Professional Players Research Articles

Comparison of vertical jump and sprint performances between 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 elite professional male basketball players.

Given its fast-growing popularity and unique on-court competitive demands, 3 × 3 basketball has captured a considerable amount of attention over recent years. However, unlike research focused on studying 5 × 5 basketball players, there is a lack of scientific literature focused on examining countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and sprint performance characteristics of 3 × 3 athletes. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare force-time metrics during both eccentric and concentric phases of the CMJ and acceleration and deceleration capabilities between 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 top-tier professional male basketball athletes. Ten 3 × 3 and eleven 5 × 5 professional basketball players volunteered to participate in the present study. Upon completion of a standardized warm-up, each athlete performed three maximum-effort CMJs, followed by two 10 m sprints. A uni-axial force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz was used to analyze CMJ force-time metrics and a radar gun sampling at 47 Hz was used to derive sprint acceleration-deceleration measures. Independent t-tests and Hedge's g were used to examine between-group statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and effect size magnitudes. The findings of the present study reveal that 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 professional male basketball players tend to display similar neuromuscular performance characteristics as no significant differences were observed in any force-time metric during both eccentric and concentric phases of the CMJ (g = 0.061-0.468). Yet, prominent differences were found in multiple measures of sprint performance, with large effect size magnitudes (g = 1.221-1.881). Specifically, 5 × 5 basketball players displayed greater average and maximal deceleration and faster time-to-stop than their 3 × 3 counterparts. Overall, these findings provide reference values that sports practitioners can use when assessing athletes' CMJ and sprint performance capabilities as well as when developing sport-specific training regimens to mimic on-court competitive demands.

Vertical jump neuromuscular performance of professional female handball players-starters vs. non-starters comparison.

Given the complex nature of the handball as a game, players are required to possess a distinct set of physical and physiological attributes to attain peak performance. With the countermovement vertical jump (CVJ) being widely implemented as a non-invasive and time-efficient testing modality in sports settings, the purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to establish a CVJ profile of professional female handball players and (b) to examine differences in force-time metrics between starters and non-starters. Forty-two professional female handball players (e.g., SuperLeague) volunteered to participate in this study. Each athlete performed three maximum-effort CVJs with no arm swing while standing on a uni-axial force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz. Independent t-tests were used to examine differences in each variable between starters and non-starters. The results revealed that starters attained superior performance within the eccentric phase of the CVJ when compared to non-starters, particularly in terms of eccentric peak velocity (-0.957 ± 0.242 vs. -0.794 ± 0.177 m·s-1), eccentric mean power (320.0 ± 77.7 vs. 267.1 ± 75.2 W), and eccentric peak power (929.0 ± 388.1 vs. 684.4 ± 214.2 W). While not reaching the level of statistical significance, moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed for concentric impulse, peak velocity, and mean and peak force and power, all in favor of players included in the starting lineup (g = 0.439-0.655). Overall, these findings suggest that at the top-tier level of handball competition, the ability to secure a spot in a starting lineup may be possibly influenced by the athlete's eccentric performance capabilities. Thus, the development of lower-body eccentric strength and power may positively impact on-court athlete performance and ultimately help the team secure the desired game outcome.

Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Elite Athletes after Asymptomatic or Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the health status of professional athletes after recovering from COVID-19 and the impact that SARS-CoV-2 had on their overall cardiorespiratory fitness, which was done by conducting cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Materials and Methods: A total of twenty-seven professional basketball players (Euroleague Basketball and the ABA League) participated in the study. CPET was performed before (as part of their regular preparticipation exam, during the pre-season period), as well as after SARS-CoV-2 infection (after two weeks of home isolation, during the competitive part of the season). CPET was performed on a treadmill, while cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic functions were evaluated by using a breath-by-breath analysis technique (Quark CPET system manufactured by Cosmed, Rome, Italy). Results: Maximal oxygen consumption and aerobic efficiency were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.000). An obvious decrease in oxygen pulse was observed during CPET after recovering from COVID-19 (p = 0.001), as was deterioration of ventilatory efficiency. Internal respiration was the most negatively affected. An early transition from aerobic to anaerobic mechanisms of creating energy for work and intensive metabolic fatigue were obvious after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Although it was believed that SARS-CoV-2 only affects the cardiopulmonary status of the elderly population and people with associated comorbidities, it is clear from this research that professional athletes can also be at certain risk. Even though no pathological cardiovascular and respiratory changes were found in athletes after COVID-19, results showed significantly decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, with an emphasis on internal respiration.

Effect of Step Load Based on Time under Tension in Hypoxia on the ACL Pre-Operative Rehabilitation and Hormone Levels: A Case Study.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of step load in hypoxia on the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation (PR) and hormone levels based on a case study. Introduction: We assessed the impact of variables such as rate of movement and time under tension (TUT) in normobaric hypoxia on the levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and erythropoietin (EPO). Additionally, the impact of step load on the hypertrophy and strength of knee extensors and flexors was assessed. Methods: The work uses a case study, the research subject of which was a 23-year-old female professional handball player. The tests included an isokinetic assessment of the peak torque of knee extensors and flexors as well as body composition analysis. Results: The results showed a more than (10.81-fold) increase in GH after the microcycle with time under tension (TUT). The deficit between the lower limbs was also reduced. Conclusions: Using a hypoxic environment based on an appropriate altitude, combined with changes such as a short rest break between sets and a controlled tempo of movement with an eccentric phase, TUT may offer an alternative to the PR process, especially among athletes who care about fast RTS.

Electromyographic analysis of the traditional and spin throwing techniques for goalball games related to ball velocity for selected upper extremity muscles

BackgroundGoalball is a popular sport among visually impaired individuals, offering many physical and social benefits. Evaluating performance in Goalball, particularly understanding factors influencing ball velocity during throwing techniques, is essential for optimizing training programs and enhancing player performance. However, there is limited research on muscle activation patterns during Goalball throwing movements, needing further investigation to address this gap. Therefore, this study aims to examine muscle activity in sub-elite visually impaired Goalball players during different throwing techniques and visual conditions, focusing on its relationship with ball velocity.Methods15 sub-elite Goalball players (2 female, 13 males; mean age of 20.46 ± 2.23 years) participated in the study. Muscle activity was evaluated with the Myo armband, while ball velocity was measured using two cameras and analyzed with MATLAB software. Different visual conditions were simulated using an eye band, and the effects of these conditions on muscle activation and ball velocity were examined.ResultsThe flexor muscles were found to be more active during the spin throw techniques with the eyes open (p = 0.011). The extensor muscles were found to be more active in the eyes-closed spin throw techniques compared to the eyes-open position (p = 0.031). Ball velocity was found related to the flexor muscles. Interestingly, no significant differences in ball velocity were observed between different throwing techniques or visual conditions (p > 0.05).ConclusionsBall velocity, one of the performance indicators of the athlete, is primarily related to upper extremity flexor muscle strength rather than visual acuity. It has less visual acuity, but an athlete with more upper-extremity flexor muscle strength will have an advantage in Goalball game. The spin throw technique, which is reported to provide a biomechanical advantage for professional players in the literature, did not provide an advantage in terms of ball velocity for the sub elite players evaluated in our study. This knowledge can inform the development of targeted training programs aimed at improving technique and enhancing ball velocity in Goalball players.

Evaluation of the eating habits of Polish esports players using the Quick Dietary Survey (QDS)

Background: Proper diet is crucial for the health and physical fitness for bothtraditional sport and esport. The study aimed to evaluate eating behaviours of elitePolish esports players using the QDS questionnaire.Methods: It was conducted on a group of 188 men aged 18-29 years, and a proprietarystandardized questionnaire for rapid dietary assessment (QDS) was utilized. A chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis, assuming a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results: The results indicate that among surveyed esports players, the largestpercentage of them adhered to the dietary recommendations related of fluid intake(75%), replenishing fluids during exercise (72.3%), consuming cereal products (67.6%),considering the recommended number of meals (62.2%), and adequately hydratingafter exercise (60.1%). The study found that the most frequent dietary irregularitieswere usage of dietary supplements without consulting a doctor or nutritionist (75.9%),low consumption of meat substitutes (66.5%), and inadequate intake of recommendedproducts such as pulses (64.4%), fish (62.8%), vegetables (53.3%), and whole graincereal products (51.1%).The study group was dominated by players characterised bylow (44.7%) and average (40.4%) levels of implementation of dietaryrecommendations, as indicated by the nutrition score used. A higher level of rationaldietary choices was observed in 14.9% of the group. Statistical analysis revealed nosignificant differentiation of the analysed dietary behaviours between professional andsemi-professional players (p &gt; 0.05).Conclusions: The Quick Diet Survey (QDS) questionnaire used in the study is avaluable and reliable tool for rapid diet assessment. Therefore, the high prevalence ofinappropriate eating behaviours among esports players highlights the need fornutrition education.

Why player political protest should be part of U.S. professional sports

ABSTRACT ‘Sports and politics don’t mix’. This platitude has been a pervasive part of U.S. professional sport culture, but it is vague and most of the versions are untrue since politics have been, and must be, a part of professional sports. Its only plausible meaning is that professional players should not make political statements while they are on-the-job. Players have a constitutional right to make political statements outside the workplace, but this right does not apply in privately owned sport associations. I argue that player political protest has ultimately been moral, not political, in nature and that players’ on-the-job political expression can be justified based on the priority of the moral-legal concept of personhood. I propose player political expression policies that U.S. professional associations should adopt.

7 important upper body muscles for high performance tennis players

This article focuses specifically on the training of key, yet sometimes overlooked by amateur players, muscles and muscle groups that play a major role in both injury prevention and performance enhancement. We can learn from many high performance and professional tennis players and coaches who have adopted these important upper body exercises. The purpose of the selected muscles is to assist in stabilizing a specific joint and additionally allow these joints their proper range of motion. This information is important for players as well as coaches in helping to their players obtain optimal tennis performance. Although many muscles and movement patterns could be addressed, the specific focus of this article is on those often characterized as secondary muscles of the upper body.

Performance and Return to Play After Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Professional Baseball Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains a rare diagnosis but is being recognized as a cause of upper extremity dysfunction in professional baseball players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine performance and return-to-play (RTP) outcomes in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of TOS. The hypothesis was that there would be a high RTP rate in professional baseball players after TOS surgery with no statistical differences in performance between pitchers who had TOS surgery and matched controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All professional baseball players who underwent surgical treatment of TOS between 2010 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database. Demographic and performance data (before and after surgery) for each player were recorded. Performance variables were then compared between players who underwent TOS surgery and matched controls. The matching criteria were no history of previous surgeries on affected arm, age at time of surgery, throwing side, level of play (Major or Minor League Baseball), and years of experience playing professional baseball. Results: Overall, 52 players underwent surgery for TOS, of whom 46 (88%) were pitchers. The type of TOS was neurogenic in 69% and venous in 29%. One player had arterial TOS. After TOS surgery, 79% of players returned to play at the same or higher level (RTSP) by 9.5 months and played ≥3 years after surgery. No differences were found in RTSP rate based on the type of TOS. No statistical difference was found in RTP rates between major and minor league players. Pitchers had a 76% RTSP, which was similar to the natural attrition for control pitchers (P = .874). After TOS surgery, pitchers saw a decline in several performance metrics, but these declines were not different from those of control pitchers, indicating that the decline in performance after TOS surgery was no faster than is seen in healthy professional pitchers as they age. Conclusion: The rate of RTSP after surgery for TOS in professional baseball players was 79%. There was no difference in RTP based on the type of TOS. Pitchers who underwent surgery for TOS had no significant differences in pitching performance metrics after surgery compared with matched controls.

A Novel Method for Recognizing Physical Fitness Signals of Basketball Players Based on Photovoltaic Power Supply

This study proposes a novel method for recognizing the physical fitness signals of basketball players using a photovoltaic power supply. The traditional method for measuring physical fitness signals, such as heart rate and oxygen consumption, requires constant monitoring via wired sensors. This method is not suitable for sports like basketball, where player movement can interfere with the sensors and affect the accuracy of the measurements. To address this issue, we developed a small, lightweight device that utilizes a photovoltaic power supply to eliminate the need for wires and allow for seamless monitoring of physical fitness signals. The device can be attached to a player's clothing or equipment, and the energy generated from the photovoltaic power supply is used to power the device and collect data. We conducted a pilot study with professional basketball players and found that our method provided accurate and reliable measurements of physical fitness signals. It opens up new possibilities for sports performance monitoring, as coaches and trainers can now quickly and efficiently track the physical fitness of their players in real time.

AI, ageing and brain-work productivity: Technological change in professional Japanese chess.

Using Japanese professional chess (Shogi) players' records in the setting where various external factors are controlled in deterministic and finite games, this paper examines how and the extent to which the emergence of technological changes influences the ageing and innate ability of players' winning probability. We gathered games of professional Shogi players from 1968 to 2019, which we divided into three periods: 1968-1989, 1990-2012 (the diffusion of as information and communications technology (ICT)) and 2013-2019 (artificial intelligence (AI)). We found (1) diffusion of AI reduces the impact of innate ability in players performance. Consequently, the performance gap among same-age players has narrowed; (2) in all the periods, players' winning rates declined consistently from 20 years and as they get older; (3) AI accelerated the ageing decline of the probability of winning, which increased the performance gap among different aged players; (4) the effects of AI on the ageing decline and the probability of winning are observed for high innate skill players but not for low innate skill ones. The findings are specific to Shogi as a kind of board games although it is valuable to examine the extent to which the findings hold for other labor market.

Assessing the Effects of Fatigue on Ground Reaction Force Variations during Landing after a Spike in Professional Volleyball Players

Assessing the Effects of Fatigue on Ground Reaction Force Variations during Landing after a Spike in Professional Volleyball Players

Tactical and Technical Performance in Basketball Small-Sided Games: A Systematic Review

The ability to design Small-sided games (SSGs) by manipulating the game allows coaches to align the games with players' specific needs, thereby fostering adaptations in their behavior as they engage with the challenges presented in the drills. Given the increasing volume of original research on SSGs in basketball, this systematic review aims to synthesize acute technical and tactical responses observed in players of both genders, irrespective of their competitive level. A systematic review was performed based on PRISMA recommendations in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science database. The eligibility criteria included basketball players who had participated in SSGs, without the necessity for a comparator group. Outcomes focused on observed and recorded technical actions (such as passes and shots) and/or tactical behaviors (individual or collective). Data synthesis comprised compiling the observed technical and tactical outcomes, along with the main findings of the studies. An initial database search returned 1,758 studies. After the study selection process, 41 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, comprising 922 participants of both sexes that ranged from beginners to professional players. The analyzed SSGs ranged from 1 vs. 1 to 5 vs. 5 game formats. Findings suggested that SSGs with fewer players demonstrated positive effects on technical performance and increased action frequency, while also fostering tactical behavior and decision-making. Moreover, research indicated that SSGs incorporating restrictions on dribbling actions led to a higher occurrence of passing actions. Keywords: basketball training; sports pedagogy; conditioned games; small-sided games; technical performance; tactical behavior.

프로야구 스타선수 영입에 따른 스타파워와 팀 스타파워 속성이 재관람의도에 미치는 영향

프로야구 스타선수 영입에 따른 스타파워와 팀 스타파워 속성이 재관람의도에 미치는 영향

Machine Learning-Based Player Performance Analysis for Association of Tennis Professionals Tour

This study explores the use of data analysis in professional tennis, using the dataset of the world-renowned Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour, which is the top-class men's professional tennis tour. Utilizing the match data of all the players, mainly Novak Djokovic, the research applies various models and methods of data preprocessing and selection to predict match outcomes. The main objective is to provide data-supported insight to professional tennis players and coaches to help analyze and further improve their tennis. The analysis and model take factors like player performance, court types, and tournament importance into consideration. This study shows the potential of data analysis in sports where such resources are often limited to well-funded teams. Not only the effect of different models in forecasting tennis match outcomes is evaluated, but also the influence of non-critical tournaments and external factors like injuries and policies on the accuracy of predictions are explored. The research findings offer insights into the evolving role of data analysis in enhancing sports strategies and performance, indicating a promising future for data-driven decision-making in professional tennis for different levels of players.

‘Considering the reality, I am very lucky’: how professional players and staff perceive injury prevention and performance protection in women’s football

ObjectiveTo explore the beliefs and perceptions of professional female footballers and staff regarding injury prevention and performance protection in professional women’s football.MethodsThis qualitative study applied semistructured interviews with 18 participants...

“Pro Gamers” & Cyberbullying: Workplace bullying & sexual harassment in professional video gaming

As Esports grows rapidly, it is imperative to understand cyberbullying in the professional video game playing context, including those who are most vulnerable to cyberbullying. It is predicted that professional women players would experience more cyberbullying and consequently have adverse effects on their mental health. Participants (N = 145) were collected from around the world (n = 14 countries) and completed a 10-minute online survey. Path analysis demonstrated that being a woman is a significant predictor of a particular type of cyberbullying (sexual harassment) which in turn also predicts mental health outcomes. Further, the degree to which a player treats gaming as a job (i.e., level of gaming professionalism) is a significant predictor of overall cyberbullying, and that cyberbullying subsequently predicts mental health outcomes. This study suggests the virtual workplace for professional players is unsafe, and further research is required to better understand how to protect these vulnerable workers from harm.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) in a Population of Professional Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders affect a large portion of the population worldwide. The musculoskeletal health questionnaire is a helpful tool for assessing the health state of patients with these disorders. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSK_HQ-IT in a population of professional basketball players. The secondary aim is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Material and Methods: The study was performed from September to October 2022. The questionnaire was completed using an online or paper form, to which personal data were collected. Data were collected by submitting a translated version of the musculoskeletal health questionnaire directly to professional athletes. Results: A total of 63 basketball players were recruited. Regarding functional limitations, the body parts mentioned by the sample were the left ankle (23.8%) and the right ankle (17.5%), followed by the lumbar column and right hip (15.9%). Regarding pain, the data are more homogeneous, with a distribution in line with functional limitations. A peak of pain was perceived in the left foot, with a mean score of 4. Cronbach's alpha showed a value of 0.85. Conclusions: The musculoskeletal health questionnaire shows promising results in evaluating the health state of a population of professional athletes. Further studies are needed to enlarge the sample and possibly open it to more categories of professional sports.

Prevalence of Anterior Knee Pain and Its Associated Risk Factors in Professional Badminton Players

Background :Badminton is a sport which need repetitive lunging, squatting and running which causes Patella to move on femur and causing posterior compressive force and causing anterior knee pain .The patellofemoral joint can undergo very high stresses during typical activities .The patellofemoral joint reaction (contact) force is influenced by both the quadriceps force and the knee angle. As the knee flexes and extends, the patella is pulled by the quadriceps tendon superiorly and simultaneously by the patella tendon inferiorly. The combination of these pulls produces a posterior compressive force of the patella on the femur and cause anterior pain Methods :We performed a study with the help of google form, cluster sampling is done. The prevalence of anterior knee pain is studied with kujala questionnaire and ,its associated risk factors are being noted Results :In this study 50 players participated in that 31 are male and 19 are female. 32 players complains of anterior knee pain in that 23 players complains on single knee pain and 8 players complain of both knee pain .increased in number of hours of practice and and years of training can cause in over use injury of anterior knee and pain. With the help of Kuajal questionnaire players are being assessed and condition of knee is being determined. Associated risk factors are also being noted in the players in that 8% players were identified with genu valgum,4% with abnormal patellar tracking patelar ,2%foot misalignment Conclusion :Anterior knee pain is a prevalent issue among badminton players, influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors of anterior knee pain in this population is critical for developing targeted prevention strategies and optimizing athlete health and performance. Future research should continue to investigate the complex interplay of biomechanical, training-related, and environmental factors contributing to anterior knee pain in badminton players, with the ultimate goal of reducing injury burden and enhancing athlete well being

Analysis of injury characteristics in youth elite football athletes in Indonesia

Background: Football is the most popular sport globally, with approximately 200,000 professional players and 240 million amateur players. It is a high-intensity intermittent sport that can lead to fatigue, increasing the risk of injury. Unfortunately, injuries in young athletes are still not widely studied, making not much data available. This study tries to fill the gap by investigating the characteristics of injuries in young football athletes in Indonesia. In addition, it attempts to determine the relationship between BMI, exposure time to training and matches on injuries. Methods: This study used a retrospective cohort design with a survey method on EPA (Elite Pro Academy) U14, U16, and U18 youth football athletes from 18 teams in each age group. The data were collected from 838 young footballers as the sample. Results: This study found no association between BMI and injury (p &gt; 0.05), while exposure time did have an association with injury (p &lt; 0.05). Based on the injury location, sports injuries were mostly found in the ankle 273 (39%). The highest injury type was contusion 36%, followed by strain 25% and sprain 18%. Regarding severity, most cases were classified as minor injuries (4-7 days), with 299 (43%). The defender position had the most injuries, 188 (35%). Osgood Schlatter was most prevalent in athletes aged 13, with 29 cases. Meanwhile, the total injury incidence is 3.9/1000 hours. Conclusions: This study found that training exposure time was associated with the number of injuries. It also recorded that most injuries occur in the lower limbs, especially ankle ligament injuries. The defender received high attention as it is considered the most vulnerable position. Finally, the peak incidence of Osgood Schlatter occurred at the age of 13. Keywords: sports injuries, injury incidence, youth football athletes, Osgood Schlatter