Game schedule, travel demands and contextual factors influence key game-related statistics among the top European male basketball teams.

This study examined the effects of game schedule, travel demands and contextual factors on team game-related statistics during a full season. The top 10 teams competing in the 2020-2021 Euroleague basketball season were included where game-related statistics from their respective national competitions and the Euroleague competition were retrieved (761 games). Hierarchical linear regression models were computed to evaluate the effects of distance travelled, game schedule and contextual factors for the previous and current games (league, season phase, opponent level, game outcome, score differential) on key performance indicators (points, shooting, rebounds, assists, turnovers, fouls). Several significant models (p < 0.05) yielded R2 values ranging from 0.05 to 0.22 with small-to-medium effect magnitudes. Analyses revealed significant associations between longer durations separating games and less free-throws being made and between further distances travelled and worse 3-point shooting, more offensive rebounds and more fouls. Regarding contextual factors, favourable outcomes for shooting, assists, steals, fouling and turnovers were significantly associated with team success. Playing higher-level teams and competing in playoffs or finals was associated with several diminished outcomes. These results emphasize the multi-factorial nature of performance in elite European basketball, with game schedule, travel and various contextual factors requiring consideration in developing holistic operational plans for teams.

The Physiological and Performance Effects of Actovegin during Maximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the performance-related effects of Actovegin is limited, despite legislated restrictions being in place for this supplement within sport settings. OBJECTIVES: Our study examined the effects of Actovegin on physiological responses and performance during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise in collegiate athletes. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design was adopted. Moderately trained collegiate athletes from various sports were randomly allocated to placebo (n = 8) or Actovegin (n = 8) groups. All athletes consumed three capsules across each day for seven days of loading. Athletes underwent two separate cardiopulmonary exercise tests one week apart. Separate 2 × 2 mixed ANOVAs and effect sizes (ηp2) were used to assess for between- and within-group differences. RESULTS: A significant time * group effect (p = 0.036, ηp2 = 0.278) was observed in systolic blood pressure. Significant main effects were only observed for time in several variables, with increases in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.893), peak minute ventilation (p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.456), ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.517), oxygen pulse (p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.434), VO2 at first ventilatory threshold (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.520), velocity at second ventilatory threshold (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.997), VO2 at second ventilatory threshold (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.628), and peak velocity (p = 0.010, ηp2 = 0.386), and a decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.695). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that although physiological and performance alterations were evident with Actovegin supplementation during cardiopulmonary exercise, no further benefits beyond those obtained with a placebo were attained.

Match-related fatigue in basketball: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically review fatigue responses following basketball match-play and during congested match schedules, considering performance, physiological, athlete-reported, and sleep-related outcomes. Relevant articles published until 23 January 2024 were searched using Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. After screening, 44 studies were included in the systematic review. The main findings indicate that, in most cases, vertical jumping and linear sprinting showed significant decrements at match-end (<1 hour post-match) compared to pre-match [small-to-very large effect sizes (ES)], with persistent (≥1 hour post-match) impairments lasting 24-48 hours in jumping (only in males, small-to-very large ES) and linear sprinting (moderate-to-very large ES). Physiological changes generally included significant increases (moderate-to-very large ES) in cortisol and nutrient metabolism markers at match-end, alongside persistent increases in muscle damage (mainly at 13-72 hours post-match) and inflammation (13-48 hours). Finally, match-play generally increased muscle soreness (mainly at 24-48 hours, moderate-to-very large ES) and perceived fatigue (mainly at match-end), with unclear effects on mood, and no apparent impact on sleep-related outcomes. Research assessing congested match schedules is limited, although possible worsening in muscle damage, inflammation, perceived fatigue and well-being were observed in male players. Overall, these findings indicate an impairment in some of the reviewed performance, physiological, and athlete-reported outcomes.

Training and Game Loads Across Noncongested and Congested Weekly Microcycles During the Regular Season in a Semiprofessional Women's Basketball Team.

PURPOSE: To quantify and compare loads encountered in individual training sessions and games during noncongested and congested weeks in semiprofessional women basketball players. METHODS: Using an observational, longitudinal design, 12 players from the same team had their external (PlayerLoad, relative PlayerLoad, and total and high-intensity inertial movement analysis variables) and internal load (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE], sRPE-load, percentage of heart rate peak, and modified summated-heart-rate-zones load) monitored across a regular season. Training and game data were categorized into noncongested (0-1 game) and congested weeks (2-3 games). Linear mixed models and Cohen d effect sizes were used for analyses. RESULTS: Comparisons between training sessions revealed higher (P < .05, d = 1.35-5.33) PlayerLoad, total inertial movement analysis, sRPE, and sRPE-load during training session 1 than training session 2 in congested weeks. Comparisons between training sessions and games revealed higher (P ≤ .001, d = 1.10-1.66) sRPE and sRPE-load during games than training sessions 1 and 2 in noncongested weeks, alongside higher (P ≤ .001, d = 1.87-3.55) sRPE during game 1 than training sessions 1 and 2 in congested weeks. Comparisons between games revealed higher (P < .05, d = 0.57-2.82) loads in game 3 during congested weeks compared with all other games. CONCLUSIONS: Training appeared to be tapered in congested weeks, likely to account for upcoming increases in game loading, but remained relatively consistent across sessions during noncongested weeks. Individual game loads remained relatively consistent but were noticeably increased when a third game was played in the week.

Left Ventricular Geometric Pattern Impacts QT Dispersion in Males Athletes and Sedentary Men.

AIM: To (1) compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic features between athletes with concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy, and sedentary controls with a normal LV geometric pattern and (2) quantify associations between QTd and echocardiographic features within these groups. METHODS: Male athletes competing in different sports and sedentary men were stratified into groups according to their LV geometric pattern. These groups included eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, relative wall thickness [RWT] < 0.42) consisting of 38 athletes, concentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, RWT > 0.42) consisting of 40 athletes, and normal LV geometric pattern (LV index < 115 g/m2, RWT < 0.42) consisting of 40 sedentary controls. Following a cross-sectional design, participants underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic screening. Data were compared between groups using one-way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Associations between corrected QTd and echocardiographic variables were quantified using Pearson correlations. RESULTS: Alongside structural disparities between groups, corrected QTd was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy compared to athletes with concentric LV hypertrophy and sedentary controls. Significant, moderate-to-very-large correlations were found between corrected QTd and interventricular septal wall thickness in athletes with concentric (r = 0.416, p = 0.008) or eccentric LV hypertrophy (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and sedentary controls (r = 0.464, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The provided comparative and relationship data may inform the development of more precise approaches for ECG and echocardiographic screening in athletes, particularly in those with concentric LV hypertrophy who may be at greater risk for developing prolonged QTd.

Quantifying the Training Loads and Corresponding Changes in Physical Qualities among Adolescent, Schoolboy Rugby League Players.

OBJECTIVES: The adolescent development period is critical for rugby league athletes, given the physical growth, neuromuscular adaptation, and skill acquisition that occurs. Secondary schools play an important role in the development of adolescent rugby league players; however, players may be selected into rugby league academies and development programs outside of school, as well as participating in additional sports. In turn, the training loads these young athletes accrue and the implications of these loads are currently unknown. Our aim was to quantify the training loads and concomitant changes in physical qualities of schoolboy and adolescent rugby league players during mesocycles within the pre-season and in-season phases. DESIGN: This is a prospective experimental study. METHODS: Twenty-one schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 ± 1.3 years) were monitored across separate 4-week mesocycles in the pre-season and in-season. Session frequency, duration, and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) load were reported for all examples of training and match participation in the school rugby league program, as well as club and representative teams for any sport and personal strength and conditioning. Various physical qualities were assessed before and after each 4-week mesocycle. RESULTS: The sRPE load that accumulated across the 4-week mesocycles was higher in the pre-season than the in-season (8260 ± 2021 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 6148 ± 980 AU, p < 0.001), with non-significant differences in accumulated session frequency and duration between phases. Session frequency, duration, and sRPE load differed (p < 0.05) between some weeks in an inconsistent manner during the pre-season and in-season mesocycles. Regarding physical qualities, improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10 m sprint test, Multistage Fitness Test, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum back squat and bench press performances were evident across the pre-season mesocycle, with declines (p < 0.05) in the 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and 1-repetition maximum back squat performances across the in-season mesocycle. Conclusions: These novel training load data show schoolboy rugby league players experience considerable demands that may be suitable in developing several physical qualities during the pre-season but detrimental to maintaining such qualities across the in-season.

The Retest Reliability of Common Tests to Assess Physical Qualities in Adolescent Rugby League Players.

PURPOSE: Rigorous evidence concerning the reliability of physical tests among young athletes is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively determine the retest reliability of the most commonly used tests to assess physical qualities in adolescent rugby league players, and to provide the standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for each test to support objective athlete monitoring. METHOD: A repeated-measures design was employed with 50 adolescent, schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 [1.3] y) completing the same testing battery across 2 consecutive weeks. Within each week, stature, body mass, and ∑4 skinfold thickness assessments, as well as countermovement jump, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum bench press, back squat, and prone row tests were conducted on the first testing day. Forty-eight hours later, a second testing day contained the 10- and 20-m linear sprints, 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and Multistage Fitness Test. RESULTS: Nonsignificant (P > .05), trivial differences (dav = 0.00-0.16) were evident between trials in all tests. The coefficient of variation ranged from 0.05% to 4.02% across tests. The intraclass correlation ranged from .704 to .999. All tests presented relatively low standard error of measurement, with accompanying minimal detectable change provided. CONCLUSION: These data can help inform decision making among end-users when implementing tests in a repeated manner and interpreting testing data.

The reliability and discriminant validity of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological measures during a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol.

Activity simulation protocols offer useful applications in research and practice; however, the specificity of such protocols to basketball game-play is currently lacking. Consequently, this study aimed to develop a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol representative of typical playing durations and assess its reliability and discriminant validity. The simulation protocol was modified from an original version (i.e., Basketball Exercise Simulation Test) to incorporate regular breaks indicative of time-outs, free-throws, and substitutions. Twelve competitive male and female adult basketball players competing in the fourth or fifth Spanish basketball division underwent repeated trials of the simulation protocol (min. 4 to max. 14 days apart) for reliability analyses. In turn, 13 competitive male (fifth division), 9 competitive female (fourth division), and 13 recreational male adult basketball players completed the simulation protocol to assess discriminant validity via comparisons between sexes (competitive players) and playing levels (males). A range of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological variables were collected during and following the simulation protocol. Several physical and heart rate variables displayed the strongest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.72-0.96; coefficient of variation [CV] = 1.78-6.75%), with physical decrement, technical, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) variables having the weakest (ICC = 0.52-0.75; CV = 10.34-30.85%). Regarding discriminant analyses between sexes, males demonstrated significantly greater physical outputs in several variables and lower RPE compared to females (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). Comparisons between playing levels revealed competitive males had significantly greater physical outputs across many variables, alongside higher mean heart rate and lower RPE than recreational males (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). This study presents a novel game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol replicating actual playing durations and game configurations that might be successfully applied for both training and research purposes. Reliability statistics are provided for several variables to inform end-users on potential measurement error when implementing the simulation protocol. Discriminant validity of the simulation protocol was supported for several variables, suggesting it may hold practical utility in benchmarking or selecting players. Future research on this topic is encouraged examining wider samples of male and female basketball players at different levels as well as additional forms of validity for the protocol.

Intensity Zones and Intensity Thresholds Used to Quantify External Load in Competitive Basketball: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use of intensity zones to quantify external load variables in basketball research, the consistency in identifying zones and accompanying intensity thresholds using predominant monitoring approaches in training and games remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to examine the external load intensity zones and thresholds adopted across basketball studies using video-based time-motion analysis (TMA), microsensors, and local positioning systems (LPS). METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception until 31 January 2023 for studies using intensity zones to quantify external load during basketball training sessions or games. Studies were excluded if they examined players participating in recreational or wheelchair basketball, were reviews or meta-analyses, or utilized monitoring approaches other than video-based TMA, microsensors, or LPS. RESULTS: Following screening, 86 studies were included. Video-based TMA studies consistently classified jogging, running, sprinting, and jumping as intensity zones, but demonstrated considerable variation in classifying low-intensity (standing and walking) and basketball-specific activities. Microsensor studies mostly utilized a single, and rather consistent, threshold to identify only high-intensity activities (> 3.5 m·s-2 for accelerations, decelerations, and changes-in-direction or > 40 cm for jumps), not separately quantifying lower intensity zones. Similarly, LPS studies predominantly quantified only high-intensity activities in a relatively consistent manner for speed (> 18.0 m·s-1) and acceleration/deceleration zones (> 2.0 m·s-2); however, the thresholds adopted for various intensity zones differed greatly to those used in TMA and microsensor research. CONCLUSIONS: Notable inconsistencies were mostly evident for low-intensity activities, basketball-specific activities, and between the different monitoring approaches. Accordingly, we recommend further research to inform the development of consensus guidelines outlining suitable approaches when setting external load intensity zones and accompanying thresholds in research and practice.

Home-Court Advantage is Greater for Teams Competing at Higher Playing Levels: An Exploratory Analysis of Spanish Male Basketball Leagues.

This study aimed to (i) compare the extent of home-court advantage (HA) and home win percentage (HW) between Spanish basketball leagues across different playing levels (i.e., leagues) and (ii) analyze the influence of team ability on HA and HW within each playing level. We gathered data for game locations and results from open online sources for all games in the First Division (ACB), Second Division (LEB Gold), and Third Division (LEB Silver) Spanish male basketball leagues between 2010-2023. The dataset included 12 seasons, 635 teams (215 First Division, 203, Second Division, and 217 Third Division), and 19,539 games (7075 First Division, 6344 Second Division, and 5520 Third Division). We calculated HA [(total home wins/total wins) * 100] and HW [(total home wins/total home games) * 100] for each team across each season. We performed Kruskal Wallis tests, calculated partial eta squared (ηp2), and performed Mann-Whitney U tests with rank biserial correlation (rb) effect sizes and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparisons to compare HA and HW between leagues and between team abilities (low, medium, and/or high) within each league. There was a significant effect for HA between leagues (p = .01) with post hoc comparisons revealing a higher HA for the First Division than for the Third Division (p = .01), but HW was not significantly different between leagues. In turn, variations in HA and HW between team abilities were consistent across playing levels, with HW significantly increasing in a progressive manner with higher team abilities (p < .001) and with HA significantly lower among high-level teams compared to lower-ability team clusters (p < .01). These findings emphasize the importance of considering playing level and team ability and interpreting HA and HW together to contextualize an apparent home advantage in Spanish basketball.

Honokiol hexafluoro confers reversal of neuropathological markers of HIV infection in a murine SCID model.

Cognitive impairment remains a persistent challenge in people living with HIV (PWLH) despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to ART's inability to eliminate brain HIV. HIV-induced cognitive dysfunction results from immune dysregulation, ongoing neuroinflammation, and the continuous virus presence, collectively contributing to cognitive deficits. Therefore, adjunctive therapies are needed to reduce cerebral HIV reservoirs, mitigate neuroinflammation, and impede cognitive dysfunction progression. Our study focused on Honokiol, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, in an experimental mouse model simulating HIV-induced cognitive dysfunction. Using Honokiol Hexafluoro (HH), a synthetic analogue, we comprehensively evaluated its potential to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and cerebral pathology in HIV-associated cognitive dysfunction. Our findings showed that HH treatment effectively reversed HIV-induced cognitive dysfunction, concurrently suppressing astrocyte activation, restoring neuronal dendritic arborization, and reducing microglial activation. Furthermore, HH remodeled the metabolic profile of HIV-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages, resulting in decreased activation and the promotion of a quiescent state in vitro.

A comparison in knee flexor and extensor strength following ACL reconstruction in international, male soccer players receiving patellar tendon or hamstrings grafts.

The aim of this study was to compare knee extensor and flexor strength recovery following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) grafts in international male soccer players undergoing comparable 6-month rehabilitation programmes. Seventeen players underwent ACL reconstruction with either an autogenous BPTB graft or HT graft. Knee extensor and flexor peak torques were measured at 3 months and 6 months in the injured and contralateral legs following surgery using isokinetic dynamometry. The moderate-large asymmetries in knee extensor peak torque between legs at 3 months across graft types (BPTB: p = 0.002, g = -0.94; HT: p = 0.02, g = -0.55) were reduced to trivial asymmetries at 6 months (BPTB: p = 0.30, g = -0.19; HT: p = 0.40, g = -0.16), with a non-significant difference in limb symmetry index (LSI) between grafts at 6 months (p = 0.62, g = -0.24). Similarly, moderate-large asymmetries in knee flexor peak torque between legs at 3 months across graft types (BPTB: p = 0.13, g = -0.50; HT: p = 0.01, g = -0.97) were reduced to trivial-small asymmetries at 6 months (BPTB: p = 0.25, g = 0.18; HT: p = 0.01, g = -0.47); however, a superior LSI was evident with BPTB compared to HT grafts at 6 months (p = 0.007, g = 1.43, large). Strength and conditioning professionals working with soccer players who are rehabilitating from ACL reconstruction after receiving a HT graft should give adequate attention to delivering suitable hamstring exercises that ensure optimal strength restoration.

Waking Up to the Issue! Research Inattention and Sex-Related Differences Warrant More Sleep Studies in Female Athletes.

Understanding sleep patterns and behaviors of athletes is essential for developing targeted sleep-based interventions for implementation in practice. However, more than double the number of sleep studies have examined male athletes compared with female athletes, making the current understanding of sleep patterns, behaviors, and interventions among athletes disproportionately indicative of men. Consequently, this review demonstrates the need for more female-specific sleep data among athlete populations due to research inattention and sex-related differences. Specifically, this review identifies variations in sleep patterns and behaviors between male and female athletes, as well as physiological and lifestyle factors that potentially affect sleep patterns and behaviors across the lifespan, specifically in female athletes. In this regard, evidence suggests some female athletes experience longer sleep durations and better objective sleep quality, but similar or worse subjective sleep quality compared with male athletes. Additionally, scheduling training in the morning or throughout the day may benefit sleep in some female athletes. Considering sleep disorders, women may be at greater risk for insomnia and restless legs syndrome compared with men, which may be attributed to pregnancy, as well as a higher prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, iron deficiency without anemia, and use of psychotropic medication among women. Finally, the menstrual cycle, menstrual disorders, oral contraceptive use, and the postpartum period have been shown to exert detrimental effects on sleep patterns and behaviors and should theoretically be considered when monitoring and managing sleep in female athletes.

Weekly Fluctuations in, and Associations Between, Salivary Hormone Responses, Load, and Well-Being During the Pre-season in Professional Male Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Kamarauskas, P, Scanlan, A, Ferioli, D, and Conte, D. Weekly fluctuations in, and associations between, salivary hormone responses, load, and well-being during the pre-season in professional male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 128-135, 2024-This study aimed to (a) quantify weekly fluctuations in hormonal responses (testosterone [T], cortisol [C], and their ratio [T:C]), external (PlayerLoad [PL] and PL·minute-1) and internal (session rating of perceived exertion load [sRPE-load], summated heart rate zones [SHRZs], and percentage of maximal heart rate [%HRmax]) load measures, and well-being measured using a self-reported questionnaire and (b) determine the associations between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with weekly changes in well-being during the pre-season phase in basketball players. Twenty-one professional male basketball players (age: 26.2 ± 4.9 years) were monitored during a 5-week pre-season phase. Linear mixed models were used to determine weekly differences in each variable and associations between weekly changes in hormonal and load variables with weekly changes in well-being. Findings revealed that T (p < 0.001) and T:C (p = 0.002) increased toward the end of the pre-season phase. Moreover, higher (p < 0.05) external (PL·minute-1) and internal (%HRmax) load intensities were evident during the first 3 weeks of the pre-season, with no significant fluctuations in other load variables. Weekly changes in PL and sRPE-load were negatively associated (p < 0.05) with weekly changes in well-being, albeit weak in magnitudes (R2 = 0.061-0.105). These results highlight that a periodized approach was undertaken across the pre-season predominantly predicated on altering weekly load intensities, which coincided with positive hormonal responses toward the end of the pre-season. In addition, weak relationships were evident between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with well-being, emphasizing that a low commonality may be present between these constructs.

The discriminative, criterion, and longitudinal validity of small-sided games to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

The validity of small-sided games (SSG) for assessing physical fitness was evaluated in 21 female basketball players from senior (n = 8), under-18 years (n = 6), and under-16 years (n = 7) age categories. Players underwent fitness testing (countermovement jump [CMJ], agility T-test, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [YYIRT1]) and 3vs3-SSG before and after a 6-week preseason. Player demands were monitored during SSG using local positioning system and heart rate technology. Regarding discriminative validity, senior players produced better CMJ, agility T-test, and YYIRT1 performance (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 1.72-2.25), and more distance and PlayerLoad (p < 0.05, ES = 1.53-2.47) during SSG than under-18 players following the preseason. For criterion validity, total distance and distance completing high-intensity decelerations during SSG were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with CMJ (r = 0.44-0.66), YYIRT1 (r = 0.43-0.63), agility T-test (total distance only, r=-0.51), and RSA test performance (r=-0.49 to -0.52) among all players combined following the preseason. Regarding longitudinal validity, significantly better agility T-test and YYIRT1 performance (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.88-0.93) alongside lower heart rate during SSG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.88) were evident for all players combined following the preseason. These results partially support the validity of 3vs3-SSG to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

What Tests are Used to Assess the Physical Qualities of Male, Adolescent Rugby League Players? A Systematic Review of Testing Protocols and Reported Data Across Adolescent Age Groups.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the physical qualities of male, adolescent rugby league players across age groups is essential for practitioners to manage long-term player development. However, there are many testing options available to assess these qualities, and differences in tests and testing protocols can profoundly influence the data obtained. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) identify the most frequently used tests to assess key physical qualities in male, adolescent rugby league players (12-19 years of age); (2) examine the testing protocols adopted in studies using these tests; and (3) synthesise the available data from studies using the most frequently used tests according to age group. METHODS: A systematic search of five databases was conducted. For inclusion, studies were required to: (1) be original research that contained original data published in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) report data specifically for male, adolescent rugby league players; (3) report the age for the recruited participants to be between 12 and 19 years; (4) report data for any anthropometric quality and one other physical quality and identify the test(s) used to assess these qualities; and (5) be published in English with full-text availability. Weighted means and standard deviations were calculated for each physical quality for each age group arranged in 1-year intervals (i.e., 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 years) across studies. RESULTS: 37 studies were included in this systematic review. The most frequently used tests to assess anthropometric qualities were body mass, standing height, and sum of four skinfold sites. The most frequently used tests to assess other physical qualities were the 10-m sprint (linear speed), 505 Agility Test (change-of-direction speed), Multistage Fitness Test (aerobic capacity), bench press and back squat one-repetition maximum tests (muscular strength), and medicine ball throw (muscular power). Weighted means calculated across studies generally demonstrated improvements in player qualities across subsequent age groups, except for skinfold thickness and aerobic capacity. However, weighted means could not be calculated for the countermovement jump. CONCLUSION: Our review identifies the most frequently used tests, but highlights variability in the testing protocols adopted. If these tests are used in future practice, we provide recommended protocols in accordance with industry standards for most tests. Finally, we provide age-specific references for frequently used tests that were implemented with consistent protocols. Clinical Trial Registration This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021267795).

Injury incidence among adolescent and senior basketball players: a prospective study in 19 teams across an entire season.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare injury incidence between national-level, adolescent and regional-level, senior, male basketball players competing in Serbia overall and according to injury mechanism (contact, non-contact, or overuse), exposure setting (training or games), and history (new or recurrent). METHODS: A total of 218 male basketball players from 19 teams (106 senior and 112 adolescent players) volunteered to participate in the study. Descriptive data regarding game and training injury incidence were gathered across all players and reported per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AE) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Overall, 26 injuries were reported across 52,509 AE. Ankle (n = 10, incidence rate [IR] = 1.90 [0.97, 3.40]) and knee injuries (n = 8, IR = 1.52 [0.71, 2.89]) accounted for 69% of all reported injuries, with only 1-2 injuries documented for other body regions. Ankle injuries were attributed to contact (60%, IR = 1.14 [0.46, 2.38]) or non-contact mechanisms (40%, IR = 0.76 [0.24, 1.84]). Most knee injuries occurred due to overuse (50%, IR = 0.76 [0.24, 1.84]) or non-contact mechanisms (38%, IR = 0.57 [0.15, 1.56]). Comparisons according to exposure setting revealed significantly higher knee (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 9.95 [1.85, 53.41], p = 0.004) and ankle (IRR = 39.79 [7.94, 384.67], p < 0.001) injuries per 10,000 AE during games compared to training. Recurrent injuries were most prominent in the ankle (30% of all ankle injuries, p = 0.11). Total contact (p = 0.04), non-contact (p = 0.04), and recurrent IR (p = 0.005) were significantly higher in senior than adolescent players. CONCLUSION: The players examined were most susceptible to ankle and knee injuries, particularly during games compared to training. Ankle injuries were mostly attributed to player contact, while knee injuries were mostly attributed to overuse and non-contact mechanisms. Senior players were at a greater risk of sustaining contact, non-contact and recurrent injuries than adolescent players.

Neuromuscular but Not Technical Performance is Affected by Time-of-Day in Semiprofessional, Female Basketball Players.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether variations in technical and neuromuscular performance occur across different times of the day in basketball players. Methods: Twenty semiprofessional, female basketball players (23 ± 4 years) competing in a second-division national basketball competition completed separate testing batteries in the morning (08:30) and in the afternoon (17:30) in a randomized counterbalanced order. Testing sessions consisted of a free-throw accuracy test to assess technical performance, as well as flexibility (ankle dorsiflexion range-of-motion test), dynamic balance (modified star excursion balance test), vertical jump height (squat jump, countermovement jump with and without arm swing), strength (isometric handgrip), change-of-direction speed (V-cut test), and linear speed (20-m sprint) tests to assess neuromuscular performance. Mechanism variables were also obtained including tympanic temperature, urinary specific gravity, and rating of perceived exertion at each session. Results: Squat jump height (6.7%; p = .001; effect size (ES) = 0.33), countermovement jump height with (4.1%; p = .018; ES = 0.27) and without arm swing (5.9%; p = .007; ES = 0.30), and 20-m sprint time (-1.4%; p = .015; ES = -0.32) were significantly superior in the afternoon compared to morning. Tympanic temperature was significantly higher in the afternoon than morning (1.4%; p < .001; ES = 1.31). In contrast, no significant differences between timepoints were evident for all remaining variables (p > .05; ES = -0.33 to 0.16). Conclusions: Some neuromuscular variables exhibited a time-of-day effect with better jump and sprint performance in the afternoon compared to morning in semiprofessional, female basketball players.

A comparison of activity demands between trial matches and in-season matches across multiple teams and seasons in semi-professional, male rugby league players.

Trial matches are frequently used for team preparation in rugby league competitions, making it essential to understand the demands experienced to assess their specificity to actual competition. Consequently, this study aimed to compare the activity demands between pre-season trial matches and early in-season rugby league matches. Following a repeated-measures observational design, 39 semi-professional, male rugby league players from two clubs were monitored using microsensors during two trial matches and the first two in-season matches across two consecutive seasons. Total distance, average speed, peak speed, absolute and relative high-speed running (HSR; > 18 km · h-1) and low-speed running (LSR; < 18 km · h-1) distance, as well as absolute and relative impacts, accelerations (total and high-intensity > 3 m · s-2), and decelerations (total and high-intensity < -3 m · s-2) were measured. Linear mixed models and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to compare variables between match types. Playing duration was greater for in-season matches (p < 0.001, d = 0.64). Likewise, higher (p < 0.001, d = 0.45-0.70) activity volumes were evident during in-season matches indicated via total distance, HSR distance, LSR distance, total accelerations, high-intensity accelerations, total decelerations, and high-intensity decelerations. Regarding activity intensities, a higher average speed (p = 0.008, d = 0.31) and relative LSR distance (p = 0.005, d = 0.31) only were encountered during in-season matches. Despite players completing less volume, the average activity intensities and impact demands were mostly similar between trial and early in-season matches. These findings indicate trial matches might impose suitable activity stimuli to assist players in preparing for early in-season activity intensities.

Sport-related differences in QT dispersion and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes.

The aim of this study was to compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes competing across different sports (long-distance running, volleyball, football, powerlifting, and bodybuilding) and a control population. Significant moderate-strong differences (p < 0.001, [Formula: see text] = 0.52-0.71) were found in corrected QTd, intraventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT), posterior wall thickness (PWT), relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV (left ventricular) index between groups. Corrected QTd, ISWT, PWT, and RWT were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in powerlifters and bodybuilders compared to other athlete groups and controls. While all athlete groups displayed a significantly higher LV index (p < 0.05) compared to controls, corrected QTd was significantly lower (p < 0.001) only in long-distance runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes compared to controls. Normal or eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) was observed in most long-distance runners (58% and 33%), volleyball athletes (50% and 50%), and football athletes (56% and 41%). In contrast, concentric LVH was observed in most powerlifters (58%) and bodybuilders (54%). Advanced LVH, predominantly concentric in nature, appears to be accompanied with increased QTd in powerlifters and bodybuilders. On the other hand, runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes experienced LVH toward the upper threshold of the normal reference range alongside reduced QTd compared to other groups.