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.

The incidence rate of ACL injuries and ankle sprains in basketball players: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the incidence rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and ankle sprains according to player sex, playing level, and exposure setting (training vs. games) in basketball players. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched. Only studies reporting the number of ACL injuries and/or ankle sprains alongside the number of athlete-exposures (training sessions and/or games) in basketball players were included. RESULTS: Thirty studies (17 reporting ACL injuries and 16 reporting ankle sprains) were included in the meta-analysis. Higher (p < 0.05) ACL injury incidence rates per 1000 athlete-exposures were recorded in females (female: 0.20 95% confidence intervals [0.16-0.25]; male: 0.07 [0.05-0.08]; female-to-male ratio: 3.33 [3.10-3.57]), in players competing at higher playing levels (amateur: 0.06 [0.04-0.09]; intermediate: 0.16 [0.13-0.20]; elite: 0.25 [0.14-0.64]), and in games (games: female, 0.27 [0.21-0.32]; male, 0.06 [0.03-0.08]; training: female, 0.03 [0.02-0.05]; male: 0.01 [0.00-0.02]; game-to-training ratio: 7.90 [4.88-12.91]). Higher (p < 0.05) ankle sprain incidence rates per 1000 athlete-exposures were observed in males (female: 0.82 [0.61-1.03]; male: 0.90 [0.61-1.19]; female-to-male ratio: 0.91 [0.83-0.99]), in players competing at higher playing levels (amateur: 0.54 [0.51-0.57]; intermediate: 1.12 [1.00-1.24]; elite: 1.87 [1.29-2.46]), and in games (games: 2.51 [1.85-3.16]; training: 0.80 [0.52-0.80]; game-to-training ratio: 2.77 [2.35-3.26]). CONCLUSION: According to player sex, ACL injury incidence rate is higher in females, while ankle sprain incidence rate is greater in males. ACL injury and ankle sprain incidence rates are greater in players competing at higher playing levels and during games compared to training.

Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Elite Soccer Players 3 and 6 months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Milutinovic, A, Jakovljevic, V, Dabovic, M, Faude, O, Radovanovic, D, and Stojanovic, E. Isokinetic muscle strength in elite soccer players 3 months and 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e297-e304, 2023-The aim of this study was to evaluate interlimb symmetry in quadriceps and hamstring peak torque of elite soccer players at 3 months (stage 1) and 6 months (stage 2) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Eight male professional soccer players competing at the highest level across different European countries, who had undergone ACL reconstruction, participated in this study. All patients underwent a supervised physiotherapy program after surgery. Data analyses included the use of separate two-way repeated-measures analyses of variance and effect sizes. Although knee extensor and flexor strength of the non-injured limb was found to be relatively unaltered ( g = -0.10 to 0.00) between stage 1 and stage 2, comparisons across time points revealed moderate improvements in quadriceps peak torque ( p = 0.01, g = 0.52), hamstring peak torque ( p = 0.07, g = 0.51), and hamstring:quadriceps (H/Q) ratio ( p = 0.03, g = -0.68) of the injured leg, as well as small-large improvements in the quadriceps ( p = 0.004, g = 1.24) and hamstring limb symmetry index (LSI) ( p = 0.056, g = 0.41). A time-dependent moderate-large asymmetry observed at stage 1 between the injured and noninjured leg in quadriceps peak torque ( p < 0.001, g = -1.83), hamstring peak torque ( p = 0.157, g = -0.67), and the H:Q ratio ( p = 0.06, g = 1.01), as well as between the hamstring and quadriceps LSI ( p = 0.03, g = -0.74) was eliminated at stage 2 ( g = -0.31 to 0.42). Our findings indicate the importance of supervised and comprehensive therapy, as well as strength screening to assist in recovery aimed at optimizing identified strength deficits following ACL reconstruction.

The Relationships Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Echocardiographic Parameters in Female Basketball Players.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to (1) describe the cardiac structure and function and (2) to quantify the relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and echocardiographic parameters in female basketball players. DESIGN: A cross-sectional experimental design. SETTING: Controlled laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS: Professional, female basketball players (n = 18). INTERVENTION: 25(OH)D and echocardiographic screening at the midpoint of the in-season phase, over a 2-week period in late Fall. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 25(OH)D and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed in the female players examined (77.8%), with most also displaying eccentric cardiac hypertrophy (77.8%). Nonsignificant, moderate correlations were found between 25(OH)D and structural echocardiographic parameters, including left atrium diameter (r = 0.34, P = 0.16), left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter (r = -0.46, P = 0.06), posterior wall thickness (r = 0.36, P = 0.14), LV mass (r = 0.30, P = 0.23), and LV index (r = 0.33, P = 0.18). Significant, large correlations were found between 25(OH)D and echocardiographic parameters indicative of systolic function, including LV ejection fraction (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), fractional shortening (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), and peak systolic mitral tissue velocity (r = 0.51, P = 0.003). Similarly, a significant, large correlation was found between 25(OH)D and diastolic function as indicated by mitral valve inflow deceleration time (r = 0.51, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the importance of female basketball players maintaining 25(OH)D concentration, given its possible physiological benefits on cardiac structure and function.

Individualized and Fixed Thresholds to Demarcate PlayerLoad Intensity Zones Produce Different Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Scanlan, AT, Fox, JL, Milanovic, Z, Stojanovic, E, Stanton, R, and Dalbo, VJ. Individualized and fixed thresholds to demarcate PlayerLoad intensity zones produce different outcomes. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 2046-2052, 2021-Individualized approaches to derive intensity zones are yet to be examined using microsensor metrics in basketball. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the time spent in different PlayerLoad intensity zones using individualized and fixed approaches during basketball training. Thirteen semiprofessional, male basketball players were monitored across the preparatory training phase. Microsensors recorded the time spent in 6 PlayerLoad intensity zones using individualized and fixed approaches. Individualized zones were calculated relative to the peak instantaneous PlayerLoad response observed in each player across training. Fixed zones were determined following predefined cut-points set in proprietary software. The majority of training time was spent in zones 1-2 (98-99%), with a low proportion of time detected in zones 3-6 (1-2%) across approaches. The fixed approach produced greater training time in zones 2 (11.9 ± 1.2 vs. 9.3 ± 2.4 minutes; very likely large) and 3 (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 0.8 ± 0.9 minutes; very likely moderate), was an unclear small increase in time spent in zone 1 were apparent using individualized thresholds (76.5 ± 11.2 vs. 72.9 ± 9.6 minutes). Almost certain similar time was spent in zones 4-6 across approaches. Individual analyses showed deviations across players; however, fixed PlayerLoad thresholds produced higher training time in zones 2 (moderate to very large), 3 (moderate to very large), 4 (moderate to large), and 5 (moderate) than the individualized approach in most players. Variations in outcomes between individualized and fixed approaches must be considered when quantifying the time spent working in PlayerLoad intensity zones.

Recreational Basketball Small-Sided Games Elicit High-Intensity Exercise With Low Perceptual Demand.

ABSTRACT: Stojanovic, E, Stojiljkovic, N, Stankovic, R, Scanlan, AT, Dalbo, VJ, and Milanovic, Z. Recreational basketball small-sided games elicit high-intensity exercise with low perceptual demand. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3151-3157, 2021-The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the internal and external load imposed on players during 1-a-side, 2-a-side, and 3-a-side recreational basketball small-sided games (SSGs). Twelve recreationally active, male college students were monitored across 10 minutes of 1-a-side, 2-a-side, and 3-a-side basketball SSG. Internal load variables included continuous measurement of heart rate (HR) responses, as well as rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (BLa), after each game. External load variables included measurement of the total distance covered as well as the frequency of accelerations and decelerations. Blood lactate concentration and RPE were moderately (p < 0.05) greater in 1-a-side SSG than 3-a-side SSG. Total accelerations and decelerations were higher in 1-a-side and 2-a-side SSG compared with 3-a-side SSG (p < 0.05, moderate-large). All SSG formats resulted in players spending more time (p < 0.05, moderate-large) at higher HR intensities (81-100% HRmax) than lower intensities (≤80% HRmax). Furthermore, players covered greater distances (p < 0.05, large-very large) at lower intensities (0-12 km·h-1) and completed more accelerations and decelerations (p < 0.05, large-very large) at lower intensities (<2 m·s-2) than at higher intensities across SSG formats. Basketball SSG consisting of 1-3 players elicits an intermittent activity profile, promoting the extensive utilization of anaerobic and aerobic metabolism pathways, which potentially can lead to marked improvements in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness in the general population when administered in recreational settings. Moreover, recreational basketball SSG with only 1 player per team elicits higher BLa, RPE, distances covered at low speeds as well as acceleration and deceleration volumes than SSG with 3 players per team.

Power-Related Determinants of Modified Agility T-test Performance in Male Adolescent Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Scanlan, AT, Wen, N, Pyne, DB, Stojanovic, E, Milanovic, Z, Conte, D, Vaquera, A, and Dalbo, VJ. Power-related determinants of Modified Agility T-test performance in male adolescent basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2248-2254, 2021-Although the Modified Agility T-test (MAT) has been advocated for assessing change-of-direction performance in basketball, the power-related attributes emphasized during the test are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the power-related determinants of the MAT in basketball players. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used whereby national- and state-level male adolescent basketball players (n = 24; 17.3 ± 0.5 years) completed a battery of power-related performance tests. The tests administered included the MAT, isometric midthigh pull, 10-m sprint, countermovement jump, 1-step vertical jump, standing long jump, and repeated lateral bound. Associations between performance during the MAT and other tests were quantified, and performance in each test was compared between faster (>50th percentile) and slower (<50th percentile) players in the MAT. The MAT exhibited large correlations (p < 0.05) with standing long jump distance (r = -0.67, R2 = 45%), countermovement jump relative peak force (r = -0.63, R2 = 39%), isometric midthigh pull relative peak force (r = -0.55, R2 = 30%), and 10-m sprint time (r = 0.53, R2 = 28%). The faster group performed better (p < 0.05) during the standing long jump (mean difference; ±90% confidence limits: 0.16; ±0.12 m) and produced greater (p < 0.05) relative peak force during the isometric midthigh pull (2.5; ±2.3 N·kg-1) and countermovement jump (2.1; ±1.8 N·kg-1) than the slower group. The MAT complements other power-related tests used in basketball and stresses basketball-specific, power-related attributes in various movement planes. These data can inform training and testing approaches to optimize change-of-direction performance in basketball.

Game format alters the physiological and activity demands encountered during small-sided football games in recreational players.

BACKGROUND: Conditioning in the form of football small-sided games (SSG) is being increasingly utilized as a health-promoting and performance-enhancing activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the physiological responses and activity demands encountered during 3-a-side, 4-a-side, and 5-a-side football SSG in recreational players. METHOD: Heart rate, blood lactate (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and activity demands were measured across 2 × 20-min football sessions played on a 40 × 20-m pitch in 12 recreationally active college students. Data were collected over a period of two weeks using a repeated-measures crossover design. RESULTS: Mean heart rate was higher (moderate) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side (p = 0.02) and 3-a-side SSG (p < 0.001). BLa tended to be higher (small) in 3-a-side compared to 4-a-side (p = 0.12) and 5-a-side SSG (p = 0.46). The total distance covered was lower (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG (p = 0.02), while the total number of accelerations (p = 0.01) and decelerations (p = 0.02) were higher (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG. CONCLUSION: These data suggest: 1) 5-a-side SSG require a greater intermittent workload and exacerbated HR responses; 2) 4-a-side SSG require more sustained activity (distance); and 3) 3-a-side SSG result in higher BLa compared to other SSG formats. The observed intermittent workload and exacerbated HR response in 5-a-side SSG were likely due to greater turnover rates with more frequent interceptions. Sustained activity in 4-a-side SSG might be underpinned by format-specific structures permitting optimal team work, while isolated guarding of players in 3-a-side SSG may have exacerbated BLa responses.

A comparison of cardiac structure and function between female powerlifters, fitness-oriented athletes, and sedentary controls.

AIM: To compare echocardiographic parameters between female powerlifters, fitness-oriented athletes, and sedentary controls. METHODS: A between-subject, cross-sectional experimental design was adopted. Echocardiographic parameters were measured in female powerlifters (n = 10; progressive overload 60%-95% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]), fitness-oriented athletes (n = 10; 50%-70% of 1-RM), and sedentary control subjects (n = 10). Comparisons were made with Kruskal-Wallis tests, one-way analyses of variance, and eta-squared (η2 ) interpreted as small = 0.01-0.06, moderate = 0.061-0.14, and large >0.14. RESULTS: Large differences (P > .05) were observed between resistance-trained groups and sedentary controls, whereby relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular (LV) index were greater in powerlifters (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2  = 0.15; LV index: 95.6 ± 13.6 g/m2 , η2  = 0.15) and fitness-oriented athletes (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2  = 0.15; LV index: 97.9 ± 14.2 g/m2 , η2  = 0.20) compared to sedentary controls (RWT: 0.36 ± 0.05; LV index: 85.9 ± 10.3 g/m2 ). Large differences were observed in intra-ventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT) and late diastolic velocity (a') between groups, whereby powerlifters exhibited lower a' (8.6 ± 1.2 cm/s) compared to fitness-oriented athletes (9.9 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2  = 0.26, P = .04) and sedentary controls (9.6 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2  = 0.19, P > .05), while fitness-oriented athletes exhibited greater ISWT (10.1 ± 0.7 mm) compared to sedentary controls (9.4 ± 1.0 mm, η2  = 0.16, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in cardiac structure between powerlifters, fitness-oriented athletes, and sedentary controls suggest specific cardiac remodeling may occur in response to resistance training, without impairment of cardiac function.

Professional Female Athletes Are at a Heightened Risk of Iron-Deficient Erythropoiesis Compared With Nonathletes.

This study primarily aimed to quantify and compare iron status in professional female athletes and nonathletes. Furthermore, this study also aimed to identify differences in iron status according to sporting discipline and explore the relationship between ferritin concentration and weekly training volume in professional athletes. A total of 152 participants were included in this study, including 85 athletes who were members of senior teams (handball, n = 24; volleyball, n = 36; soccer, n = 19; and judo, n = 6) involved at the highest level of competition and 67 nonathletes. A significantly greater proportion (p = .05) of athletes (27%) demonstrated iron-deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) compared with nonathletes (13%). There were nonsignificant differences (p > .05) in the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID; 49% vs. 46%) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA; 2% vs. 4%) between athletes and nonathletes. Similarly, the prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA was not significantly different between sports (p > .05). Furthermore, training volume was negatively correlated with ferritin concentration in athletes (r: -.464, moderate, p < .001). Professional female athletes are at a heightened risk of IDE compared with nonathletes; therefore, they should be periodically screened for ID to reduce the deleterious effects on training and performance. The similar prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA found across athletes competing in different sports suggests that overlaps exist between handball, volleyball, soccer, and judo athletes regarding risk of disturbance in iron metabolism.

Physiological responses and activity demands remain consistent irrespective of team size in recreational handball.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of team size on acute physiological, perceptual, and activity demands of recreational handball to provide a better understanding for the potential prescription of recreational handball to achieve health benefits. Active, male college students (N=22) completed 3-, 4-, and 5-a-side handball game formats across three separate sessions following a repeated-measures, crossover design. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, and frequency of accelerations/decelerations were monitored during games. Each game format elicited vigorous intensities with a mean HR in the range 82-85%HRmax and post-game BLa in the range 3.9-4.4 mmol·L-1. No significant differences (P>0.05) in absolute (ηp2=0.40), relative mean HR (ηp2=0.43), BLa (ηp2=0.16), total distance (ηp2=0.32), total accelerations (ηp2=0.23), or total decelerations (ηp2=0.23) were observed between game formats. A significant effect was observed for RPE (ηp2=0.51), where 3-a-side games elicited a higher RPE than 5-a-side games (P=0.03, large). Modifying player number has a negligible effect on the physiological and activity demands encountered during recreational handball games. Recreational handball consisting of 3-5 players imposes similar intermittent workloads, resulting in vigorous physiological responses concomitant with those recommended for overall health improvements as part of regular training.

Reliability, Usefulness, and Factorial Validity of Change-of-direction Speed Tests in Adolescent Basketball Players.

Stojanovic, E, Aksovic, N, Stojiljkovic, N, Stankovic, R, Scanlan, AT, and Milanovic, Z. Reliability, usefulness, and factorial validity of change-of-direction speed tests in adolescent basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3162-3173, 2019-The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the reliability, usefulness, and factorial validity of change-of-direction speed (CODS) tests in adolescent basketball players and (2) evaluate positional differences in test performances. Elite, adolescent male basketball players (n = 53; 17.3 ± 1.0 years) completed 6 CODS tests: "Lane Arrow Closeout," "Lane Agility Drill," "Reactive Shuttle Test," "Run-Shuffle-Run," "Compass Drill," and "Modified 505 Test." Players completed 3 trials of each test. All tests demonstrated acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.50-0.88; coefficient of variation: 5.1-7.9%). The typical error (TE) calculated for each test was above the smallest worthwhile change, rating the usefulness of all tests as marginal. The principal component factor analysis in all tests resulted in the extraction of one significant component that explained 74% of the total variance across tests. Positional comparisons showed that backcourt (guards) players performed better (small to moderate differences) in all CODS tests compared with frontcourt (forwards and centers) players. All tests were deemed reliable and valid in adolescent basketball players. The "Lane Agility Drill" and "Run-Shuffle-Run" tests seem the most appropriate to quantify changes in CODS possessing the lowest TE, whereas the "Lane Arrow Closeout" and "Lane Agility Drill" tests are the most sensitive in detecting positional differences.

Relative pitch area plays an important role in movement pattern and intensity in recreational male football.

Recreational football has been shown to be an effective health-promoting activity, but it is still unclear how changes in game formats affect external and internal load. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of area per player in recreational small-sided football games. Ten recreational active male football participants (mean±standard deviation, age: 20.1±1.1 years; height: 182.2±7.4 cm; body mass: 75.9±9.8 kg) completed two sessions comprising 2x20 min of 5v5 football with 80 and 60 m2 per player, during which heart rate (HR) and movement pattern were measured. In 80 m2, mean HR (167±9 vs. 160±10 b.p.m., P<0.001, ES=0.70) and peak HR (192±8 vs. 188±9 b.p.m., P=0.041, ES=0.50) were significantly higher than in 60 m2. Percentage playing time with HR >90%HRpeak was higher in 80 m2 than 60 m2 (45±14 vs. 29±16%, P=0.004, ES=1.07). Moreover, a higher number of sprints (8.0±4.8 vs. 3.0±1.3, P=0.014, ES=1.41) and a greater distance in the highest speed zones (>13, >16 and >20 km·h1) were covered in 80 m2 than 60 m2. Peak running speed was also higher in 80 m2 (24.3±1.7 vs. 22.3±1.4 km·h-1, P=0.011, ES=1.27), whereas no statistically significant differences were found in total distance covered, player load, or the acceleration-deceleration profiles. In conclusion, the internal and external loading was higher for recreationally active male football players when playing on a pitch with 80 m2 area per player compared to 60 m2.

Heart Rate Monitoring in Basketball: Applications, Player Responses, and Practical Recommendations.

Berkelmans, DM, Dalbo, VJ, Kean, CO, Milanovic, Z, Stojanovic, E, Stojiljkovic, N, and Scanlan, AT. Heart rate monitoring in basketball: applications, player responses, and practical recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2383-2399, 2018-The aims of this review were to collate the existing literature encompassing heart rate (HR) monitoring in basketball to (a) identify the applications of HR measurement; (b) report HR responses in male and female players during training and game-play; (c) evaluate use of current HR-based training load models; and (d) provide recommendations for future research and best practice approaches for basketball practitioners. Heart rate monitoring in basketball carries 3 primary applications: (a) monitoring exercise intensity; (b) assessing player fatigue status; and (c) quantifying internal training load. When interpreting the available training and game-play HR data in basketball players, key differences have been observed between playing positions and playing levels. Sex- and age-based differences in HR responses during basketball training and game-play are apparent across separate studies; however, further research exploring HR responses in wider player groups is needed, especially in female and junior players. There is also a lack of research directly comparing player HR responses during training and game-play to ascertain the effectiveness of different drills in preparing players for competition. Heart rate-based models have been frequently used to quantify the internal training load in basketball players, including Banister's Training Impulse (TRIMP), Lucia's TRIMP, and Edwards' Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones (SHRZ). The SHRZ model seems to hold practical advantages and better detect changes in player responses across training cycles compared with other approaches. Practical outcomes of this review center on recommendations for position-specific training plans, drills to promote desired cardiovascular stress, analysis of HR outcome measures, and ideal training load monitoring approaches.

A multicomponent neuromuscular warm-up program reduces lower-extremity injuries in trained basketball players: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a novel multicomponent neuromuscular warm-up program on lower-extremity injury incidence in basketball players competing at the regional level. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled experimental design was adopted to compare injury incidence between players exposed to the injury prevention warm-up program and those exposed to a typical warm-up program across an entire basketball season. Four teams consisting of 57 players (male: n = 42; female: n = 15) were allocated to the intervention group (age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years; height: 186.2 ± 8.8 cm; body mass: 80.0 ± 10.4 kg) and four teams consisting of 55 players (male: n = 43; female: n = 12) were allocated to the control group (age: 21.6 ± 2.6 years; height: 186.9 ± 9.1 cm; body mass: 81.5 ± 10.9 kg). The novel warm-up combined running exercises with active stretching, plyometrics, balance, strength, and agility drills. Coaching and medical staff provided details on injury incidence each week. Data analyses included the use of poisson regression analyses and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The intervention group experienced a significantly lower ankle sprain incidence rate (IRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.98, p = 0.02) and a tendency toward a lower knee injury incidence rate (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.78, p = 0.07) compared to the control group. Considering only non-contact lower-extremity injuries of any type, the intervention group experienced a significantly lower incidence rate compared to the control group (IRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.98, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This multi-team study demonstrated a novel multicomponent warm-up program resulted in less lower-extremity injuries, particularly ankle sprains and knee injuries, compared to a typical warm-up program in regional-level male and female basketball players.

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.

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.

Vitamin D in Basketball Players: Current Evidence and Future Directions.

CONTEXT: Despite growing interest in quantifying and correcting vitamin D inadequacy in basketball players, a critical synthesis of these data is yet to be performed to overcome the low generalizability of findings from individual studies. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive analysis of data in basketball pertaining to (1) the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy; (2) the effects of vitamin D supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration (and its association with body composition), bone health, and performance; and (3) crucial aspects that warrant further investigation. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, Google Scholar, SCIndex, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION: After screening, 15 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. DATA EXTRACTION: The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy, serum 25(OH)D, body composition, stress fractures, and physical performance were extracted. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy for 527 basketball players in 14 studies was 77% (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.70-0.84). Supplementation with 4000 IU/d and 4000 IU/wk (absolute mean difference [AMD]: 25.39 nmol/L; P < 0.001; 95% CI, 13.44-37.33), as well as 10,000 IU/d (AMD: 100.01; P < 0.001; 95% CI, 70.39-129.63) vitamin D restored 25(OH)D to normal concentrations. Body composition data revealed inverse correlations between changes in serum 25(OH)D (from pre- to postsupplementation) and body fat (r = -0.80; very large). Data concerning positive impacts of vitamin D supplementation on bone health and physical performance remain sparse. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of vitamin D inadequacy underscores the need to screen for serum 25(OH)D in basketball players. Although supplementation restored vitamin D sufficiency, the beneficial effects on bone health and physical performance remain sparse. Adiposity can modulate 25(OH)D response to supplementation.

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

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 effect of a 6-month walking program on biochemical parameters in sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study assessed the effect of a 6-month walking program on biochemical parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. A group of 40 sedentary patients with type-2 diabetes volunteered to participate in this study. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase, urea, creatinine, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured. Differences in outcome measures between pre- and post-intervention were assessed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with effect sizes interpreted separately for normally (µ2: small 0.01-0.06, moderate 0.061-0.14, and large >0.14) and non-normally distributed data (r: small = 0.1-0.3, moderate = 0.3-0.5, and large >0.5). Significant (p < 0.001) large decrease between the initial and final measurements was observed for glucose (r = 0.62), total cholesterol (µ2 = 0.88), triglycerides (r = 0.62), LDL (r = 0.61), AST (µ2 = 0.82), ALT (µ2 = 0.79), gamma-glutamyl transferase (µ2 = 0.79), urea (µ2 = 0.92), creatinine (r = 0.62), uric acid (r = 0.62), CRP (µ2 = 0.80), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (µ2 = 0.58). On the other hand, significant (p < 0.001) large increase between the initial and final measurements was observed for HDL (r = 0.62). Supervised 6-month aerobic walking program is an effective strategy in (1) reducing hyperglycemia; (2) increasing HDL and reducing LDL, and triglycerides; (3) reducing plasma biomarkers of liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, and inflammation in type-2 diabetic patients.