Effect of Level of Competition and Drill Typology on Internal and External Load in Male Volleyball Players During the Preseason Period.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of level of competition and drill typology on loads during the preseason period in male volleyball players. METHODS: Internal (percentage of peak heart rate [HR] and summated HR zone) and external (PlayerLoad per minute, total and high accelerations per minute [tACCmin and hACCmin], decelerations per minute [tDECmin and hDECmin], and jumps per minute [tJUMPmin and hJUMPmin]) loads were monitored across a 5-week preseason period in 12 Division 1 (age: 22.5 [3.9] y; stature: 188 [6.2] cm; body mass: 85 [11.6] kg; training experience: 9.4 [4.2] y) and 12 Division 2 (age: 20.7 [2.9] y; stature: 186 [6.2] cm; body mass: 77.8 [9.6] kg; training experience: 5.6 [2.3] y) male volleyball players. Furthermore, differences in load were assessed for each drill typology (warm-up, conditioning, technical, tactical, and integral). RESULTS: No effects (P > .05) of level of competition on the internal (except for summated HR zone, P = .05) and external loads (except for tJUMPmin, P = .002) were found. Differently, drill typologies showed an effect (P < .001) on all the investigated internal- and external-load measures. The main post hoc results revealed higher (P < .05) percentage of peak HR, summated HR zone, PlayerLoad per minute, and tACCmin in warm-up and conditioning drills, while higher (P < .05) hDECmin and hJUMPmin were found in tactical and integral drills. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that volleyball coaches use warm-up and conditioning drills when aiming at increasing the internal loads, PlayerLoad per minute, and tACCmin, while tactical and integral drills should be preferred to enhance the number of hDECmin and hJUMPmin.

Comparative Effectiveness of Active Recovery and Static Stretching During Post-Exercise Recovery in Elite Youth Basketball.

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of active recovery (AR) versus static stretching (SS) during post-exercise recovery in basketball. Methods: Using a counterbalanced crossover design, 17 elite youth male players completed two 90-min training sessions, followed by either AR or SS. Differences in jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and hormonal biomarkers (cortisol, testosterone, testosterone:cortisol ratio) between interventions were assessed at pre-session, post-session (except hormonal biomarkers), post-recovery and 24 h post-session. Differences in Ln-rMSSD were additionally assessed upon awakening on training day, and the following morning. Results: No significant differences were found between interventions at corresponding time points (p > .05). However, the within-intervention time course of recovery differed, as CMJ values were lower at post-recovery, compared with all other time points, in SS only (p < .05, effect size [ES] moderate-to-very large). Additionally, Ln-rMSSD values failed to return to baseline at post-recovery in AR only (p < .05, ES large-to-very large). Similarly, TQR scores were impaired at post-session and post-recovery in AR only (p < .05, ES moderate-to-large). No differences were reported for the remaining variables (p > .05). Conclusion: Differences between AR and SS were probably due to short-term phenomena, indicating that neither strategy was likely superior for improving recovery in the longer term. Overall, neither strategy seemed to significantly improve post-exercise recovery.

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.

Female basketball game performance is influenced by menstrual cycle phase, age, perceived demands and game-related contextual factors.

This study evaluated the influence of physical and perceived game demands, menstrual cycle phase, perceived recovery, individual and game-related contextual factors on competitive performance in professional, female basketball players.11 professional female players (age: 20.6 ± 2.7 years) were monitored for game-related statistics (Performance Index Rating, PIR; rebounds, REB; effective field goal %, eFG%; turnovers, TO), objective (PlayerLoad per minute, PL·min-1) and subjective (RPE) game loads, pre-game perceived recovery (Total Quality Recovery, TQRpre), menstrual phase (follicular; luteal) and game-related contextual factors (game location; game outcome; score differential; opponent level) during 12 official games. Separate linear mixed models were used to evaluate the influence of RPE, PL·min-1, TQRpre, menstrual phase, contextual factors, and individual characteristics (age; playing position) on game-related statistics.Higher PIR and eFG% were found for older players and those who reported higher RPE (all p < 0.05). Higher age also led to less TO (p = 0.042). eFG% was higher when players reported higher TQRpre ;(p = 0.010). Better shooting (eFG%) and rebounding (REB) performances were found during the follicular menstrual phase (p < 0.05). More REB were collected in won games (p = 0.002).This study suggests that the co-influences of perceptual, menstrual-related, individual and game-related contextual factors should be considered to optimise female basketball players' performance.

Is foam rolling as effective as its popularity suggests? A randomised crossover study exploring post-match recovery in female basketball.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foam rolling as a post-match recovery tool in basketball. Using a crossover design, 13 female players completed two simulated matches, followed by foam rolling (FR) or placebo (CON). Countermovement jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and fatigue (Rating-of-Fatigue) were recorded at pre-match, post-match, post-recovery and 24 h post-match. No significant effect of time*intervention and intervention were found for any variable (p > 0.05), while a significant effect of time (p < 0.01) was reported for all variables. Post-hoc analyses revealed lower CMJ and Ln-rMSSD at post-match compared with all other time points (p < 0.001), increases in pre-match VAS scores at all subsequent time points (p < 0.01), and worse TQR and Rating-of-Fatigue scores from pre-to-post-match and pre-match-to-post-recovery (p < 0.01), except for unchanged TQR values from pre-match-to-post-recovery in FR (p > 0.05). Overall, the present data suggest that foam rolling was generally ineffective for improving post-exercise recovery in female basketball players after a single match. Future research investigating the effectiveness of foam rolling in players of different sex, age and/or competitive level is warranted to provide further insight on the topic.

The effects of high-velocity hamstring muscle training on injury prevention in football players.

Background: Explosive and fast body movements, sprints, jumps and quick changes of direction, which are characteristic of the football training, place considerable strain on the hamstring muscles. Due to the high occurrence of hamstring injuries, new preventive strategies are required that focus on high-velocity training. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of high-velocity elastic-band training in reducing the occurrence of hamstring injuries in football players. Methods: Male football players from 15 teams (n = 319) playing in national competitions participated in this study. The players were involved in a 5-week exercise period in either the intervention group (INT) or the control group (CON), with a follow-up period of ∼4 months where hamstring injuries and exposure time were recorded. The INT group had two to three sessions per week of elastic-band training with low-load, high-velocity leg curls while lying prone; the CON group performed self-paced football-specific drills. Results: The incidence rate of hamstring injuries was 6.5% in the INT group (8 out of 123 players) and 9.2% in the CON group (18 out of 196 players). Although the INT group showed almost 1/3 reduction in hamstring injury incidence compared to the CON group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences (p > 0.05, odds ratio [OR] = trivial-to-small) in distribution between the groups were found in hamstring injury characteristics (leg dominance and mechanism) except for the distribution of injuries that occurred during matches or training (p = 0.036; OR = 6.14, moderate). Conclusion: The program of high-velocity elastic-band training did not prove to be effective in preventing hamstring muscle injuries in football players despite displaying some positive indications that could be considering when creating injury prevention programs.

A Systematic Review on the Physical, Physiological, Perceptual, and Technical-Tactical Demands of Official 3 × 3 Basketball Games.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the physical, physiological, perceptual, and technical-tactical demands of official 3 × 3 basketball games. METHODS: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify studies assessing physical, physiological, perceptual, and technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 games. Data were also coded according to player sex and tournament phase. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using a modified Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were finally included, with a mean quality of 8.6 (1.1) out of 11. Three-by-three basketball games have an intermittent profile (1:1 work-rest ratio), with a duration of ∼15 minutes, and are characterized by short (6-8 s) ball possessions and considerable physical (17-33 accelerations, 24-44 decelerations, 62-94 changes of directions, and 17-24 jumps per game) and physiological (lactate: ∼6.2 mmol·L-1) demands. Overall, the game performance profile is similar in males and females, with minor changes happening across tournament phases. Several key technical-tactical indicators were identified as discriminating winning and losing teams, such as better shooting and defensive efficiency, low number of turnovers, and implementing tactical actions involving more players, passing first, and ending possessions with shots from outside of the arch from the top of the key. CONCLUSIONS: Three-by-three basketball is an intermittent, physically demanding sport characterized by quick plays and specific tactical constraints. This review provides information that should be considered by performance staff to improve training prescription, game tactical plans, and for player selection and talent identification.

Recreational 3 × 3 basketball elicits higher heart rate, enjoyment, and physical activity intensities but lower blood lactate and perceived exertion compared to HIIT in active young adults.

This study aimed to assess and compare the physiological [percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), blood lactate (BLa), creatine kinase (CK)], hormonal (testosterone, cortisol), psychological [rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment] and physical [percentage of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) and vigorous activity (%VA)] responses of recreational 3 × 3 basketball (3 × 3BB) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in active young adults. Twelve apparently healthy male recreational basketball players (age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass: 82 ± 15 kg; stature: 188 ± 15 cm) completed a 3 × 3BB match and HIIT with similar duration. %HRmax, %MVPA and %VA were monitored during the protocols, while BLa, cortisol, and testosterone were measured before and after each protocol. CK was measured before the protocols and at 24 h, while RPE and enjoyment were assessed at the end of each protocol. 3 × 3BB elicited higher %HRmax (p < 0.001; d = -1.6, large), %MVPA (p < 0.001; d = 2.7, very large), %VA (p = 0.030; d = 0.8, moderate), enjoyment (p = 0.014; r-value = -0.500, large), and lower RPE (p = 0.024; r-value = -0.462, moderate) compared to the HIIT condition. Moreover, higher values of BLa were found in HIIT compared to 3 × 3BB at post-condition (p = 0.020; r-value = -0.601, large), while CK analysis showed only an increase within the HIIT condition (p = 0.020; r-value = -0.599, large). A time effect was found for both testosterone (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.526, moderate) and cortisol (p = 0.005, η2p = 0.743, strong), while no between-condition effect or interaction was found (p > 0.05). 3 × 3BB elicits higher %HRmax, enjoyment, and physical activity intensities but lower BLa and RPE compared to HIIT in active young adults and might be considered as a potentially suitable activity to increase participants' health status.

An ecological investigation of average and peak external load intensities of basketball skills and game-based training drills.

This study quantified average and peak external intensities of various basketball training drills. Thirteen youth male basketball players (age: 15.2 ± 0.3 years) were monitored (BioHarness-3 devices) to obtain average and peak external load per minute (EL · min-1; peak EL · min-1) during team-based training sessions. Researchers coded the training sessions by analysing the drill type (skills, 1vs1, 2vs2, 3vs0, 3vs3, 4vs0, 4vs4, 5vs5, 5vs5-scrimmage), court area per player, player's involvement in the drill (in percentage), playing positions (backcourt; frontcourt) and competition rotation status (starter; rotation; bench). Separate linear mixed models were run to assess the influence of training and individual constraints on average and peak EL · min-1. Drill type influenced average and peak EL · min-1 (p < 0.05), but with different directions of effects. EL · min-1 was higher in skills and 4vs0 drills, while higher peak EL · min-1 values were obtained in 5vs5 and 5vs5-scrimmage. Similarly, EL · min-1 was higher when involvement % increased (p = 0.001), while there was an opposite trend for peak EL · min-1 (lower with higher involvement %). Court area per player influenced peak (p = 0.025) but not average demands. No effects were found for playing position or competition rotation status (all p > 0.05), except for a moderately higher EL · min-1 in starters compared to bench players. The external load intensities of basketball training drills substantially vary depending on the load indicator chosen, the training content, and task and individual constraints. Practitioners should not interchangeably use average and peak external intensity indicators to design training but considering them as separate constructs could help to gain a better understanding of basketball training and competition demands.

Investigating the effects of athlete-reported pre-training well-being and recovery on subsequent training loads in basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Basketball players' external and internal training loads have been extensively monitored. However, no study has evaluated if pre-training athlete-reported conditions influence them. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of athlete-reported pre-training well-being and recovery on subsequent external load intensity, perceived exertion scores and their ratio (efficiency index) in youth basketball training. METHODS: The external load (EL) intensity (EL∙min-1), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and efficiency index (EL∙min-1:RPE) of 15 youth basketball players (age: 15.2±0.3 years) were monitored during team-based training sessions. Before each session, players reported their levels of perceived recovery (using a modified 10-point Total Quality Recovery, TQR, scale), fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, mood, and stress. Statistical analyses were performed via linear mixed models. RESULTS: EL∙min-1 was higher when player reported better pre-training recovery (P= 0.001). Higher RPE scores and lower efficiency indexes were registered in players reporting better pre-training conditions, respectively. Specifically, RPE scores were higher when players reported better TQR, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress scores (all P<0.05), while training efficiency was, conversely, lower in correspondence of better TQR and sleep (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified influences of athlete-reported pre-training well-being and recovery on subsequent external intensity, RPE and efficiency index in youth basketball players. Recovery and well-being indicators could be monitored seen their influence on subsequent training loads. Current findings can be considered by basketball sport scientist when selecting athlete monitoring questionnaires and when interpreting training load outputs.

Physical demands during 3 × 3 international male and female basketball games are partially impacted by competition phase but not game outcome.

Despite the increased popularity and number of international competitions for 3 × 3 basketball, the precise physical demands of this sport are not well described. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome and competition phase. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games were analysed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players (n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) belonging to 26 national teams (n = 13 male and n = 13 female teams) during the 2019 FIBA 3 × 3 World Cup. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses were conducted to determine the relative frequency (n · min-1) and duration (% of live playing time) for several physical demand variables to make comparisons according to game outcome (win vs. loss) and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size analyses revealed non-significant, trivial-small differences in physical demands between games that were won and lost. Regarding competition phase, male players completed more high-intensity activity (sprinting, high-intensity specific movements, and jumping) but spent a greater proportion of playing time jumping and performing recovery activities (standing/ walking) during finals games than group games (P < 0.05, small), while female players performed more low-intensity activity (jogging and low-intensity specific movements) during group games than finals games (P < 0.05, small). These findings indicate that the physical capabilities of male and female 3 × 3 basketball players may not be the determining factor for team success in games and players can mostly maintain activity outputs across phases of tournament play conducted at the highest international standard.

Relationships between weekly changes in salivary hormonal responses and load measures during the pre-season phase in professional male basketball players.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between weekly changes in external and internal load considered separately and jointly and salivary hormonal responses during the pre-season phase in professional male basketball players. Twenty-one professional male basketball players (mean ± standard deviation, age: 26.2 ± 4.9 years; height: 198.7 ± 6.7 cm; body mass: 93.2 ± 10.0 kg) were assessed during 5 weeks of the pre-season phase. External load was measured using microsensors and reported as PlayerLoad (PL) and PL/ min. Internal load was calculated using the session rating of perceived exertion scale (sRPE-load), summated heart rate zones (SHRZ) and percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax). Salivary hormone responses were monitored weekly by measuring testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and their ratio (T:C). The relationships between weekly changes in load measures considered separately and jointly and hormonal responses were assessed using linear mixed model analysis. No significant (p > 0.05) relationships were evident between weekly changes in T, C or T:C with external and internal load measures considered separately (R2-conditional = < 0.001-0.027) or jointly (R2-conditional = 0.028-0.075). Factors other than measured loads might be responsible for weekly changes in hormonal responses and therefore external and internal load measures cannot be used to anticipate weekly hormonal responses during the pre-season phase in professional basketball players.

Exploring the Use of Player Load in Elite Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the distribution of the player load (PLTOTAL) in 3 axes of movement (PLAP, anterior-posterior; PLML, medial-lateral; PLV, vertical) during elite soccer matches, (2) investigate the effect of playing position on PL-related variables, and (3) explore the association between PLTOTAL and distance covered by the players. HYPOTHESIS: Despite different load distribution between axes of movement, PLTOTAL might be used as a body load indicator for all playing positions. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Data were collected from elite soccer players using WIMU Pro tracking systems, which included inertial sensors. RESULTS: The axis of movement had a significant effect on the distribution of the load (P < 0.001; conditional R2 = 0.91), with the greatest contribution from the PLV (P < 0.001; d = 5.41-5.86). Moreover, no effect of playing position on PLTOTAL, PLV, PLML, or PLAP was observed (P > 0.05). Finally, a large correlation was found between PLTOTAL and distance covered, and the linear mixed model showed that distance may be predicted by the PLTOTAL (conditional R2 = 0.81; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Differences in load distribution were based on the axis of movement, although playing position had no effect on any variable. The selection of either distance covered, which is representative of a 2-dimensional analysis, or PLTOTAL, which is representative of a 3-dimensional analysis, may be adequate for monitoring locomotor demands or accelerometer-derived load. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Training strategies that focus on the vertical component of match play should be adopted. In addition, given that PLTOTAL is an accelerometry-based metric, which combines the accelerations in anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and vertical planes, strength and conditioning coaches may use this parameter as a measure of total body load.

Technical-Tactical Demands of 3 × 3 International Basketball Games According to Game Outcome, Player Sex, and Competition Phase.

ABSTRACT: Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Scanlan, AT, and Vaquera, A. Technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 international basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 403-412, 2023-Despite the popularity of 3 × 3 basketball rapidly growing on a global scale, a paucity of data exist on player demands during competition, particularly considering various factors. This study aimed to quantify the technical-tactical demands of international-level 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. Overall, 96 players from 24 national teams (48 players across 12 teams in each sex) competing at the 2019 European Basketball Cup 3 × 3 were included in this study. Technical-tactical demands during games including shooting, game-related, and possession-related statistics were retrospectively gathered from public sources or analyzed using video analyses. Linear mixed models and effect size analyses were used to determine differences in demands according to game outcome (wins vs. losses), player sex (males vs. females), and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Winning teams ( p < 0.05, small-large ) scored more shots, shot more efficiently, secured more rebounds, committed fewer turnovers and fouls, and drew more fouls to shoot free-throws. Differences between sexes ( p < 0.05, small-moderate ) showed male teams shot more efficiently, scored more 2-point shots, and scored more points, whereas female teams attempted more 1-point shots, committed more turnovers, and had more possessions. Considering the competition phase, more blocks were completed during group games, and more points per possession were achieved during finals games ( p < 0.05, small ). This study provides foundation normative values regarding the technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 game-play during an international competition, with reported data able to be used by practitioners in developing precise, sex-specific training and tactical strategies to optimize team success.

Physical Demands of Elite Male and Female 3 × 3 International Basketball Matches.

ABSTRACT: Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Rucco, D, Alcaraz, PE, Vaquera, A, Romagnoli, M, and Rampinini, E. Physical demands of elite male and female 3×3 international basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e289-e296, 2023-This study aimed to (1) characterize the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games during live playing time and ball possession and (2) assess the differences in physical demands between male and female players. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games of the International Basketball Federation 3 × 3 World Cup 2019 were analyzed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players ( n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) resulting in a total of 216 (104 male and 112 female) individual game samples. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses determined the relative frequency (n·min -1 ) and duration (%) for several physical demands at different intensities, according to sex, during the live playing time and in ball possession phases. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size (ES) analyses revealed small non-significant differences in the intermittent profile of 3 × 3 basketball games according to sex (total movements per minute, male = 39.3 (38.6-40.1); female = 40.2 (39.5-41.0), estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals). Female competitions had significantly greater number of low-intensity activities (LIA, small ES) and high-intensity activities (HIA, small ES) performed per minute over longer games ( small ES), whereas male players had more recovery activities ( small ES). During ball possession, male players spent a larger amount of time performing LIA ( small ES) than female players, who displayed both the greatest number of HIA and the highest percentage of playing time performed at high intensity ( small ES). Overall, these findings suggest that basketball coaches should design sex-specific training sessions based on the specific match demands.

Dual career in European-funded projects: a critical analysis and review / Dupla carreira em projetos europeus com financiamento atribuido: uma revisão e análise crítica / Carrera dual en proyectos financiados europeos: un análisis y revisión crítica

ABSTRACT This study aimed to review the projects financed between 2014 and 2022 under the ERASMUS+ programme of the European Commission to examine the past and present implementation of the dual career (DC) of elite sportspersons and to highlight potential gaps to guide future project proposals. Findings showed a relevant focus of the financed projects on the micro and multi-dimensional aspects of DC of athletes as the main target group, implementing training courses/programmes in different settings, and partnerships mostly composed by educational institutions and NGOs. In the future, sports bodies should engage more in partnerships, whereas DC of employee-sportspersons as athletes and sports staff should be implemented, with a strong focus on the project's long-term impact and sustainability.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo rever os projetos financiados entre 2014 e 2022 no âmbito do programa ERASMUS+ da Comissão Europeia de forma a melhor perceber a implementação dos mesmos no âmbito da dupla carreira (DC) de atletas de elite e destacar eventuais lacunas para orientar futuras propostas de projetos. Os resultados encontrados apontam para uma maior predominância dos aspectos micro e multidimensionais da DC, sendo os atletas o principal grupo-alvo, propondo-se a implementação de cursos/programas de formação em diferentes contextos, assim como parcerias maioritariamente compostas por instituições de ensino e ONG's. Surge ainda recorrentemente a nota de, no futuro, os organismos desportivos se envolverem mais em parcerias, e a extensão da DC a outros agentes como os treinadores e árbitros, assim como o alargamento ao enquadramento dado pelo mocal de trabalho (mercado de trabalho), sempre com a tónica colocada no impacto e na sustentabilidade do projeto a longo prazo.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo revisar los proyectos financiados entre los años 2014 y 2022 dentro el programa ERASMUS+ de la Comisión Europea, para analizar el presente y el pasado de la implementación de la carrera dual (DC) de deportistas de élite, resaltando posibles errores que permitan guiar futuras propuestas de proyectos. Los resultados mostraron un importante foco de los proyectos en aspectos micro y multidimensionales de la CD de los atletas como principal punto a destacar, implementando cursos/programas de entrenamiento en diferentes entornos y colaboraciones compuestas principalmente por instituciones educativas y ONGs. En el futuro, los organismos deportivos deberían participar más con asociaciones, así como que se debería implementar la DC de los empleados-deportistas como atletas y como personal deportivo, con un fuerte enfoque en el impacto y la sostenibilidad del proyecto a largo plazo.

Investigating External and Internal Loads in Male Older Adult Basketball Players during Official Games.

This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method (sRPE-load)] loads of masters (senior citizen) basketball players during official games. Thirteen male basketball masters players (age: 66.6 ± 2.1 years; body mass: 89.9 ± 8.7 kg; stature: 183.7 ± 4.6 cm) were monitored during an official Lietuvos Krepsinio Veteranu Lyga (LKVL) 65-year game. Beside descriptive analysis, a chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted to assess the differences in the distribution within JUMP, ACC and COD classes of intensities (i.e., low, medium and high). The results revealed PL = 269.9 ± 83.3 AU and PL/min = 6.54 ± 1.29 AU/min. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.001) in the distribution of the intensity classes were found for JUMP, ACC, and COD, with the lowest intensities as the most frequent. Finally, HRpeak = 81.7 ± 8.1% and sRPE-load = 148.9 ± 69.7 AU were found, with sRPE = ~3 AU. In conclusion, a low external load during an official basketball game was found compared to other basketball populations. Moreover, a high objective internal load did not correspond to a low perceived demand, which might increase the training adherence and motivation during long-term studies.

Differences in Weekly Training Load, Well-Being, and Hormonal Responses between European- and National-Level Professional Male Basketball Players during the Pre-Season Phase.

This study aimed to compare the weekly fluctuation in training load (sRPE-load), well-being (perceived fatigue, stress, mood, sleep, and muscle soreness), and hormonal responses [testosterone (T) and cortisol (C)] during the pre-season phase in European- and national-level professional male basketball players. Twenty-one professional male basketball players belonging to European-level (n = 11, age: 25.5 ± 3.6 yr; stature: 199.2 ± 7.1 cm; body mass: 94.1 ± 8.5 kg) and national-level (n = 10, age: 23.5 ± 4.7 yr; stature: 198.0 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 94.0 ± 8.8 kg) teams were monitored during a 5-week pre-season phase. The European-level team showed higher sRPE-load in week 5 compared to week 3 (within-team difference, p = 0.049; ES = -1.44 [-2.38, -0.5], large) and week 1 (p = 0.018; ES = 1.62 [0.64, 2.61], large), week 4 (p = 0.005; ES = 1.79 [0.78, 2.81], large) and week 5 (p = 0.001; ES = 1.96 [0.92, 3.01], large) of the national-level team. The national-level team documented the lowest sRPE-load in week 5, which was statistically different compared to week 2 (p = 0.022; ES = 1.59 [0.61, 2.58], large) and week 4 (p = 0.001; ES = 1.94 [0.9, 2.98], large) of the European-level team. Moreover, higher stress (p < 0.001; ES = 1.94 [0.93, 2.95], large) and better mood (p = 0.003; ES = 1.79 [0.8, 2.78], large) were found in week 1 compared to week 5 within the European-level team. Additionally, higher values of salivary C were found in week 1 for the European-level team compared to week 2 (p = 0.020; ES = 1.6 [0.61, 2.58], large) and week 4 (p = 0.018; ES = 1.66 [0.64, 2.67], large) of the national-level team. Our results can provide reference values for basketball practitioners regarding the fluctuations of weekly load, well-being, and hormones across the pre-season period in professional male teams competing at European and national levels.