseline assessment, we confirmed that the threshold of the input-output properties in the CAI group was higher than those in the normal group. After the follow-up, 22 ankles sustained subsequent ankle sprains (SGs). We also found that SGs exhibited a significantly longer SP at the middle and high stimulus intensities of TMS compared to NSGs (60 ankles) (middle: p = 0.012, Cohen's d = 0.644, and high: p = 0.020, Cohen's d = 0.590). These findings suggest that a prolonged SP could be a crucial factor affecting subsequent ankle sprains in athletes. To prevent further recurrent sports injuries, neurophysiologic probes, particularly a longer SP, might be a potential assessment tool to return to the field.

Neuromuscular Performance and the Intensity of External Training Load During the Preseason in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Collegiate Basketball Players.

Curtis, M, Kupperman, N, Westbrook, J, Weltman, AL, Hart, J, and Hertel, J. Neuromuscular performance and the intensity of external training load during the preseason in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's collegiate basketball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of the study was to determine whether acute changes in neuromuscular performance can be detected through countermovement jumps (CMJs) conducted pre- and postpractice sessions in conditions of high or low intensity measured by microsensors technology. Using an observational repeated measures design, data were collected from 10 male collegiate basketball players. Countermovement jump data were collected before and after practice exposures over 4 weeks of preseason. Select CMJ kinetics were compared in conditions of high and low training load intensity to detect neuromuscular performance changes in displacement of the center of mass and kinetics. Kinetic measures were categorized as output, underpinning, and strategy-related variables. We investigated "output" defined as displacement (jump height [JH]), "underpinning" defined as force-related (mean eccentric force, mean concentric force, force at zero velocity), and "strategy" defined as time-related (countermovement depth [CMD], eccentric duration (EccDur), concentric duration [ConcDur]) variables. There were significant condition × time interactions in CMJ variables namely eccentric mean force (EccForce), force at zero velocity (Force@0), CMDepth, EccDur, and ConcDur. In conditions of high intensity, players had significant, but small decreases in EccForce and Force@0, with small increases in CMD, EccDur, and ConDur, respectively. However, there were no significant decreases in JH. High-intensity practice exposures did not impact neuromuscular performance specific to "output," suggesting that collegiate basketball athletes can maintain JH despite alterations in "underpinning" and "strategy-related" variables. This could have relevance in understanding how fatigue associated with higher-intensity training exposures may potentially alter jump strategy and force production capacities due to external load intensity in collegiate basketball athletes.

Male National Basketball Association G-League and Collegiate Basketball Athletes Have a High Prevalence of Radiographic Ankle Abnormalities

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to characterize radiographic foot/ankle bony abnormalities in elite-level, asymptomatic male basketball athletes, and to investigate the association between anthropometric (age, height, weight) or sport-specific characteristics (total exposures, player position, pregame ankle taping) and the prevalence of abnormal radiographic findings in asymptomatic basketball athletes MethodsElite-level basketball players who underwent routine, pre-season static radiographic imaging, including antero-posterior, lateral, and mortise views of the ankle were included. Radiographs were collected from asymptomatic athletes participating in pre-season history and physical with negative anterior drawer/talar tilt test. Radiographs were evaluated by a musculoskeletal radiologist and board-certified orthopedic surgeon; kappa statistics were used to evaluate agreement. ResultsFifty-four basketball players (34 collegiate, 20 professional; mean age 21.5 years) were included, totaling 5,148 player exposures from 2017-2019. 106 ankles presented with radiographic findings (98.15%). The most prevalent radiographic finding was pes planus (47.22%), followed by degenerative joint disease (DJD) (33.33%), talonavicular sclerosis (28.70%), prominent stieda process (25.93%), os trigonum (20.93%), os subfibulare (11.11%), pes cavus (5.56%), subtalar coalition (2.78%), and cavovarus (0.93%). Height ≥ 80” was significantly associated with talonavicular sclerosis and Kellgren-Lawrence 1 changes. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a strong association between height and talonavicular sclerosis and DJD, as well as a relatively high prevalence of pes planus and DJD in asymptomatic collegiate and professional basketball players.

Sex Differences in Wellness Scores in Collegiate Athletes

Subjective wellness scores reflect athlete responses to training, fatigue, personal experiences, and recovery, and evidence suggests these scores may differ between athletes based on sex. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in daily wellness scores between sexes in collegiate soccer, swimming, and basketball athletes. Athletes (n = 294, 63% female) completed daily wellness surveys for energy, health status, mood, muscle readiness, sleep quality, sleep duration, stress, diet, and overall wellness. Variables were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale, except sleep duration, quantified in hours. Repeated measures, mixed linear models, repeated measures, and ordinal logistic models were used to assess sex differences in wellness outcomes. In basketball, females have 0.30 times the odds (95% CI 0.19, 0.48) of males of a worse health status score. For soccer, females have 2.45 times the odds (95% CI 1.32, 4.44) of males with a worse stress wellness score. In swimming, females, on average, slept 0.40 more hours of sleep per night (95% CI 0.02, 0.79) as compared to males. These data suggest that differences in wellness subcomponents are nuanced by sport. This information can be used to provide targeted programming for athletes to improve wellness and reduce stress, which may subsequently enhance mental health, academic performance, and sports performance.

Lactose-Free Skim Milk as a Sports Drink for Female Collegiate Basketball Athletes: A Comparison of Two Drinking Strategies

Lactose-Free Skim Milk as a Sports Drink for Female Collegiate Basketball Athletes: A Comparison of Two Drinking Strategies

The Effect of Mindfulness Intervention on the Psychological Skills and Shooting Performances in Male Collegiate Basketball Athletes in Macau: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

This study adopted a quasi-experimental design to examine the effect of a 7-week mindfulness intervention on the psychological coping ability and shooting performance of college-level male basketball athletes in Macau. A total of 43 male college basketball athletes in Macau were selected as the participants. Besides the regular basketball training, the intervention group (n = 23) received a 7-week mindfulness training; the weekly mindfulness intervention session lasted around one hour according to the mindfulness training manual for athletes, while the control group (n = 20) did not receive any mindfulness training. Before and immediately after the 7-week intervention, all players performed the following tests: the "Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire", the "Acceptance and Action Questionnaire", the "Sport Competition Anxiety Test", the "Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale", and three shooting tests. An independent-sample t-test and a paired-sample t-test were used to analyze the between- and within-group differences. Moreover, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the group, time, and group-by-time effects on psychological skills and shooting performances. The intervention resulted in both significant between-group and within-group differences in mindfulness level, acceptance level, attention level, three-point, and free-throw shooting performances (all p < 0.05, Cohen's d ranging from 0.565 to 1.117). While further study is necessary, the present study suggests that the 7-week mindfulness training program can significantly improve psychological outcomes and shooting performance in Macau college basketball athletes. Future studies involving competition settings and objective metrics will aid in verifying mindfulness as the prevalent practice among basketball practitioners and athletes.

Application of Shear-Wave Elastography in the Evaluation of Hamstring Stiffness in Young Basketball Athletes.

Previous literature has postulated a relationship between greater hamstring stiffness and a higher risk of sustaining injury. Shear wave elastography (SWE) presents a relatively new means for non-invasive evaluation of soft tissue elasticity pre- and post- injury or intervention. 1. To establish baseline hamstring stiffness measures for young competitive athletes and (2) determine effect of targeted neuromuscular training (TNMT) on shear wave stiffness of the hamstring. Un-blinded, prospective, non-randomized, cohort study. Six-hundred forty-two lower extremities from 321 high school and collegiate basketball athletes (177 F: 139 M) were examined for hamstring stiffness prior to the start of their competitive basketball season. Teams were cluster assigned to either the control or intervention (TNMT) group. Subjects in the control group underwent regular season activities as directed, with no influence from the research team. For the TNMT group, the research team introduced a hamstring targeted dynamic warm-up program as an intervention focused on activating the hamstring musculature. Collegiate status was significant to hamstring stiffness for both sexes (p ≤ 0.02), but hamstring stiffness did not correlate to age or sex (r2 ≤ 0.08). Intervention was a significant factor to hamstring stiffness when the hip was positioned in extension (p ≤ 0.01), but not in deeper flexion (p = 0.12). This effect was sex-specific as TNMT influenced hamstring stiffness in females (p = 0.03), but not in males (p ≥ 0.13). Control athletes suffered three HAM injuries; TNMT athletes suffered 0 hamstring injuries. Higher SWE measurements correlated with increased risk of injury, male sex, and collegiate athletics. TNMT intervention can lessen muscle stiffness which may reduce relate to injury incidence. Intervention effectiveness may be sex specific. II.

Wearing Cushioning Shoes Reduce Load Rates More Effectively in Post-Fatigue than in Pre-Fatigue during Landings.

Simple SummaryAthlete experience high impact forces during landing, which is a contributing factor to injury risk potentials. As a potential factor of affecting the impact force, previous study of the effects of footwear cushioning effect on landing biomechanics were inconsistent. Furthermore, limited efforts have been exerted on the relationship between footwear cushioning and fatigue. In this study, the footwear cushioning effects on bipedal landing biomechanics before and after acute exercise-induced fatigue protocol were explored. The results of this study suggest that footwear cushioning can reduce landing-related rearfoot impact forces regardless of fatigue conditions. In a situation where the neuromuscular activity is reduced or absent, e.g., post-fatigue, wearing better cushioning shoes show superior attenuation, as indicated by low forefoot and rearfoot impacts.Purpose: this study aimed to investigate the footwear cushioning effects on impact forces and joint kinematics of the lower extremity during bipedal drop landings before and after acute exercise-induced fatigue protocol. Methods: in this case, 15 male collegiate basketball athletes performed drop landings from a 60 cm platform wearing highly-cushioned shoes (HS) and less cushioned shoes (control shoes, CS) before and after acute fatigue-inducing exercises (i.e., shuttle run combined with multiple vertical jumps). Force plates and motion capturing systems were synchronised to measure ground reaction forces and kinematic data during drop landings. Maximum jump height was analysed with one-way ANOVA. Two-way repeated measure ANOVAs were performed on each of the tested variables to examine if there was significant main effects of shoe and fatigue as well as the interaction. The significance level was set to 0.05. Results: rearfoot peak impact forces and loading rates significantly reduced when the participants wore HS in pre- and post-fatigue conditions. The peak loading rates in forefoot significantly reduced when HS were worn in post-fatigue. Compared with pre-fatigue, wearing HS contributed to with 24% and 13% reduction in forefoot and rearfoot peak loading rates, respectively, and the occurrence times of first and second peak impact forces and loading rates were much later. In the post-fatigue, a significant increase in the initial contact and minimum angles of the ankle were observed in HS compared with CS. Conclusion: these findings suggest that footwear cushioning can reduce landing-related rearfoot impact forces regardless of fatigue conditions. In a situation where the neuromuscular activity is reduced or absent such as post-fatigue wearing better cushioning shoes show superior attenuation, as indicated by lower forefoot and rearfoot impacts.

Prevalence and Pain Distribution of Anterior Knee Pain in Collegiate Basketball Players.

Causes of anterior knee pain (AKP) in jumping athletes include patellofemoral pain and patellar tendinopathy. The differential diagnosis of AKP is challenging, with variations in clinical presentations. No previous research has used pain location to describe AKP in basketball players. To (1) describe the prevalence and pain distribution of AKP in collegiate basketball players and (2) report the prevalence of focal inferior pole pain using 2 outcome measures. Cross-sectional study. University and collegiate basketball facilities in Alberta, Canada. A total of 242 collegiate basketball athletes (138 women, 104 men). The single-legged decline squat test (SLDS) was used to capture pain location via pain mapping (dichotomized as focal or diffuse) and pain severity (numeric rating scale). The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Knee questionnaire (OSTRC-Knee) and adapted version for patellar tendinopathy (OSTRC-Patellar Tendinopathy Questionnaire [OSTRC-P]) were used to report the prevalence of AKP and patellar tendinopathy, respectively. Focal inferior pole pain during the SLDS was used to classify patellar tendinopathy. Of the 242 players, 146 (60%) reported pain with the SLDS (unilateral = 64 [26%]; bilateral = 82 [34%]). A total of 101 (43%) described knee pain using the OSTRC-Knee. Pain mapping captured the variability in pain locations. Diffuse pain was more prevalent (left, 70%; right, 72%) than focal pain (left, 30%; right, 28%). Low prevalence of patellar tendinopathy was noted using the OSTRC-P (n = 21, 8.7%) and inferior pole pain during the SLDS (n = 25, 10.3%). Diffuse AKP was common in Canadian basketball players; however, pain mapped to the inferior pole of the patella was not common. Few players reported tendinopathy using the OSTRC-P, suggesting that patellar tendinopathy was not a primary knee pain presentation in this jumping cohort. Pain location, rather than the presence or severity of pain alone, may better describe the clinical presentation of AKP in jumping athletes.

Efficacy of an Educational Intervention for Improving the Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Indoor-Sport Athletes.

Research focusing on improving hydration status and knowledge in female indoor-sport athletes is limited. Investigators have demonstrated that hydration education is an optimal tool for improving the hydration status of athletes. To assess the hydration status and fluid intake of collegiate female indoor-sport athletes before and after a 1-time educational intervention. Controlled laboratory study. Collegiate women's volleyball and basketball practices. A total of 25 female collegiate volleyball and basketball athletes (age = 21 ± 1 years, height = 173.5 ± 8.7 cm, weight = 72.1 ± 10.0 kg) were assessed during 6 days of practices. Participants' hydration status and habits were monitored for 3 practice days before they underwent a hydration educational intervention. Postintervention, participants were observed for 3 more practice days. Change in body mass, fluid consumed, urine specific gravity (Usg), urine color (Ucol), and sweat rate were recorded for 6 practice days. Participants completed a hydration-knowledge questionnaire before and after the intervention. Three-day mean Usg and Ucol were considered euhydrated prepractice (Usg = 1.015 ± 0.006, Ucol = 4 ± 1) and remained euhydrated postpractice (Usg = 1.019 ± 0.005, Ucol = 5 ± 2) during the preintervention period. Decreased prepractice Ucol (P < .01) and increased hydration knowledge (P < .01) were present postintervention. Basketball athletes had greater body mass losses from prepractice to postpractice than did volleyball athletes (P < .001). Overall increases were evident when we compared prepractice and postpractice measures of Usg and Ucol in the preintervention (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively) and postintervention (P = .001 and P < .001) period, respectively. No correlation was found between hydration knowledge and physiological indices of hydration and fluid intake. Overall, female collegiate indoor-sport athletes were hydrated and knowledgeable on hydration. However, our variable findings indicated that further research on these athletes is needed; clinically, attention should be given to the individual needs of each athlete. More examination will demonstrate whether a 1-time educational intervention may be an effective tool for improving hydration status in this population.

Plyometrics or balance training effects on lower body power, balance and reactive agility in collegiate basketball athletes: A randomized control trial

Plyometrics or balance training effects on lower body power, balance and reactive agility in collegiate basketball athletes: A randomized control trial

Decreased Sleep Is an Independent Predictor of In-Season Injury in Male Collegiate Basketball Players.

Background:Although decreased sleep has been associated with decreased performance, increased illness risk, and impaired well-being in athletes, the relationship between sleep and injury risk in collegiate athletes is unknown.Purpose/Hypothesis:To evaluate the independent effects of sleep duration and subjective well-being on in-season injury in male collegiate basketball athletes. We hypothesized that decreased sleep would be associated with an increased risk of in-season injury.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:During 2 consecutive seasons, 19 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball players reported mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep duration (hours), and previous day’s training load every morning. Well-being measures were recorded on a scale from 0 (worst) to 5 (best), and all time-loss injuries were recorded by the team athletic trainer. Separate mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of sleep and subjective well-being on in-season injury, with adjustment for same-day training load and individual repeated measures. To determine the independence of sleep and well-being as predictors of injury, each well-being variable was included in a separate mixed-effects logistic regression model, with sleep and training load as covariates.Results:During the study period, 32 injuries were recorded. In the initial separate prediction models, in-season injury was significantly predicted by mood (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37-0.66), fatigue (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.33-0.59), stress (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76), soreness (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32-0.54), and sleep duration (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66) (P < .001 for all). In the multivariable models, sleep duration remained a significant, independent predictor in each of the subsequent multivariable models (OR, 0.52-0.69; P < .001 for all) as did soreness (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.95; P = .024), whereas mood (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.76-1.9; P = .43), fatigue (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.65-1.9; P = .68), and stress (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.75-1.5; P = .69) were no longer significant.Conclusion:Increased sleep duration is independently associated with a reduced risk of in-season injury in male collegiate basketball players, even after adjustment for training load and subjective well-being. The effects of mood, fatigue, and stress on injury were no longer evident after adjustment for the effect of sleep duration.

Validity and Reliability of a Photoelectric Cells System for the Evaluation of Change of Direction and Lateral Jumping Abilities in Collegiate Basketball Athletes.

The validity and reliability of the Optojump system were investigated for jumping height and flight time in vertical jump tests. Conversely, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Optojump system for measuring contact time and lateral displacement in change of direction and lateral jump tests. Thirty basketball collegiate athletes were tested on two 10 m sprints with a 60° (COD60) or 180° (COD180) change of direction, lateral controlled (CLRJ) and maximal (MLRJ) rebound jump, and lateral countermovement (LCMJ) and squat (LSJ) jump with the concomitant use of two force plates and the Optojump system for the measurement of contact time in COD60, COD180, CLRJ, MLRJ, and lateral jumping distance in all the lateral jump tests. Almost perfect coefficients (r ≥ 0.95) emerged for contact time in COD60, COD180, CLRJ, MLRJ, although a systematic bias was found for COD60 (−0.01 s). Good-to-excellent reliability was found for almost all the measurements of contact time and lateral jumping distance for change of direction and lateral jump tests. Therefore, the use of Optojump system for testing change of direction and lateral jumping abilities should be executed with caution, avoiding misinterpretation of data.

The Effects Of Practice On Maximal Force And Low-Frequency Fatigue In Collegiate Basketball Players

Low-Frequency Fatigue (LFF) refers to the disproportionate loss of force at low as compared to high firing frequencies. LFF is thought to manifest during high intensity, moderate-to high-force, repetitive eccentric, or stretch-shortening cycle activities, similar to the demands of basketball. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of basketball practice on maximal isometric force and LFF. METHODS: Eleven NCAA Division 1 basketball players (Males = 6 and Females = 5) performed a Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the knee extensors at a high and low frequency before (Pre), immediately after (Post) and 24-hours (24Post) following a basketball practice during the preseason. Athletes wore Inertial Measurement Units to capture the external training load (eTL) of the practice. The ratio of force produced during the low to high frequency muscle stimulation was used as an index of LFF. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to determine differences in MVIC and LFF across time, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Effects sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for pairwise comparisons and interpreted as trivial (0-0.19), small (0.20-0.49), medium (0.50-0.79), and large (0.80 and greater). RESULTS: The average of the eTL parameters during practice were PlayerLoad = 636.5 ± 66.1 arbitrary units (au); PlayerLoad per Minute = 4.76 ± 0.69au; Total Jumps = 143.8 ± 53.0 count (ct); Inertial Movement Analysis (IMA)_High = 39 ± 20ct; IMA_Medium = 135 ± 53ct; IMA_Low = 582.8 ± 156ct. There was a significant time effect for MVIC (p = 0.031), but post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed no significant difference across time (p > 0.05). There was a significant time main effect for LFF (Pre = 0.515 ± 0.025; Post = 0.483 ± 0.038; 24Post = 0.513 ± 0.033, p = 0.019), with post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealing no significant difference from Pre- to Post-practice (p = 0.104), but did exhibit a large negative effect (d = 1.0). There was a significant increase from Post- to 24Post-practice (p = 0.039, d = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary findings it appears basketball practice induces LFF in collegiate basketball athletes that recovers back to baseline within 24 hours of the bout. Although LFF was present, MVIC appeared unaffected.

Comparison Of Energy Expenditure Observed Between Scheduled Activities In Female Collegiate Basketball And Lacrosse Athletes

Specific energy needs of team-sport female athletes have been understudied, particularly with regard to scheduled daily activities. PURPOSE: To examine the difference between energy expenditure changes in NCAA Div II female basketball (BBALL) and lacrosse (LAX) athletes depending on scheduled team activities. METHODS: All athletes (BBALL: n=10; 19.8±1.3 yrs, 173.9±13.6 cm, 74.6±9.1 kg, 27.1±3.2 % fat; LAX: n=20; 20.4±1.8 yrs, 168.4±6.6 cm, 68.8±8.9 kg, 27.9±3% fat) were outfitted with heart rate and activity monitors during four consecutive days on five different occasions (20 days total) across their competitive seasons to assess differences in activity energy expenditure (AEE), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and physical activity level (PAL). Data collected was categorized by type of scheduled daily activities: Practice, Game, Conditioning or Off. All dependent variables were analyzed using a mixed factorial ANOVA with paired sample T-Tests as post-hocs when necessary. RESULTS: All results are outlined below in Table 1. Independent of day type, TDEE, AEE, and PAL levels were greater (p<0.05) in LAX athletes. Changes between day types for each sport were significantly different (p<0.05) for TDEE, AEE, and PAL. CONCLUSION: Calculated levels for TDEE, AEE, and PAL in female collegiate BBALL and LAX athletes were determined to all be different, irrespective of the scheduled daily activity. LAX athletes, regardless of scheduled activities, had greater TDEE, AEE, and PAL compared to BBALL athletes. Caloric expenditure in female collegiate athletes varies significantly depending on scheduled team activities with energy needs progressively increasing between Off, Conditioning, Practice, and Games.Table 1: TDEE, AEE, and PAL, in practice, game, conditioning, off, and combined days, in female collegiate BBALL and LAX athletes.† Significantly different between sports (p<0.05); Different letters denote statistical differences between days.

Interlimb Asymmetries With High And Low External Training Loads In Male Collegiate Basketball Athletes

Tracking and monitoring bilateral limb asymmetries is an increasingly common practice to provide information associated with athlete performance, injury risk, as well as guiding return-to-play or return-to-performance protocols following injury. It is speculated external training loads (eTL) during sport specific practice may influence subsequent changes in inter-limb asymmetries. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate acute differences in lower inter-limb asymmetries during a bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) immediately following high versus low eTL basketball practices in a group of NCAA men’s collegiate basketball players. METHODS: Twelve NCAA Division I collegiate men’s basketball players performed three CMJs on dual cell force platforms immediately prior to and immediately following basketball practices of high and low eTL. A dependent T-test was used to determine mean differences in practice intensities. A 2-way (condition x time) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to examine differences in Concentric Impulse (ConcImp), Concentric Peak Force (ConcPF), Eccentric Peak Force (EccPF), Takeoff Peak force (TakeoffPF), and Peak Landing Force (PeakLandF) captured during the CMJ between conditions and across time, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in practice intensities (High: PlayerLoad/min = 5.3 ± 0.9, Low: PlayerLoad/min = 4.7 ± 1.4; p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant condition or time main effects (p > 0.05), and there were no significant condition by time interactions for ConcImp, ConcPF, EccPF, TakeoffPF, and PeakLandF (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although there were significant differences experienced in eTL intensities between practices (PL/min), these differences did not result in alteration of acute lower inter-limb asymmetries during the bilateral CMJ.

Body-composition Derived Energy Balance Changes Across An Entire Female Division II Basketball Season

Limited data is available using body composition-derived metrics to establish energy balance (EB) in team-sport athletes, especially female athletes Tracking EB is important for coaches and athletes to understand how well the energetic demands of training and competing are being met the by diet. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine and track changes in energy balance across an entire competitive season in female Division II basketball athletes. METHODS: Eight female NCAA Division II basketball athletes (mean ± SD: 19.3 ± 0.9 yrs.; 72.8 ± 7.7 kg; 176.0 ± 7.4 cm; 24.8 ± 3.2 % body fat) underwent three dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans over approximately 12 months, separating the season into two phases (in-season, [IS, Week 1-24], offseason [OS, Week 24-49]) and combined to form a full season (FS, Week 1-49). Body composition derived energy balance (kcal•d-1) was estimated from changes in fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) between scans using the formula: EB (kcal•d-1) = 1.0 + 9.5 . Data was analyzed using factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on time. A p-value of 0.05 was used for statistical determinations. RESULTS: Across the FS, a positive EB of 87.4 ± 36.4 kcal•d-1 was observed (P > 0.05), which tended to decrease across the entire season (p = 0.06). A net decrease in FFM (-0.52 ± 0.10 kg) and increase in FM (3.2 ± 0.5 kg) was observed. During IS, EB was greater (137.6 ± 29.1 kcal•d-1) due to significant changes (p<0.05) in FM (2.7 ± 0.5) and FFM (-2.6 ± 0.4). During the OS, EB was 39.6 ± 81.0 kcal•d-1, with an increase in mean FFM (2.0 ± 0.38 kg, P < 0.05) and FM (0.5 ± 0.5 kg, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that female collegiate basketball athletes were largely able to maintain energy balance across an entire season. A mean positive EB observed over the season which overlapped with negligible changes in FM and FFM suggest a suitable matching of energy intake and energy demands across the FS. This information is useful for athletic performance staff, who should be aware of EB when providing athletes with proper nutrition and fueling strategies, particularly during the IS period to maintain appropriate energy balance when travel, classes, and food access may complicate energy intake and also during OS when training goals should be achieved.

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Basketball Athletes.

This study aimed to examine body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in male and female NCAA Division I collegiate basketball athletes. Two-hundred ten (male [M]/female [F]=88/122) basketball athletes' total and regional fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density, and visceral adipose tissue were measured. Athletes were classified as: point guards (M/F=27/34), shooting guards (M/F=18/27), small forwards (M/F=13/18), power forwards (M/F=21/27), and centers (M/F=9/16). ANOVA and Tukey's HSD assessed positional differences by sex. In males, centers and power forwards had greater total fat mass (p<0.025), lean mass (p≤0.001), and visceral adipose tissue (p<0.001) than other positions. Male centers had greater arm and leg fat mass and lean mass than point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards (p≤0.049), and greater arm bone mineral density than point guards (p=0.015). In females, centers had greater total fat mass (p<0.001) vs. other positions and greater total lean mass, arm fat and lean masses, arm and leg bone mineral density, and visceral adipose tissue vs. point guards and shooting guards (p≤0.005). Female point guards had lower total bone mineral density than power forwards (p=0.008). In conclusion, these sex- and position-specific total and regional body composition measurements in collegiate basketball players provide population-specific normative data.

Vitamin D Status Differs by Sex, Sport-Season, and Skin Pigmentation among Elite Collegiate Basketball Players.

Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health, musculoskeletal function, and sport performance. Collegiate athletes competing in indoor sports may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency due to limited outdoor time. Therefore, the purpose was to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations among collegiate men and women basketball (MBB, WBB) athletes. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men (MBB, n = 11) and women (WBB, n = 9) were tested during the off-season (T1; July) and pre-season (T2; October). Measurements included serum 25(OH)D; skin pigmentation, bone mineral density, and daily sun exposure (self-reported). Paired t-tests determined changes in 25(OH)D by sport-season and sex. Pearson correlations examined relationships between outcome variables. MBB athletes (mean ± SD; 19.6 ± 1.3 years) showed a reduction in 25(OH)D (T1: 64.53 nmol·L−1 ± 11.96) (T2: 56.11 nmol·L−1 ± 7.90) (p = 0.001). WBB (20.1 ± 1.1 years) had no change in 25(OH)D (T1: 99.07 nmol·L−1 ± 49.94. T2: 97.56 nmol·L−1 ± 36.47, p = 0.848). A positive association between 25(OH)D and skin pigmentation was observed (r = 0.47, p = 0.038). 25(OH)D was inversely correlated with lean body mass (LBM), body mass (BM), and bone mineral density (BMD), while a positive association was seen between 25(OH)D and skin pigmentation. In summary, 25(OH)D insufficiency was prevalent amongst male collegiate basketball athletes, with 25(OH)D levels being lower in the pre-season (October) than the off-season (July). Furthermore, darker skin pigmentation significantly correlated with 25(OH)D, indicating that individuals with darker skin tones may be at a greater risk of insufficiency/deficiency. More research is needed to examine the relationships between 25(OH)D and bone health in athletes.

Cardiac Autonomic Profile of Soccer, Field Hockey and Basketball Players: A Comparative Study

Background: Heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) provide information about cardiac autonomic control; which indicates the physical fitness level of athletes in different sports. Objectives: The purpose of our study was to compare HRR and HRV profiles in collegiate male soccer, field hockey and basketball athletes, at rest and following activity. Methods: Fifty-five male collegiate athletes (20 soccer, 18 field hockey and 17 basketball players) were recruited on the basis of inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. HRR was obtained following a bout of sub-maximal exercise on a treadmill. Measures of HRV were assessed at rest and during the last 5 minutes of a 15-min recovery period post-exercise. Results: Soccer players showed the highest and basketball players recorded the lowest resting root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). The value of RMSSD for basketball group was significantly lower than both soccer (P < 0.001) and field hockey (P = 0.015). At rest, normalized low frequency (LFnu) and low frequency-high frequency ratio were higher for the basketball group (P < 0.05). Basketball players showed significantly faster heart rate recovery than soccer (P= 0.017) and field hockey players (P < 0.001). The post-exercise LFnu value was higher in basketball players when compared with soccer players (P = 0.02) as well as field hockey players (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that basketball players exhibit greater sympathetic outflow, at rest and following activity. The autonomic profiles of soccer and field hockey players were found to be comparable.