Performance Of Basketball Players Research Articles

Strength and power training in basketball

Modern basketball is characterized by a high intensity activity throughout the game, which requires optimal physical condition for the players. The increasing demands of modern basketball and inadequate physical preparation also result in an increased number of sports-related injuries. Physical preparation in the form of strength and power training is part of the strategy in preventing and reducing such injuries, but also in improving the performance of basketball players in the game. Strength and power have a direct impact on improving the performance of basketball players, but also influence on improving other motor skills and characteristics of basketball players. As the benefits of the strength and power training are known and recognised, this review paper aims to point out some specifics of the training process in the development of strength and power of basketball players. The paper points to the importance of being systematic and progressive in the long-term development of power , but also within the annual cycle of training. In addition, the paper provides some specific guidelines for conducting strength and power training within the various stages of the preparation and competition periods, with an emphasis on the functionality and specificity of the training.

Effects of Delayed Cold Water Immersion after High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Subsequent Exercise Performance in Basketball Players

The purpose of this research is to compare the effects of passive recovery and delayed cold water immersion one and three hours after high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) on exercise performance and muscle soreness on the subse- quent day. Eleven male basketball players participated in the study. They followed the recovery methods after high-in- tensity intermittent exercise, including 15 minutes cold water (15 o C) immersion one hour (CWI1) and three hours (CWI3) after HIIE and passive recovery (CON) in a randomized order on a weekly basis. The protocol for HIIE included progres- sive speed 20-metre shuttle sprint interrupted with repetitive jumping in order to induce fatigue. Twenty-four hours after HIIE, a 20-metre shuttle sprint and maximal vertical jump test were conducted to evaluate the effect of each recovery method. Maximal vertical jump height after one and three hours did not differ significantly compared to pre- test values. However, the maximal vertical jump height in the control group was significantly lower than their pre-test value. Also, 24 hours after HIIE, perceived muscle soreness in CWI1 and CWI3 groups was significantly lower than that of the control group. The total distance of the shuttle run did not differ depending on the recovery method used. Cold water immersions one and three hours after HIIE affected maximal vertical jump height and athletes’ perception of pain. However, there were no significant differences in exercise performance between the cold water immersion at one and three hours after HIIE, which might be due to similar physiological responses during both immersion trials.

Comparison of Countermovement and Preferred-Style Jump Biomechanics in Male Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the biomechanics of countermovement (CMJ) and preferred-style (PrefJ) jumps. Eight male basketball players (age: 19 ± 1 year; height: 1.84 ± 0.14 m; mass: 92.8 ± 11.4 kg) participated in a cross-sectional study for which they performed max effort CMJ and PrefJ while motion capture and force plate data were recorded. The CMJ were performed according to common procedures. For the PrefJ, the eight players chose to use a short approach run and a step-in jump, with a clear lead and trail leg foot contact pattern. Vertical ground reaction forces (GRF), center-of-mass (COM) parameters, as well as hip, knee, and ankle flexion angles, extension velocities, net joint moments, powers, and work were all calculated and used for analysis. Bi-lateral data from the CMJ were averaged, whereas lead and trail leg data from the PrefJ were kept separated. The PrefJ was characterized by greater jump height and GRF and shorter contact times. Joint-level differences indicated that the PrefJ was characterized by larger joint kinetics. Importantly, very few biomechanical variables of the CMJ and PrefJ were correlated, which suggests that each jump type is characterized by unique movement strategies. Since PrefJ may better represent athlete- and sport-specific movement pattern, these findings could have implications for assessing and monitoring neuromuscular performance of basketball players.

ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT INJURIES OF BASKETBALL PLAYERS BASED ON SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT Assessing the performance of basketball players is very important in the implementation of technical training programs. The application of electromyography (EMG) in basketball players is still relatively small. The evaluation of athletes’ muscle state index by EMG can guide sports training. This study used surface electromyography to test and compare EMG data, analyze muscle discharge timing, contribution rate and integral EMG value of the turning movement, aiming to explore the prevention mechanism of different types of injury affecting basketball players. The synchronous measurement model of EMG signal and plantar pressure curve in jump shot process of basketball players is established to deepen coaches’ understanding of jump shot movement rules and guide athletes to conduct scientific jump shot training. The research shows that the incidence of knee joint injury is relatively high in basketball players. Patella strain and softening, knee meniscus injury and cruciate ligament injury are the main types of injury, and there is no difference between genders.

Change of Direction Speed Tests in Basketball Players: A Brief Review of Test Varieties and Recent Trends.

Change of direction speed (CODS) is essential for basketball performance, extensively assessed by various tests. This review aimed to summarize the CODS test varieties for basketball players on publications until 2019 and identify recent trends regarding what types of tests have gained attention in the 2010s. Electronic literature searches were conducted using three databases with relevant keywords. 104 studies were found eligible, conducting CODS tests 159 times in total with 48 test varieties. To facilitate distinctions between the tests, each test was categorized into one of three types based on the distinctive movement characteristics and changing angles as follows: Defensive (involving lateral shuffling), 180°-turn (exerting only 180°-turns), and Cutting (performing diagonal- or side-cut). We then counted the number of publications and adopted times reported per year for each test, and calculated the adoption rate for each categorized test type. The first CODS test performed in basketball players was the T-Test, reported in 1991, and this was the most commonly adopted test (44/159 times). The 2010s saw abrupt increases in the number of publications (1990s-2000s-2010s: 5-9-90) and test varieties (4-7-44). The adoption rates in the 2010s were similar among the three types (i.e., Defensive/180°-turn/Cutting: 37%/30%/33%), with the Cutting type gradually increasing over the last three decades (1990s-2000s-2010s: 0%-9%-33%). These results suggest that while CODS performances in basketball players are increasingly studied with various tests, recent studies give equal weight to all of the three categorized test types, with increasing adoption of the Cutting type, to assess specific CODS performances.

Body composition, does it affect the physical performance of basketball players? A Pilot study conducted among General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Basketball team

Body composition, does it affect the physical performance of basketball players? A Pilot study conducted among General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Basketball team

Biomechanics of core musculature on upper extremity performance in basketball players

IntroductionBasketball is a dynamic team sport which involves skilled movement and activities. Shooting is considered to be an essential part of the game for scoring points. The core strength is an important preconditioning for the sport, and it influences the performance of the player. MethodIn this study the subjects included thirty-six male basketball players divided into two groups of high and low core groups. The subjects performed one arm hop test and modified upper quarter y balance test (mUQYBT) under with and without core activation condition. The performance of the subjects was evaluated using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys HSD. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Value of confidence interval was set at 95%. ResultsBased on the study, significant difference (p < 0.05) in performance for one arm hop test was observed among all the four groups of core muscles (group 1: high core with core activation, group 2 high core without core activation, group 3 low core with core activation and group 4 low core without core activation). Whereas, no significant difference (p > 0.05) in performance for mUQYBT was observed among all four groups. DiscussionCore training is the basis for many functional movements and has become the norm in athletic training programs. Broad benefits of core stabilization have been overlooked, from improving athletic performance to preventing injuries in the sports medicine world. ConclusionIn the present study, core activation was associated with improved stability and mobility of basketball players during the upper extremity performance test, and the greatest influence of core activation was seen in individuals with lower core scores.

Acute caffeine supplementation improves jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance in basketball players when ingested in the morning but not evening

ABSTRACT This study compared the effects of acute caffeine supplementation (3 mg/kg) administered in the morning and evening on performance-related variables in basketball players. Eleven, national-level, adolescent male basketball players underwent field-based fitness testing on four occasions: morning (10:00) with caffeine ingestion (AMCAFF), morning (10:00) with placebo ingestion (AMPLAC), evening (21:00) with caffeine ingestion (PMCAFF), and evening (21:00) with placebo ingestion (PMPLAC). Fitness testing included of a countermovement jump without arm swing (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing (CMJAS), squat jump (SJ), Lane Agility Drill (LAD), 20-m linear sprint, and Suicide Run with (SRD) and without dribbling (SR). Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures analyses of variance and paired t-tests, with effect sizes (ES) also determined for all pairwise comparisons. Follow-up t-test comparisons revealed that AMCAFF produced small-moderate, significant (p<0.001), improvements in CMJ (ES = 0.51), CMJAS (ES = 0.40), SJ (ES = 0.51), and SR (ES = −0.45) compared to AMPLAC. AMCAFF also produced a moderate, significantly (p<0.001) faster LAD (ES = −0.61) compared to PMCAFF. PMPLAC demonstrated small-moderate, significant (p<0.05) improvements in CMJ (ES = 0.43), CMJAS (ES = 0.48), and 20-m sprint (ES = −0.63) compared to AMPLAC. In contrast, AMPLAC resulted in large, significantly (p<0.001), faster SRD (ES = −1.46) and SR (ES = −1.59) compared to PMPLAC. Given the ergogenic effects of caffeine during basketball-specific fitness tests appear to be influenced by time of ingestion, basketball practitioners should consider administering caffeine only to players in the morning to improve vertical jump, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance, with no beneficial effects observed with caffeine ingestion in the evening. Highlights The effect of caffeine supplementation on basketball-specific performance related variables were mediated by ingestion time in elite, adolescent basketball players. AMCAFF produced small-moderate improvements in vertical jump, change-of-direction, 20-m linear sprint, and repeated-sprint performance compared to AMPLAC while PMCAFF produced trivial differences in each performance-related variable compared to PMPLAC. Comparisons between ingestion times in the placebo condition revealed vertical jump height and 20-m sprint speed were impaired in the morning compared to the evening, but these time-dependent differences were eliminated when caffeine was consumed in the morning. Basketball practitioners should consider administering caffeine only to players in the morning to improve vertical jump, sprinting, and change-of-direction performance, with no beneficial effects observed with caffeine ingestion in the evening.

The Association Between Sleep and In-Game Performance in Basketball Players.

To investigate the associations between sleep and competitive performance in basketball. A total of 7 semiprofessional, male players were monitored across the in-season. On nights prior to competition, sleep duration and quality were assessed using actigraphs and sleep diaries. The data were accumulated over 1 (night 1), 2 (nights 1-2 combined), 3 (nights 1-3 combined), and 4 (nights 1-4 combined) nights prior to competition. Performance was reported as player statistics (field goal and free-throw accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers) and composite performance statistics (offensive rating, defensive rating, and player efficiency). Linear regression analyses with cluster-robust standard errors using bootstrapping (1000 replications) were performed to quantify the association between sleep and performance. The night before competition, subjective sleep quality was positively associated with offensive rating and player efficiency (P < .05). Strategies to increase subjective sleep quality the night before competition should be considered to increase the likelihood of successful in-game performance, given its association with composite performance metrics.

Elbow Extensors and Volar Flexors Strength Capacity and Its Relation to Shooting Performance in Basketball Players—A Pilot Study

Rate of force/torque development scaling factor (RFD-SF/RTD-SF) has been used as a tool for assessing neuromuscular quickness. The aim was to investigate strength capacities of two major shooting muscle groups and their relationship to basketball shooting performance, and to compare the RFD-SF as well as shooting performance between junior and senior basketball players, and finally to examine the differences in RTD-SF between elbow extensors and volar flexors. In 23 male basketball players (13 juniors and 10 seniors) we assessed maximal isometric torque (TMVC), maximal rate of torque development and RTD-SF slope (kRTD-SF) for elbow extensors and volar flexors. The subjects performed 10 throws at 2.3 m (short) and 8.9 m (long) from the basket. Our results showed similar kRTD-SF and TMVC in both groups. Better shooting performance from short distance was observed in senior players. Significant associations between kRTD-SF, TMVC and shooting performance were found only in juniors. Elbow extensors TMVC was found to have a significant positive large association with shooting performance from long distance. It seems that muscle capacity has an important role in shooting performance in junior compared to players. Sufficient strength capacity of major shooting muscles is important for juniors’ shooting performance from a long distance.

Decisive Factors for a Greater Performance in the Change of Direction and Its Angulation in Male Basketball Players.

A study was made to initially evaluate whether the age category directly could influence anthropometric measurements, functional movement tests, linear sprint (30 m) and strength. Moreover, and as the main purpose, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the time execution and angles in different changes of direction (COD) test with the analyzed sport performance variables. A total sample of 23 basketball players (age: 17.5 ± 2.42 years; height: 184.6 ± 6.68 cm; body weight: 78.09 ± 11.9 kg). Between-groups’ comparison explored the differences between basketball categories (Junior, n = 12; Senior, n = 11). The COD variables were divided by the time execution into low responders (LR) and high responders (HR) to establish comparisons between groups related to COD time execution. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to establish correlations between different CODs and sport performance variables. The results showed a greater influence of age category upon COD performance, especially when the cutting angle was sharper (7.05% [Confidence limits (CL) 90%: 2.33; 11.99]; Quantitative chances (QC) 0/2/98), in which athletes need greater application of strength. Moreover, the sharper the angle or the larger the number of cuts made, the greater the relationship with the vertical force–velocity profile (−42.39 [CL 90%: −57.37; −22.16]; QC 100/0/0%). Thus, the usefulness of the f–v profile to implement training programs that optimize the f–v imbalance and the improvement of the COD performance in basketball players is suggested.

The effect of high intensity functional training on the oxidative status, muscle damage and performance of basketball players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 10 weeks of two different in-season training programs on the oxidative status and muscle damage and performance of professional basketball players. We hypothesized that high intensity functional training (HIFT) induces more redox sensitive adaptations than common strength and conditioning training (CSCT). Twenty professional basketball players of Iran national women's basketball league (age 21.95±2.45, years of experience 7.15±1.7), were divided into two equal training groups; HIFT and CSCT (in average of 80-150 and 180-240 minutes per week respectively). Blood samples and performance tests including VO<inf>2max</inf>, basketball simulated performance (BEST), anaerobic power, agility and vertical jump were taken before and after training. Oxidative status and tissue damage were assessed through xanthine oxidase, total antioxidant capacity, pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and creatine kinase. Data were analyzed through repeated measure mixed ANOVA. BEST, average power and Fatigue Index significantly improved in HIFT group (α<0.05). VO<inf>2max</inf> and agility t-test improved significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups. Lateral agility and vertical jump did not change significantly in neither of the groups. No significant group × time interaction was observed in the biochemical factors. XO increased, TAC and CK decreased significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant change in PAB in neither of the groups after training. The findings of the present study showed no oxidative stress and tissue damage in none of the training groups, recommending the implication of more time-efficient HIFT method into the in-season training of team sports.

Comparison of tests to evaluate the vertical rebound jump in basketball players

This study aimed to compare the vertical rebound jump performance of basketball players by using Hurdle Jump and Drop Jump tests based on different performance parameters, in addition to investigating whether the height of the hurdles used (barrier and box) are equivalent when the optimal and maximum heights for the tests mentioned are determined. Thirteen players of a male basketball team were included in this study (age 18.77 ±1.78 years old, height 182 ±7.97 m, body mass 76.4 ±9.55 kg, practice time 6.0 ±1.8 years). Data normality and homogeneity were tested by applying Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. The paired t-test was used to compare the means of the results obtained in the tests; the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The results regarding the comparison of the performance parameters means were the following: the maximum vertical rebound jump and reactive strength index did not show significant differences (p = 0.256 and p = 0.243, respectively); on the other hand, differences were seen for the corresponding obstacle heights. These differences can be attributed to both, individual characteristics of each subject and the specificities of the tests.

Effects of passive versus active recovery at different intensities on repeated sprint performance and testosterone/cortisol ratio in male senior basketball players

Summary Objective This study examines the effects of passive vs. active recovery at different percentages of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) on performance in a repeated sprint test and testosterone/cortisol ratio in basketball. Methods Sixteen basketball players performed a 20 m shuttle run test and randomly 4 repeated 10 × 30 m shuttle sprint tests with different types of recovery: passive and active at 50%, 35% and 20% of the MAS. Heart rate, RPE, Cortisol (C), testosterone (T) and blood lactate concentrations were measured during the sprint tests. Results The results showed that the total time (TT) and best time (BT) for repeated sprints are significantly higher during the passive recovery than the active ones. The performance recorded during active recovery at 20% of the MAS is significantly higher than those obtained at 35 and 50% of the MAS. There was no significant difference in lactate concentrations and T/C ratio between passive and active recovery. Significant correlations (r2 > 50%) were recorded between total time and MAS for both types of recovery. Conclusion Passive recovery provides the best performance in repeated sprints. Also by comparing active recoveries, those of intensity below 35% of the MAS lead to a better performance in basketball players.

Changes in Muscle Strength, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Young Elite Basketball Players: The Impact of Combined High-Speed Resistance Training and Plyometrics.

Yáñez-García, JM, Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Mora-Custodio, R, and González-Badillo, JJ. Changes in muscle strength, jump, and sprint performance in young elite basketball players: the impact of combined high-speed resistance training and plyometrics. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 478-485, 2022-This study aimed to compare the effect of a combined resistance training (RT) and plyometrics on strength, sprint, and jump performance in basketball players of different ages. Thirty three elite basketball players from the same academy were categorized into 3 groups by chronological age: under-13 (U13, n = 11); under-15 (U15, n = 11); and under-17 (U17, n = 11). Players participated in a 6-week strength training program that included 2 sessions each week and consisted of full squats with low loads (45-60% 1 repetition maximum) and low volume (2-3 sets and 4-8 repetitions), jumps, and sprint exercises. All repetitions were performed at maximal intended velocity. In addition to strength training sessions, subjects performed 4 on court basketball training sessions plus 2 official matches per week. After training program, all 3 experimental groups resulted in significant improvements (p < 0.05-0.001) in maximal strength (Δ: 9.2-27.3%; effect size [ES]: 0.38-0.82), countermovement jump height (Δ: 6.6-11.6%; ES: 0.37-0.95), and sprint time in 10 and 20 m (Δ: -3.9 to -0.3%; ES: 0.09-0.69) for all experimental groups. Comparison between groups showed that training program was more effective in inducing improvements in most variables assessed for U13 compared with U15 (ES: 0.11-0.42) and U17 (ES: 0.20-0.43), whereas differences between U15 and U17 were relevant in jump and strength parameters (ES: 0.20-0.35). Therefore, these findings suggest that high-speed RT combined with plyometrics produces increments in several important variables, including strength, jump, and sprint, to yield high performance during a match in young basketball players. However, training program used seems to be generally less effective as the age of the basketball players increased.

High-velocity elastic-band training improves hamstring muscle activation and strength in basketball players.

The aim of this study was use surface EMG activity to assess changes in co-activation of knee flexors and extensors muscle groups during elastic-band exercise after 5 weeks of high-velocity elastic-band training in basketball players. College male basketball players (N.=18) were randomly divided into one of two groups: 1) the elastic-band training group performed low-load and high-velocity - lying prone - hamstring curls training three times per week; 2) the control group did not do any training. Pre- and post- training assessment included concentric knee extension and flexion at 60°/s and 240°/s, and the frequency of knee flexion and extension with elastic bands in the prone position. The EMG of the rectus femoris, semitendinosus muscles and the long head of the biceps femoris were assessed during these activities, and 30-m sprint running speed was measured from a stationary start and a running start. It was shown that high-velocity elastic-band training was 1) feasible, 2) increased movement velocity and 3) muscle strength, 4) altered neural control such that excessive lengthening of the hamstring muscle, and hence strain-injuries, may be prevented and 5) improved sprint performance in basketball players. These results suggest that high-velocity elastic-band training may be a tool to prevent hamstring strain-injuries in basketball players.

Quantitative Relationships Between Individual Lower-Limb Muscle Volumes and Jump and Sprint Performances of Basketball Players

Xie, T, Crump, KB, Ni, R, Meyer, CH, Hart, JM, Blemker, SS, and Feng, X. Quantitative relationships between individual lower-limb muscle volumes and jump and sprint performances of basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 623-631, 2020-Lower body skeletal muscles play an essential role in athletic performance; however, because of the difficulty in obtaining detailed information of each individual muscle, the quantitative relationships between individual muscle volumes and performance are not well studied. The aim of this study was to accurately measure individual muscle volumes and identify the muscles with strong correlations with jump and sprint performance metrics for basketball players. Ten male varsity basketball players and 8 club players were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and instructed to perform various jump and sprint tests. The volumes of all lower-limb muscles were calculated from MRI and normalized by body surface area to reduce the effect of the body size differences. In analysis, feature selection was first used to identify the most relevant muscles, followed by correlation analysis to quantify the relationships between the selected muscles and each performance metric. Vastus medialis and semimembranosus were found to be the most relevant muscles for jump while adductor longus and vastus medialis were selected for sprint. Strong correlations (r = 0.664-0.909) between the selected muscles and associated performance tests were found for varsity players, and moderate correlations (r = -0.203 to 0.635) were found for club players. One possible application is that for well-trained varsity players, a targeted training scheme focusing on the selected muscles may be an effective method to further improve jump and sprint performances.

Effects of Ball Drills and Repeated-Sprint-Ability Training in Basketball Players.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of ball drills and repeated-sprint-ability training during the regular season in basketball players. Methods: A total of 30 players were randomized into 3 groups: ball-drills training (BDT, n = 12, 4 × 4min, 3 vs 3 with 3-min passive recovery), repeated-sprint-ability training (RSAT, n = 9, 3 × 6 × 20-m shuttle running with 20-s and 4-min recovery), and general basketball training (n = 9, basketball technical/tactical exercises), as control group. Players were tested before and after 8 wk of training using the following tests: , squat jump, countermovement jump, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1(YIRT1), agility T test, line-drill test, 5-/10-/20-m sprints, and blood lactate concentration. A custom-developed survey was used to analyze players' technical skills. Results: After training, significant improvements were seen in YIRT1 (BDT P = .014, effect size [ES] ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 0.3; RSAT P = .022, ES ± 90% CI = 0.7 ± 0.3), the agility T test (BDT P = .018, ES ± 90% CI = 0.7 ± 0.5; RSAT P = .037, ES ± 90% CI = 0.7 ± 0.5), and the line-drill test (BDT P = .010, ES ± 90% CI = 0.3 ± 0.1; RSAT P < .0001, ES ± 90% CI = 0.4 ± 0.1). In the RSAT group, only 10-m sprint speeds (P = .039, ES ± 90% CI = 0.3 ± 0.2) and blood lactate concentration (P = .004, ES ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 1.1) were improved. Finally, technical skills were increased in BDT regarding dribbling (P = .038, ES ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 0.6), shooting (P = .036, ES ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 0.8), passing (P = .034, ES ± 90% CI = 0.9 ± 0.3), rebounding (P = .023, ES ± 90% CI = 1.1 ± 0.3), defense (P = .042, ES ± 90% CI = 0.5 ± 0.5), and offense (P = .044, ES ± 90% CI = 0.4 ± 0.4) skills. Conclusions: BDT and RSAT are both effective in improving the physical performance of basketball players. BDT had also a positive impact on technical skills. Basketball strength and conditioning professionals should include BDT as a routine tool to improve technical skills and physical performance simultaneously throughout the regular training season.

Strength, Jump Heights and Physical Characteristics of Young Male Basketball Players by Their Positions

The aim of the study is to compare isokinetic leg strengths and jump performances of basketball players playing at different positions. A total of 34 basketball players (guards (n=13), forwards (n=13) and centers (n=7)) from 17 teams of Turkish Basketball Development League participated in the study. The isokinetic strength tests were performed for the dominant limb at two different angular speeds (60°s-1 and 180°s-1) and the extensor and flexor peak torques (EPT and FPT) were recorded. The strengths produced according to weight were taken as relative EPT and FPT. Jump tests were performed in three categories: free jump, 120° squat jump and active jump. Multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to compare players' scores in strength and jump tests by their positions. In the comparison of the positions, the guards were shorter and slimmer than the forwards and centers (p &lt;0.05), and they were found to have less BMI values than the centers. The absolute strength values obtained with knee extension peak torques for both angular velocities were higher in the centers than the guards (p &lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the relative strength values. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups for other parameters and all jump parameters (p&gt; 0.05). Consequently, it can be stated that there are physical differences among high-level young basketball players by their positions and absolute quadriceps strengths of the centers may be higher than of the guards.

Effect of combined antioxidant treatment on oxidative stress, muscle damage and sport performance in female basketball players

Introduction/Objective. We determined the impact of antioxidant supplementation by GE132R on sports performance, oxidative stress markers, and muscle enzymes activities in professional female basketball players. Methods. Repetitive strength, explosive power, anaerobic endurance, and agility performance were measured before/after the 45-day supplementation period. The FORT (Free Oxygen Radicals Test) and FORD analysis (Free Oxygen Radical Defense) were assessed before/after basketball specific exercise bout, at the beginning/end of observational period. The grade of muscle damage was evaluated by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results. After supplementation period, significant difference was not recorded regarding the basic motor skills tests. Basketball specific exercise bout induced significant increase in FORT (p &lt; 0.05) only at the beginning of supplementation period. Both FORT and FORD significantly decreased over the observational period (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). CK and LDH were remarkably lower at the end of observational period (p &lt; 0.05), compared to the baseline. Conclusion. Exogenous supplementation with protective nutraceuticals such as those found in GE132R, could reduce acute/chronic oxidative stress and muscle damage, but had no effect on sport performance in basketball players.