Reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST).

This study aimed to assess the reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the newly developed Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST). Fifteen recreational (age = 22.8 ± 4.2 y, stature = 184.8 ± 6.5 cm, body mass = 81.6 ± 9.6 kg, training experience = 9.8 ± 5.3 y) and fifteen semiprofessional (age = 18.9 ± 3.3 y, stature = 190.5 ± 8.1 cm, body mass = 84.2 ± 11.2 kg, training experience = 11.1 ± 3.5 y) players volunteered to participate in this study. Test-retest reliability and usefulness were examined for recreational players, while construct validity was evaluated comparing the two player groups. The CBST is composed of 12 trials and its outcome measures include: completion time (sum of the 12 trial times); penalty time (sum of the times from the 12 trials); performance time (completion time + penalty time) and total number of errors. Relative reliability analysis showed acceptable ICC values (i.e. ≥0.70) in all the studied variables. Absolute reliability analysis showed a CV < 5% for completion (1.6%) and performance (2.0%) time, while a CV >5% is reported for the remaining variables. The usefulness of the test was considered "Marginal" and "Good" when comparing TE values with SWC02 and SWC05, respectively for all the studied variables. Likely and very likely differences were shown between recreational and semiprofessional players in all investigated variables. Results showed that the CBST is reliable, useful to detect moderate changes and valid to assess basketball skills.

Mental Fatigue Impairs Physical Performance in Young Swimmers.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on heart rate variability, subjective measures of fatigue, and swimming performance in young athletes. METHODS: Sixteen swimmers [15.45 (0.51) y old, 7.35 (2.20) y of swimming experience] performed a 1500-m time trial on 2 occasions separated by an interval of at least 72 hours. The 1500-m swimming was preceded by a 30-minute treatment that consisted of performing the Stroop Color and Word test to induce mental fatigue (experimental trial) or watching an emotionally neutral video (control trial). RESULTS: Participants reported higher ratings of mental fatigue and mental effort following the Stroop test when compared with the control trial, but no differences in motivation were observed. The induction of mental fatigue impaired swimming performance, as evidenced by a slower time (1.2%) to complete the 1500-m trial. No intertrial differences were identified for rating of perceived exertion during the swimming test or in heart rate variability after the Stroop and swimming tests. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that induction of mental fatigue impairs 1500-m swimming performance without changing heart rate variability.