High-level Basketball Players Research Articles

Will the COVID-19 infection affect the performance of top basketball players? A data-driven analysis

PurposeTo investigate the changes in the game performance of high-level basketball players in NBA league before and after the COVID-19 infection.MethodsAthletic statistics were collected from official database for 68 players (19 forwards, 29 guards, 20 centers; mean age 27.14 ± 3.65 years) in the NBA league for 10 games before and after infection with COVID-19. We used a the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance to examine the impact caused by COVID-19.ResultsAmong all 68 players, a statistically significant decrease in plus/minus (Z = −2.392, p = 0.017) and free throw shooting (FT% Z = −2.153, p = 0.031), occurred compared to the pre-infection with COVID-19. Among the interior players, we found a statistically significant decrease in free throw shooting FT% (Z = 2.674, p = 0.021), Plus/Minus (Z = −2.371, p = 0.018). Among centers and forwards, there was no statistically significant change.ConclusionThe impact of COVID-19 on players’ fatigue and cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance may have contributed to the decline in performance, and the impact of detraining due to isolation should not be ignored.

Poster 342: Return to Sport Rates and Objective Measures after ACL Reconstruction for High Level Basketball Players

Objectives: Return to sports (RTS) decisions for high-level basketball players after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are multifactorial. The literature focuses mainly on sports performance metrics and lacks objective rehabilitation measures. The purpose of this study was to determine objective measure differences following an ACLR between basketball players competing at the college/professional, high school, and recreational levels. Our hypothesis was that basketball players competing at the college/professional level would have superior performance with objective measures following an ACLR, compared to those competing at the high school and recreational levels. Methods: Patients were retrospectively selected based on the following inclusion criteria: ACLR with a contralateral patellar tendon graft (PTG), preoperative activity level of ≥8 on the modified Tegner activity rating scale, ≤25 years old, and reported playing basketball. Exclusions included: revisions, bilateral procedures, or were missing data needed for analysis. Patients were split based on their preoperative activity level (level 8 = recreational, level 9 = high school, level 10 = college/professional). Each patient received a mini open, contralateral PTG utilizing the same surgical methods and followed the same accelerated rehabilitation approach. Postoperative outcome measures included the difference in extension range of motion (ROM) at 2 weeks, difference in flexion ROM at 3 months, percent deficit in isokinetic quadriceps strength and single leg hop for distance at 4 months, and the manual maximum difference on the KT arthrometer at 2 months. Statistical analysis included chi-square and analysis of variance where appropriate. Results: Of the 329 patients, 69 were level 8, 224 were level 9, and 36 were level 10 with mean ages of 19.6, 16.4, and 19.1 years, respectively. The percent of males differed by group with level 8 at 78.3%, level 9 at 29.5%, and level 10 at 27.8% (p < 0.001). The overall rate of return to competitive basketball for the cohort was 96.0%. The rate of return to competitive basketball was not statistically significantly different among the groups with level 10 having the highest rate (97.2%), followed by level 9 (96.4%) and then level 8 (94.2%), p = 0.659. Level 10 athletes had the lowest strength deficit with a mean of 9.3%, compared to 12.5% for level 9, and 15.6% for level 8, p=0.017. Single leg hop deficit was also different among groups with level 10 at 6.9%, level 9 at 6.2%, and level 8 at 10.4%, p < 0.001. Knee ROM and stability were not statistically different among the groups. Conclusions: The rate of return to competitive basketball is the same among all high-level basketball players. Objectively, level 10 athletes had superior strength and single leg hop performance compared to recreational basketball players. Although the return to competitive basketball rate is the same among all groups, recreational basketball players tend to be weaker than college/professional players, therefore, added emphasis on this aspect of their rehabilitation would be beneficial for this population.

Research on the Cultivation of High-Level Basketball Players in Ordinary Colleges and Universities

Research on the Cultivation of High-Level Basketball Players in Ordinary Colleges and Universities

Management of Patellar Tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy is a common pathology typically seen in athletes involved in repetitive explosive jumping and running activities. Also known as jumpers’ knee, it is commonly seen in high-level basketball players. Typically, athletes continue to play with symptoms, which can be aggravated and progress to partial patellar tendon tears. When partial patellar tendon tears occur, prolonged recovery and decreased performance is commonly seen. The pathology and treatment can be frustrating for both the athlete and medical provider. Patellar tendinopathy typically does not involve inflammation but rather microinjury to the tendon fibers, which leads to mucoid degeneration, necrosis, and loss of transitional fibrocartilage. When partial tendon tears do occur, the typical location is posteromedially adjacent to the patella. Treatment involves a stepwise approach starting with nonoperative means, including activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy focused on eccentrics. Extracorporeal shock wave treatments and injections with platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow aspirate concentrate should be considered, with evolving literature to support their use. Ultrasound percutaneous tendon scrapping with a needle supplemented with the aforementioned injections is an emerging treatment option that the authors have found to be helpful, although further studies are required. Surgical intervention is considered after failure of nonoperative treatments, and typically occurs in tears greater than 50% of the tendon thickness and in tendons with increased thickness (>8.8 mm). Open or arthroscopic debridement can be considered, with no studies showing superior outcomes with either technique; however, no high-quality comparison studies exist. The authors prefer an open technique where, much like a bone–patellar tendon–bone harvest, the unhealthy proximal tendon and bone are excised with then closure of the healthy tendon with absorbable sutures. Suture anchor repair may also be used when necessary. In a recent systematic review, surgical management of patellar tendinopathy has been shown to result in improved patient-reported outcomes with return to sport at high levels.1 Treatment for the difficult and sometimes frustrating pathology of patellar tendinopathy continues to evolve, with biologic and less-invasive ultrasound-based treatments showing promise, and surgical intervention providing reliable outcomes.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Strength and Power in Young Postpubertal High Level Basketball Players

Background: Currently, the scientific evidence available on plyometric training in young basketball players is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects produced by plyometric training over a period of 8 weeks, with a frequency of two weekly training sessions, combining vertical and horizontal force vectors. Methods: The study involved 28 young men (14.54 ± 0.6 years, a height of 182.76 ± 7.1 cm and a body weight of 68.05 ± 9.8 kg) high-level basketball players and aimed to investigate the effects of this training program on athletes at different maturational states, specifically based on their peak height velocity (PHV) and post-pubertal (post-PHV) stages. Results: Substantial improvements were achieved in the subjects who have carried out this type of plyometric training in all the parameters evaluated related to the improvement of the jump, linear speed and change of direction. Conclusions: Therefore, it is crucial to provide valuable information to trainers and physical trainers, enabling them to improve and individualize the conditioning work for optimal performance of their athletes.

Type a personality and nutritional behaviours of competitive basketball players

Introduction. Type A personality pattern (TAPP) is related to, among others, strong rivalry and struggle for achievements, which are features that fit into sports competition. One of the determinants of sports success is a proper diet. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of type A personality behavioural pattern and nutritional behaviours of basketball players. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted among 165 high-level basketball players. An author-designed nutritional behaviour questionnaire (according to the recommendations of the Food Pyramid for Swiss Athletes) and the Framingham Score in the Polish adaptation were used. Spearman's rank correlation and the Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for the analysis of the results. Results. The study confirmed that along with the increase in TAPP, the healthy eating behaviour index among basketball players increased, although it did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.080). Comparison of TAPP levels between groups that adhered to or disregarded particular nutritional recommendations showed that athletes limiting the consumption of non-recommended products (sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks, fast food, and sweet and salty snacks) demonstrated a higher level of type A behaviours than those who did not follow these recommendations (p<0.001). At the same time, however, athletes consuming fish at the recommended frequency and taking care of adequate hydration during training had lower levels of TAPP than those who did not follow these recommendations (p<0.05). Conclusions. A positive relationship was found between the intensity of TAPP and the healthy eating behaviour index (without the level of statistical significance), but the results were not entirely unambiguous, which suggests the validity of further research.

Analysis of the Offensive Tactics Used by High-Level Basketball Players of Different Age Groups

The rapid and continuous development of basketball has necessitated the long-term training of young basketball players, enabling them to meet the ever-changing demands of the sport. The aim of the present study was to record the offensive competitive behaviour of men and boys by analysing world championship matches in order to determine whether the choice of tactics in them depended on the age category they belonged to. The sample of the research consisted of 2,997 actions performed by basketball national teams in Men’s (seniors) and juniors’ World Championships. The juniors’ category includes athletes 14-15 years old (U16). Offenses were recorded with the Sportscout game observation software. The recorded parameters are the following: age group, types of initiating an offense, offensive tactics, type of offensive, attacking from the perimeter & from inside the paint, screening in offense, pick and roll in offense, offensive inbound plays, inbound position, attack efficiency, shooter, shooting area/ position. Summarizing, the juniors’ group showed a higher percentage in offenses fast breaks, in motion offense, in the attacks that were starting after a steal and an offensive rebound. In addition means’ group had higher percentage in inside game and in pick and roll. Αccording to the above the offensivetactics depended significantly on the age group. This confirms the tendency of coaches to use continuity offences in order to train young athletes in all competitive positions rather than in a single one. Their next step would be to adopt the defensive transition tactic, found to have been adopted by the men’s group.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Strength and Power in Young Postpubertal High Level Basketball Players

Background: Currently, the scientific evidence available on plyometric training in young basketball players is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects produced by plyometric training over a period of 8 weeks, with a frequency of two weekly training sessions, combining vertical and horizontal force vectors. Methods: The study involved 28 young men (14.54 ± 0.6 years, a height of 182.76 ± 7.1 cm and a body weight of 68.05 ± 9.8 kg) high-level basketball players and aimed to investigate the effects of this training program on athletes at different maturational states, specifically based on their peak height velocity (PHV) and post-pubertal (post-PHV) stages. Results: Substantial improvements were achieved in the subjects who have carried out this type of plyometric training in all the parameters evaluated related to the improvement of the jump, linear speed and change of direction. Conclusions: Therefore, it is crucial to provide valuable information to trainers and physical trainers, enabling them to improve and individualize the conditioning work for optimal performance of their athletes.

Effect Of Ligustilide Supplement On Physical Fitness Of Athletes

PURPOSE: In this study, high content ligustilide plant extract was supplemented to monitor the changes of physical fitness and physiological function of athletes, and to explore the effect of ligustilide plant extract on physical function and physical fitness of athletes. METHODS: Thirty five high-level basketball players from Zhengzhou University were selected and divided into two groups randomly: nutritional supplement group (S, n = 18) and control group (C, n = 17). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University. Informed consent was obtained from each subject. The intervention period was 8 weeks, six days per week. The training method adopted the small cycle plate training scheme. We measured changes of the scores of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physical fitness test (15 m running, 30 m running, 400 m running) and routine blood test (mainly including red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, etc.) before and after training. RESULTS: In group S, the percentage of RPE (grade 6-11) and RPE (grade 12-18) before experiment was 37.5% and 62.5%. After 8 weeks of experiment, 62.5% of RPE (grade 6-11) and 37.5% of RPE (grade 12-18). In group C, 14% of RPE (grade 6-11), 86% of slight RPE (grade 12-18), and 100% of RPE (grade 12-18) after 8 weeks of experiment. It was found that after 8 weeks of training, the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin and the average concentration of red blood cell hemoglobin in group S were significantly higher than those before the experiment (p = 0.011). According to the comparison of the physical fitness test results of the athletes in group S, it was found that the performance of 400 m after 4 weeks and 8 weeks was significantly higher compared with pre-experiment (p = 0.024). The changes of 30 m and 15 m were not significant different (p = 0.076, p = 0.055). The 400-meter test performance of athletes in group C was significantly higher than that before the experiment only after 8 weeks of training (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Ligustilide supplementation can increase the number of red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration of athletes and has a positive impact on the physical fitness of athletes and the recovery of fatigue.

Effects of the Competitive Season and Off-Season on Knee Articular Cartilage in Collegiate Basketball Players Using Quantitative MRI: A Multicenter Study.

Injuries to the articular cartilage in the knee are common in jumping athletes, particularly high-level basketball players. Unfortunately, these are often diagnosed at a late stage of the disease process, after tissue loss has already occurred. To evaluate longitudinal changes in knee articular cartilage and knee function in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball players and their evolution over the competitive season and off-season. Longitudinal, multisite cohort study. Thirty-two NCAA Division 1 athletes: 22 basketball players and 10 swimmers. Bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a combined T1ρ and T2 magnetization-prepared angle-modulated portioned k-space spoiled gradient-echo snapshots (MAPSS) sequence at 3T. We calculated T2 and T1ρ relaxation times to compare compositional cartilage changes between three timepoints: preseason 1, postseason 1, and preseason 2. Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were used to assess knee health. One-way variance model hypothesis test, general linear model, and chi-squared test. In the femoral articular cartilage of all athletes, we saw a global decrease in T2 and T1ρ relaxation times during the competitive season (all P< 0.05) and an increase in T2 and T1ρ relaxation times during the off-season (all P< 0.05). In the basketball players' femoral cartilage, the anterior and central compartments respectively had the highest T2 and T1ρ relaxation times following the competitive season and off-season. The basketball players had significantly lower KOOS measures in every domain compared with the swimmers: Pain (P< 0.05), Symptoms (P< 0.05), Function in Daily Living (P< 0.05), Function in Sport/Recreation (P< 0.05), and Quality of Life (P< 0.05). Our results indicate that T2 and T1ρ MRI can detect significant seasonal changes in the articular cartilage of basketball players and that there are regional differences in the articular cartilage that are indicative of basketball-specific stress on the femoral cartilage. This study demonstrates the potential of quantitative MRI to monitor global and regional cartilage health in athletes at risk of developing cartilage problems. 2 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2.

Basketball Technology Simulation Application Based on Virtual Reality

The combination of virtual reality (VR) technology and basketball technology simulation can make the players have a real experience and experience, so as to effectively improve the quality of basketball training. It can also, according to the individual needs of different players, promote their physical and mental health development and improve the enthusiasm of basketball training, so as to improve the level of basketball technology. Immersive feeling and interest of human-computer interaction are the essential characteristics of virtual reality. The real conception of space-time environment, that is, the process of enlightening thinking and obtaining basketball technology simulation information, is the ultimate goal of virtual reality. In this experiment, five high-level basketball players in our city were selected and numbered from no. 1 to no. 5. Before the experiment, it is necessary to make the players warm up fully before the experiment and then test the forward turning technical movements of basketball. The test variables are based on different angles and distances. After that, standardized selection of basketball technical statistical indicators includes shooting hit rate, two-point hit rate, three-point hit rate, and free throw hit rate. According to the results of the experiment, it took the most time for the curve technique to lower the buffer stage, and it took up 29% of the total time of the entire precursor shot and turned back and the aerial shot stage is 23% and 22%, respectively. There is 20% time in the takeoff phase and 6% time in the brake phase. It has a great influence on the results of the game.

Effect of Dehydration on The Development of Endurance and Vertical Elasticity in High-level Basketball Players

Aim: The objective of this study is to observe and verify the effect of dehydration in relation to the performance of physical abilities of endurance and vertical elasticity among high-level basketball players and compare them to the various studies that have been carried out so far and provide adequate recommendations for a dual objective, to achieve performance and preserve the athlete's health. Methods: This study followed a quantitative descriptive research design. We performed tests and re-tests of vertical elasticity through the Squat Jump (SJ) test for the same group being normally hydrated and being dehydrated (on an empty stomach). Then, we followed up with the ½ cooper tests and re-tests for endurance evaluation for the same group being normally hydrated and being dehydrated (fasting). Comparison between the different tests during the three periods of the season. Results: For the first set of results related to the Squat Jump throughout the three periods, we recorded a slight difference but statistically significant between the tests for the two states of hydration. The second sets of results related to the half Cooper were even more confirming and endorsing the first set of results. During the three We recorded statistically significant difference the two states of hydrations, with P value <0.001. Conclusion: Through this study, we observed the effect of dehydration on specific physical abilities in our basketball players. It has been found that dehydration negatively affects the development of their physical abilities. This leads to the implementation of individualization of hydration strategies.

Concussion Is Associated With Increased Odds of Acute Lower-Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury Among National Basketball Association Players

PurposeTo determine the odds of sustaining an acute lower-extremity (LE) musculoskeletal injury during the 90-day period after return-to-play (RTP) from concussion in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes.MethodsConcussion data for NBA players were collected from the 1999-2000 to 2017-2018 seasons, from publicly available sources. Age, position, injury, time to RTP, and demographic factors were collected. The 90-day period after each case of concussion was reviewed for acute noncontact LE musculoskeletal injury. Control athletes without a documented history of concussion were matched to concussed athletes by age, body mass index, position, and experience. Conditional logistic regression with a calculated odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval were used to assess the association between concussion and subsequent risk of LE injury.ResultsIn total, 189 concussions were documented in 153 athletes. Of these, 140 cases were the first recorded instance of concussion in players with publicly available data. Thirty-six (25.7%) athletes sustained a LE injury within 90 days of concussion; 26 (20.2%) were non–season-ending and included in RTP analysis. The odds of sustaining an acute LE musculoskeletal injury within the 90-day period after concussion was 4.69 times greater in concussed players compared with controls (95% confidence interval 1.96-11.23, P < .001). There was no significant difference in games (4.2 ± 5.0 vs 4.7 ± 4.7 games, P = .566) or days (18.5 ± 39.1 days vs 10.9 ± 10.6 days, P = .912) missed between concussed players with LE injury and nonconcussed controls. The most common LE injuries in concussed athletes were ligament sprains/tears (65%).ConclusionsConcussed NBA athletes have increased odds for sustaining an acute LE musculoskeletal injury within 90 days of RTP compared with nonconcussed controls. The most common injuries were ligament strains or tears. Changes in neuromotor control and proprioception following a concussion should be evaluated in high-level basketball players returning to sport.Level of EvidenceLevel III, Case-Control Study.

Динамическая позная устойчивость высококвалифицированных спортсменов, специализирующихся в игровых видах спорта

The production of manifold and rapidly varying movements in team sports requires maintaining an erect posture. This paper aimed to study dynamic postural stability in athletes engaged in team sports. Among the participants were high-level basketball players (n = 15), rugby players (n = 15) and football players (n = 12), as well as 30 young people not professionally involved in sports, all aged 18–21 years. Postural stability was evaluated using stability analyser Stabilan-01 (OKB Ritm, Taganrog). We utilized the Evolventa test, which simulates the real situation of tracking movements in the games, allowing us to quickly assess not only the quality of the athlete’s tracking movement, but also the reserves of maintaining the stability of erect posture. Classical and vector stabilographic characteristics of upright posture stability were analysed. To assess the quality of tracking, special game indicators were used. Athletes demonstrated a significant superiority in the accuracy of performing motor tasks and at the same time in maintaining postural stability over young men not playing sports (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy, basketball players had the highest tracking accuracy in the frontal and, especially, in the sagittal plane (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, basketball players kept their balance much better, surpassing rugby players and, above all, football players in most indicators in both planes (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the effectiveness, accuracy and speed of completing tasks, as well as fewer errors in high-level athletes were combined with an automated ability, due to the stereotype formed over many years of training, to confidently maintain an upright position even in the most difficult game situations. However, when analysing postural stability, one must take into account the specifics of the sports under study, where a wide variety of ball-handling techniques is combined with competitive activity of the hands or feet.

Testing a dual-process model of moral judgement in college athletes and non-athletes: Abstract reasoning or emotion control

Does participation in sport promote good character? Many academics have attempted to investigate this question from philosophical, sociological and psychological perspectives. Most recently, several psychologists have adopted a range of methods to investigate the relationship between sport participation and moral character. To do so, they eschew the lay methodological approach, which focuses on a concept of character couched in terms of good and evil. Instead, they rely on a cognitive developmental concept of moral judgement. Moral judgement is the process of deciding what is right or wrong based on social norms. In the context of the mode of cognitive moral development, the moral judgement of non-athlete college students was significantly more mature than that of athletes. With the development of theory and technique, a substantial body of research supports a dual-process theory of moral judgement, which involves an automatic-emotional factor in the process of moral judgement. To date, however, limited work has been performed to explore whether sport participation can alter moral judgement in the context of the dual-process theory. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the different moral judgement mechanisms between athlete and non-athlete college students. A total of 30 college students (including 15 high-level basketball players with at least five years of professional training experience) participated in this cross-sectional study. The moral judgement task, consisting of personal and impersonal dilemmas, was designed with E-Prime software. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS Devices 1100, fNIR Devices LLC, 4 dual-wavelength source probes and 10 optical detector probes paired to obtain 16 channels) was adopted to monitor haemodynamic activities in the prefrontal cortex while the subjects performed the moral judgement task. Significant experimental effects were observed in behavioural and haemodynamic performance. Both subject groups revealed more utilitarianism in impersonal dilemmas than in personal dilemmas. In addition, compared with the non-athlete group, the athlete group evoked a greater haemodynamic response in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-related channel (channel 13, channel 14 and channel 15) and evoked a decreased haemodynamic response in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-related channel (channel 3). Moreover, the peak latency in the athlete group was shorter than that in the non-athlete group. This study verified the dual-process theory of moral judgement in athlete samples. Individual differences were observed in temporal and spatial indicators during the moral judgement task. Taking brain function into consideration, our findings reflect an enhanced emotion control ability in the athlete group to suppress a prepotent response to moral dilemmas.

Structural validity and reliability of new index for evaluation of high-level basketball players

ABSTRACTThere have been numerous efforts from basketball stakeholders to produce an index that will evaluate the performance of a basketball player. Data derived from the box score are highly available in many leagues across the world and are the primary source for such indexes. The aim of this study was to produce an all-inclusive performance metric that is valid and reliable. For this purpose, data of 442 players across the seasons 2016–17 and 2017–18, both directly and box score derived, were incorporated into the new Total Performance Index (TPI). The index consisted of the offensive and defensive part. The latter included the Points Offered and the Points Received parts. TPI was compared with the predominantly used Performance Index Rating index (PIR). Results from the linear regression analysis indicated that a statistically significant part of the variation of the winning percentage was explained by TPI. In addition, the future performance of a player can be predicted using TPI, independently if the players have played for the same or different team. Both the validity and the reliability of TPI are better than the ones of the officially used PIR. As a conclusion, basketball stakeholders could use TPI as a valid and reliable players’ evaluation tool.

Construction of the Selection Index System for High-level Basketball Players in Colleges and Universities

Construction of the Selection Index System for High-level Basketball Players in Colleges and Universities

Motor skill learning induces brain network plasticity: A diffusion-tensor imaging study

Motor skills and the acquisition of brain plasticity are important topics in current research. The development of non-invasive white matter imaging technology, such as diffusion-tensor imaging and the introduction of graph theory make it possible to study the effects of learning skills on the connection patterns of brain networks. However, few studies have characterized the brain network topological features of motor skill learning, especially open skill. Given the need to interact with environmental changes in real time, we hypothesized that the brain network of high-level open-skilled athletes had higher transmission efficiency and stronger interaction in attention, visual and sensorimotor networks. We selected 21 high-level basketball players and 25 ordinary individuals as control subjects, collected their DTI data, built a network of brain structures, and used graph theory to analyze and compare the network properties of the two groups at global and regional levels. In addition, we conducted a correlation analysis on the training years of high-level athletes and brain network nodal parameters on the regional level to assess the relationship between brain network topological characteristics and skills learning. We found that on the global-level, the brain network of high-level basketball players had a shorter path length, small-worldness, and higher global efficiency. On the regional level, the brain nodes of the high-level athletes had nodal parameters that were significantly higher than those of control groups, and were mainly distributed in the visual network, the default mode network, and the attention network. The changes in brain node parameters were significantly related to the number of training years.

Heart Rate Recovery Changes during Competition Period in High-Level Basketball Players

Research background and hypothesis. Replete schedule of competitions and intense training are features of contemporary team sports. Athletes, especially the most involved ones, may not have enough time to recover. As a consequence, aggregated fatigue can manifest in some undesirable form and affect athlete’s performance and health.Research aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in heart rate recovery (HRR) and investigate possible relations with sport-specifi c measures of effi cacy in professional basketball players during competition season.Research methods. Eight male high-level basketball players (mean ± SD, body mass, 97.3 ± 11.33 kg; height 2.02 ± 0.067 m, and age 23 ± 3.12 years) were investigated. The same basketball specifi c exercise was replicated several times from September till April during the practice sessions in order to assess the personal trends of HRR. Heart rate monitoring was performed using POLAR TEAM SYSTEM. Investigated athletes were ranked retrospectively according to the total amount of minutes played and the coeffi cients of effi cacy. Research results. There were signifi cant differences in the trends of HRR between the investigated players. The most effective players showed decreasing trends of HRR in all cases of ranking.Discussion and conclusions. Research fi ndings have shown that the quality of heart rate recovery differs between basketball players of the same team and could be associated with sport-specifi c effi cacy and competition playing time.Keywords: adaptation, autonomic control, monitoring training.

Determination of the exercise intensity corresponding with maximal lactate steady state in high-level basketball players

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to define the maximal lactate steady state (MLSSmeas) in high-level male basketball players and to compare it with the lactate turnpoint (LTP) and the respective point derived form a prediction method (MLSScal). Twelve high-level basketball players underwent one maximal and several submaximal tests on a treadmill on different days where MLSS and LTP were measured. MLSSmeas was observed at 75% of the maximal treadmill speed, at 77% of VO2max, at 88% of HRmax and at [La-] of 3.7 mmol.l−1. No differences were observed between MLSSmeas and LTP in any of the measured variables. A good agreement was observed between MLSSmeas and LTP, as well as between MLSSmeas and MLSScal. Therefore, LTP and MLSScal are offered as acceptable approaches to predict MLSS, but not all the indices used to define MLSS presents high agreement between the methods used.