White men can't jump, but do they still get picked first? Race and player selection in the NBA draft, 1980-2021.

Despite excelling at recruiting Black players, studies have repeatedly produced evidence of racial discrimination in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Through this study, we re-examine the topic of racial discrimination within the NBA through an analysis of the Association's annual entry draft. Using a novel dataset, we statistically model the relationship between player race and draft pick number using pooled data from 1980 to 2021. Overall, we find only limited evidence of racial discrimination. These findings are generally robust to sub-sample analyses, alternative specifications of our race variable, and alternate statistical modeling techniques. However, analyses performed on sub-samples of draft picks that participated in the NBA combine-and for whom we have measurements of player athleticism-produce some evidence of racial discrimination. Through such models we estimate that Black players are picked roughly three picks later in the draft. We consider the implications of these findings for contemporary theorizing about racial discrimination in the NBA and more mainstream labor markets.

Bien qu'elle excelle dans le recrutement de joueurs noirs, des études ont démontré à plusieurs reprises l'existence d'une discrimination raciale au sein de la National Basketball Association (NBA). Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous réexaminons le sujet de la discrimination raciale au sein de la NBA en analysant la sélection annuelle (draft) de l'association. À l'aide d'un nouvel ensemble de données, nous modélisons statistiquement la relation entre la race du joueur et le numéro de sélection à la draft en utilisant des données regroupées de 1980 à 2021. Dans l'ensemble, nous ne trouvons que des preuves limitées de discrimination raciale. Ces résultats sont généralement robustes aux analyses de sous­échantillons, aux spécifications alternatives de notre variable raciale et aux autres techniques de modélisation statistique. Toutefois, les analyses effectuées sur des sous­échantillons de sélectionnés ayant participé au NBA combine­et pour lesquels nous disposons de mesures de l'athlétisme des joueurs­produisent certains éléments de preuve de la discrimination raciale. Grâce à ces modèles, nous estimons que les joueurs noirs sont sélectionnés environ 3 fois plus tard dans la draft. Nous théorisons les implications de ces résultats pour les théories contemporaines sur la discrimination raciale dans la NBA et les marchés du travail ordinaires.

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

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

Examining the Role of Fan Support on Home Advantage and Home Win Percentage in Professional Women's Basketball.

Our main aim in this study was to analyze any differences in Win Percentages at Home (HW) that might represent a Home-Court Advantage (HA) in women's professional basketball. A secondary objective was to analyze how team ability might modify the HA effect by comparing any interaction effect between HW and team ability in games played with and without fans. We collected data from first Spanish female basketball divisions, using a linear mixed model (LMM) for repeated measures to identify differences between time periods (games with fans vs. games without fans) for HA and HW. When comparing games with and without fans, we found no significant HA and HW differences (p = .283 and p = .872, respectively). In fact, interestingly, we observed higher win values when fans were absent. Additionally, during the COVID-19 shut down stage, HA increased; but it returned to pre-pandemic levels afterward, with no significant differences between these periods (p = .482). Similarly, while HW seemed to increase during the COVID-19 shut down period and continued improving in the post-pandemic phase, there were actually no statistically significant differences (p = .772). Higher HA and HW were evident without fans during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period when fans were present in women's professional basketball. During the post-pandemic period, HA decreased upon fans' return, while HW continued increasing. We discuss possible bases for these unexpected findings.

Shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball athletes: A scoping review.

CONTEXT: Wheelchair basketball athletes have increased upper limb stress, which frequently leads to shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature on shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball athletes. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PEDro databases for studies performed between January 1990 and February 2021. Two independent reviewers screened the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants' characteristics and results were extracted from the study. RESULTS: The initial database search yielded 2455 articles, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria. This review included seven studies in its final analysis; among them, seven determined the prevalence and incidence of shoulder pain, five investigated the factors and mechanisms contributing to shoulder pain, and two reported the treatment and preventive measures. The prevalence of shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball players ranged from 38%-75%, and the incidence of shoulder pain was 14%. Factors/mechanisms included overuse, decreased trunk control, and driving posture. Treatment/preventive measures consisted of shoulder and scapular muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. However, the literature on treatment/prevention was scarce, and its effectiveness was unclear. CONCLUSION: This scoping review confirmed the high prevalence of shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball players; despite this, studies regarding treatment or preventive measures remain lacking. Further studies investigating the mechanism of onset of shoulder pain and the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive measures are needed in the future.

Dietary Intakes and Food Habits of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes Compared to Gym Attendees and Individuals who do not Practice Sport Activity.

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean diet (Med-D) has been previously suggested for athletes, but Paralympics usually have a low intake of plant foods. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) can drive dietary intake of both athletes and gym attendees. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare dietary intakes and food habits of elite wheelchair basketball athletes (WBA) and able-bodied individuals who practice or not sport activity and with different fat mass percentage (FM%). METHODS: We recruited 15 WBA from the Italian National team and 3 control groups (15 each group): healthy individuals who do not practice any sports activity (NSA) and gym attendees with low (GAL, FM%<17) and high (GAH, FM%>18) FM%. Food consumption was monitored by a 3- d diary, while Med-D scores and ON score were evaluated through standardized questionnaires. In WBA we also assessed Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD), GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA) and Starvation Symptoms Inventory (SSI). RESULTS: In WBA, ON correlated with GERD and SSI. WBA and GAH with eating behavior of ON had higher adherence to Med-D, whereas NSA had less adherence to Med-D. Sub-score, including fruits, vegetables and legumes, was higher in the GAL and GAH groups compared to the WBA and NSA groups. Med-D was inversely related to animal protein intake (PRO-AN) in NSA and GAL. FM% was inversely related to PRO-AN in WBA and GAH, and to ON only in GAH. In WBA, PRO-AN and vegetable protein intake correlated with both carbohydrate and energy intakes. CONCLUSION: In WBA, commitment to wellness (ON and Med-D adherence) could be a response to gastrointestinal and starvation symptoms. WBA should be involved in setting their own individualized dietary strategies.

Characterization of Rookie Season Injury and Illness and Career Longevity Among National Basketball Association Players.

Importance: There is limited research investigating injury and illness among professional basketball players during their rookie season. By improving the understanding of injury incidence and risk specific to rookie players, sports medicine clinicians may be able to further individualize injury mitigation programs that address the unique needs of rookie players. Objective: To compare incidence and rate ratio (RR) of injury and illness among professional National Basketball Association (NBA) players in their rookie season with veteran players and to explore the association of sustaining an injury rookie season with career longevity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used an online data repository and extracted publicly available data about NBA players between the 2007 and 2008 season to the 2018 and 2019 season. Available data for initial injury and all subsequent injuries were extracted during this time frame. Exposures: Injury and illness based on injury status during the rookie season of professional NBA players. Main Outcomes and Measures: Injury and illness incidence and RR. Association of injury during the rookie season with career longevity was assessed via Poisson regressions. Results: Of the 12 basketball seasons analyzed, 904 NBA players were included (mean [SD] age, 24.6 [3.9] years; body mass index, 24.8 [1.8]). The injury and illness incidence for rookie players was 14.28 per 1000 athlete game exposures (AGEs). Among all body regions, ankle injuries had the greatest injury incidence among players injured during their rookie season (3.17 [95% CI, 3.15-3.19] per 1000 AGEs). Rookie athletes demonstrated higher RR compared with veterans across multiple regions of the body (ankle: 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.52; foot/toe: 1.29; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.61; shoulder/arm/elbow: 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.77; head/neck: 1.21; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.81; concussions: 2.39; 95% CI, 1.89 to 2.90; illness: 1.14; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.40), and demonstrated a higher rate of initial injuries compared with veteran players (1.41; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.53). Players who sustained an injury rookie season demonstrated an unadjusted decrease in total seasons played (-0.4 [95% CI, -0.5 to -0.3] log years; P < .001), but this decrease was not observed within adjusted analysis (0.1 [95% CI, -0.1 to 0.2] log years; P = .36). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, rookie athletes demonstrated the highest injury incidence at the ankle and increased RR across multiple regions. These findings may reflect differences in preseason conditioning or load variables impacting rookie athletes and warrant further investigation. Future research is needed to determine the association of cumulative injury burden vs a singular injury event on career longevity.

A comparison of multidimensional qualities discriminant of selection in elite adolescent Australian basketball athletes.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the multidimensional attributes of male and female basketball athletes under 16 years of age (U16) and under 18 years of age (U18), and (2) identify attributes that distinguish selection into a talent pathway according to sex and age group. METHODS: 67 male and 71 female athletes competing in U16 and U18 selection trials for a state based Australian basketball talent pathway completed a multidimensional testing battery. The test battery consisted of anthropometric, physical (20- linear sprint, countermovement jump height, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2), technical (Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test), tactical (video decision making), and psychological (Sports Orientation Questionnaire, Psychological Performance Inventory-Alternative) assessments. Mean differences and independent t-tests were used to assess comparative differences between selected and non-selected athletes within each age and sex cohort. Stepwise discriminant analyses were used to identify attributes that were the strongest discriminators of selection in each group (male U16, male U18, female U16, and female U18). RESULTS: The discrimminant models showed for male U16 athletes smaller height (ES = -0.18) and greater shooting accuracy (ES = 0.52) was most discriminant of selection. Results were largely homogenous for male U18 athletes with lower visualisation score (ES = -0.62) most discriminant of selection. In female cohorts, faster 20-m sprint time (ES = -0.66) and taller height (ES = 0.58) was most discriminant of selection in U16 athletes while greater shooting accuracy (ES = 0.67), countermovement jump height (ES = 1.04), and height (ES = 0.65) was most discriminant of selection in U18 athletes. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasise the differing selection priorities within adolescent basketball cohorts according to sex and age group. The testing of anthropometric, physical and technical attributes may hold particular utility in adolescent female basketball given their identified importance to selection across U16 and U18 cohorts.

Health problems of basketball referees: a prospective study / Problemas de salud en árbitros de baloncesto: estudio prospectivo / Problemas de saúde em oficiais de quadra de basquetebol: estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Basketball referees are the authorities responsible for ensuring that rules and regulations are followed and for making decisions. The ability of referees to respond to the physical and physiological demands imposed during the game is essential for good performance on the court. Objective: To understand the context in which health problems faced by basketball referees occur and to outline the epidemiological profile of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in which basketball referees were evaluated using a standardized form. The participants were monitored online weekly for 12 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire to assess health problems, such as diseases (affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive or neurological systems) or musculoskeletal injuries (acute or from overuse). Results: The study sample consisted of 78 referees with a mean age of 36.5 (±9.8) years. Most referees (97.4%) found it important to implement a preventive program. In relation to the health problems reported during follow-up, there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5 - 27.9) and the mean weekly prevalence of diseases was 3.2 (95% CI 0.4 - 6.0) and of injuries was 17.4 (95% CI 16.5 - 18.3). Conclusion: Through this study, it was possible to conclude that there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5 - 27.9) and a mean prevalence of diseases of 3.2 (95% CI 0.4 - 6.0) and musculoskeletal injuries of 17.4 (95% CI 16.5 - 18.3). The most common health problems that affected basketball referees were musculoskeletal overuse injuries of the lower limbs. Level of evidence I; Prospective cohort study .

RESUMEN Introducción: Los árbitros de baloncesto son las autoridades responsables por garantizar que las reglas y los reglamentos sean cumplidos y por la toma de decisiones. La capacidad de respuesta de los árbitros a las demandas físicas y fisiológicas impuestas durante el juego es fundamental para un buen desempeño en campo. Objetivo: Comprender el contexto en el que ocurren los problemas de salud de los árbitros de baloncesto y trazar el perfil epidemiológico de las lesiones musculoesqueléticas. Métodos: Fue realizado un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que los árbitros de baloncesto fueron evaluados por medio de un formulario estandarizado. Los participantes fueron monitorizados semanalmente en línea durante 12 semanas, usándose el cuestionario de Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center para evaluar los problemas de salud, como enfermedades (que afectan a los sistemas respiratorio, cardiovascular, digestivo o neurológico) o lesiones musculoesqueléticas (agudas o por sobrecarga). Resultados: La muestra del estudio fue compuesta por 78 árbitros con promedio de edad de 36,5 (± 9,8) años. La mayoría de los árbitros (97,4%) consideró importante implementar un programa preventivo. Con relación a los problemas de salud durante el acompañamiento, hubo incidencia de 23,7 lesiones a cada 1000 horas de juego (IC 95%: 19,5 - 27,9) y la prevalencia promedio semanal de enfermedades fue de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) y de lesiones, 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Conclusión: Por medio de este estudio, fue posible concluir que hubo una tasa de incidencia de 23,7 lesiones a cada 1000 horas de juego (IC 95%: 19,5 - 27,9), y prevalencia promedio de enfermedades de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) y de lesiones musculoesqueléticas de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Los problemas de salud más comunes que acometieron a los árbitros de baloncesto fueron las lesiones musculoesqueléticas de los miembros inferiores. Nivel de evidencia I, Estudio de cohorte prospectivo .

RESUMO Introdução: Os oficiais de quadra de basquetebol são considerados autoridades oficiais responsáveis pelo comprimento das regras e tomada de decisões. A capacidade de resposta dos oficiais às exigências físicas e fisiológicas impostas durante o jogo é fundamental para um bom desempenho em quadra. Objetivo: Compreender o contexto pelo qual ocorrem os problemas de saúde enfrentados por oficiais de quadra de basquetebol. E a partir disso, traçar o perfil epidemiológico de lesões musculoesqueléticas. Métodos: Estudo coorte prospectivo no qual foi realizado uma avaliação dos oficiais de quadra de basquetebol através de um instrumento de avaliação. Em seguida, foi realizado o acompanhamento semanal online por 12 semanas utilizando o questionário Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center para avaliar os problemas de saúde, sendo eles doenças (acometem sistema respiratório, cardiovascular, digestivo ou neurológico) e lesões musculoesqueléticas (agudas e sobrecarga). Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 78 oficiais de quadra com média de idade de 36,5 (±9,8) anos. A maioria dos oficiais (97,4%) consideram importante a implementação de um programa preventivo. Em relação aos problemas de saúde durante o acompanhamento, houve uma taxa de incidência de 23,7 lesões a cada 1000 horas de jogo (IC 95% 19,5 - 27,9) e uma prevalência média semanal de doenças foi de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) e de lesões foi de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Conclusão: Por meio deste estudo, foi possível concluir que houve uma taxa de incidência de 23,7 lesões a cada 1000 horas de jogo (IC 95% 19,5 - 27,9) e prevalência média de doenças de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) e de lesões musculoesqueléticas de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Os problemas de saúde mais comuns que acometeram os oficiais de quadra de basquetebol foram as lesões musculoesqueléticas por sobrecarga em membros inferiores. Nível de evidência I; Estudo de coorte prospectivo .

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk Among National Basketball Association Players, Staff, and Vendors Exposed to Individuals With Positive Test Results After COVID-19 Recovery During the 2020 Regular and Postseason.

Importance: Clinical data are lacking regarding the risk of viral transmission from individuals who have positive reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 test results after recovery from COVID-19. Objective: To describe case characteristics, including viral dynamics and transmission of infection, for individuals who have clinically recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection but continued to have positive test results following discontinuation of isolation precautions. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used data collected from June 11, 2020, to October 19, 2020, as part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) closed campus occupational health program in Orlando, Florida, which required daily RT-PCR testing and ad hoc serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Nearly 4000 NBA players, staff, and vendors participated in the NBA's regular and postseason occupational health program in Orlando. Persistent positive cases were those who recovered from a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, satisfied US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for discontinuation of isolation precautions, and had at least 1 postinfection positive RT-PCR test(s) result. Exposures: Person-days of participation in indoor, unmasked activities that involved direct exposure between persistent positive cases and noninfected individuals. Main Outcomes and Measures: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 following interaction with persistent positive individuals, as measured by the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Orlando campus program. Results: Among 3648 individuals who participated, 36 (1%) were persistent positive cases, most of whom were younger than 30 years (24 [67%]) and male (34 [94%]). Antibodies were detected in 33 individuals (91.7%); all remained asymptomatic following the index persistent positive RT-PCR result. Cycle threshold values for persistent positive RT-PCR test results were typically above the Roche cobas SARS-CoV-2 limit of detection. Cases were monitored for up to 100 days (mean [SD], 51 [23.9] days), during which there were at least 1480 person-days of direct exposure activities, with no transmission events or secondary infections of SARS-CoV-2 detected (0 new cases). Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study of the 2020 NBA closed campus occupational health program, recovered individuals who continued to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 following discontinuation of isolation were not infectious to others. These findings support time-based US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for ending isolation.

Traumatismos deportivos en oftalmología. Un estudio descriptivo en un hospital terciario / Sports injuries in opthalmology. A descriptive study in a tertiary hospital / Lesões esportivas em oftalmologia. Estudo descritivo em hospital terciário

OBJETIVO: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los traumatismos deportivos oculares de la población asistencial de un hospital terciario de Madrid. MÉTODO: Recopilación retrospectiva de los datos clínicos de los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Clínico San Carlos en el periodo enero 2015-diciembre 2017 y que habían sufrido un traumatismo ocular durante la práctica de algún deporte. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 54 pacientes. 47 (87.04%) fueron hombres. La edad media fue de 27.26 años ± 13.01 años de desviación estándar. El deporte que causó más traumatismos entre los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue el fútbol, seguido de deportes de raqueta, fuerza y combate y baloncesto. La iritis traumática fue el diagnóstico más frecuente, seguido de lesión periocular, lesiones de polo anterior, conmoción retiniana, lesiones regmatógenas, fractura orbitaria y desprendimiento de retina. El 87.04% de los cuadros se resolvieron con tratamiento médico. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los traumatismos oculares deportivos son leves y se resuelven apenas con tratamiento médico. Se deben excluir diagnósticos más graves que requieran de un tratamiento más específico. Las campañas de prevención de daños deben ir encaminadas a los grupos con mayor riesgo de presentarlos

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to determine the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of ocular sports injuries in a tertiary hospital of Madrid. METHOD: The study was based on a retrospective record of clinical data of patients who underwent clinical exploration after ocular sport injury between January 2015 and December 2017 in Clinic Hospital San Carlos. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were recruited from which 47 (87.04%) were males. The mean age was 27.26 years ± 13.01 years Standard Deviation. The sport with the most frequent cause of ocular injury was soccer, followed by racket sports, fight sports and basketball. Traumatic iritis was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by periocular lesions, anterior segment lesions, conmotio retinae, rhegmatogenous lesions, orbital fracture and retinal detachment. Medical treatment solved 87.04% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sports related to ocular injuries were minor cases and they could be solved with only medical treatment. More severe diagnosis must be investigated for more specific treatments, thought. Prevention strategies must be focused in higher risk groups

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste artigo é determinar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas das lesões oculares desportivas num hospital terciário de Madrid. MÉTODO: O estudo foi baseado num registo retrospectivo de dados clínicos de doentes que foram submetidos a exploração clínica depois duma lesão desportiva ocular entre Janeiro de 2015 e Dezembro de 2017 no Hospital Clínico San Carlos. RESULTADOS: Foram recrutados 54 doentes, dos quais 47 (87.04%) eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 27.26 anos ± 13.01 anos de desvio padrão. O desporto que mais frequentemente causou lesões oculares foi o futebol, seguido dos desportos de raquete, luta desportiva e basquetebol. A irite traumática foi o diagnóstico mais frequente, seguida de lesões perioculares, lesões do segmento anterior, conmotio retinae, lesões regmatogénicas, fractura orbital e descolamento da retina. O tratamento médico resolveu 87.04% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos desportos relacionados com lesões oculares foram casos menores e só puderam ser resolvidos com tratamento médico. É necessário investigar um diagnóstico mais rigoroso para tratamentos mais específicos. As estratégias de prevenção devem ser centradas nos grupos de maior risco

Sweating the connection of uniform colours and success in sport: No evidence for the red win effect in elite women's NCAA basketball.

Efforts to research the link between uniform colours and performance in sport have gained momentum in recent years demonstrating a red superiority effect. The current investigation identified a gender gap in participation between laboratory experimental studies of performance, which are dominated by women participants, and archival game analysis research, which is almost exclusively conducted in elite men's sports. To address this disparity, we conducted the first dedicated exploration of uniform colours with women's American collegiate basketball teams during the national annual tournament (NCAA) in a period spanning eight seasons (2012-19). In contrast to the evidence from experimental research, we failed to detect an effect and the results remained null when several colours were tested and ranking was considered. Based on the findings, we conclude with mounting confidence that uniform colours do not exert influence over winning in relatively long-duration, low aggression team sports with substantial physical contact. We discuss the results in relationship to the colour-in-context theory (Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2012). Colour-in-context theory. In Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 45, pp. 61-125). Academic Press.) and highlight its shortcomings pertaining to sex as a moderator.

Basketball performance is affected by the schedule congestion: NBA back-to-backs under the microscope.

Teams experiencing highly competitive densities may be particularly exposed to performance breakdown and injury risk. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between fixture congestion cycles (playing back-to-back games, playing on one day's rest, playing on two day's rest, playing on three or more day's rest) and performance of NBA basketball teams. A total of 82 games from all teams participating in NBA 2016/2017 regular season were considered. Game-related statistics by fixture congestion cycles and game outcome were examined using the Pearson's Chi-Square test, Discriminant Analysis and Binary logistic regression. The results revealed that the likelihood of winning a game increased significantly from playing back-to-back games to having one day rest in between. Shooting efficacy-related statistics presented a considerable discriminatory power of the different fixture congestion cycles. In conclusion, fixture congestion cycles showed a significant impact on the game outcome and team performance. The findings may add value in the re-design of game schedules in the NBA as well as inform coaches to critically manage training load in order to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.

The influence of initial selection age, relative age effect and country long-term performance on the re-selection process in European basketball youth national teams.

The aims of the study were to: (a) analyse the re-selection patterns in European youth basketball national teams, and (b) investigate how the chance of re-selection is influenced by the initial selection age and relative age of the players, as well as the long-term performance of the country at the youth level. The sample consisted of 8362 basketball players (5038 men, 3324 women) born 1988-1997 who have participated in at least one U16, U18 or U20 European youth basketball championship between 2004 and 2017. The results from the survival analysis showed that around 75% of male and 80% of female players participating in a championship were re-selected the following year. Also, initial selection age, relative age effect, and the country long-term performance influenced the re-selection rates, with relationships being different between men and women. To conclude, the results of the present study show that the re-selection process by which players progress in European youth national basketball teams is complex and influenced by several different factors.

Upper body injuries and Key Performance Indicators in professional basketball players / Lesiones de la parte superior del cuerpo e indicadores clave de rendimiento en jugadores profesionales de baloncesto

INTRODUCTION: Upper body injuries are less common than lower body injuries in basketball, but there is still a lack of knowledge about the relationship among their occurrence and the performance profile of professional basketball players. This study aimed to analyse the relationships between upper-body injuries and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of basketball players. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Statistical variables of 554 professional basketball players (age: 26.97 ± 4.86 years, height: 199.23 ± 8.80 cm, minutes per season: 441.18 ± 301.41) in Spanish ACB (Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto) professional competition were analysed for two seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14). Besided, injury reports were registered and injuries were categorized with OSICS-10 classification. The players who played the most minutes during the season were more likely to suffer lumbar spine, head, wrist, and hand injuries. The players injured in the thoracic spine obtained a better average in steals per minute. The players injured in the head or the elbow had better +/- performance per minute. The players injured in the neck had better means per minute in received fouls, free throws made and attempted. RESULTS: The players injured in the lumbar spine had better means, per minute played, in assists, probably by their continuous column twists to protect the ball with the body to avoid bumps. Players injured in the shoulder had more blocked shots per minute than those not injured, probably because the realization of a block involves a shoulder flexion and rotation. It would be interesting to carry out a specific follow-up in this type of player, for this type of injury. This information could be helpful to improve injury prevention with the use of KPIs of basketball

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las lesiones de la parte superior del cuerpo son menos frecuentes que las de las extremidades inferiores en baloncesto, pero aún existe la necesidad de conocer la relación entre su ocurrencia y los perfiles de rendimiento de jugadores profesionales. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la relación entre la ocurrencia de lesiones de la parte superior del cuerpo y los factores de rendimiento clave (Key Performance Indicators, KPIs) en jugadores profesionales de baloncesto. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha analizado la información estadística de 554 jugadores (edad: 26,97 ± 4,86 años, estatura: 199,23 ± 8,80 cm, minutos por temporada: 441,18 ± 301,41) en la liga regular ACB durante dos temporadas (2012-13 y 2013-14). Además, se han recogido los partes médicos de cada jornada y categorizado las lesiones según el sistema OSICS 10. Los jugadores que jugaron más minutos durante la temporada fueron más propensos a sufrir lesiones en la columna lumbar, la cabeza, la muñeca y las manos. Los jugadores lesionados en la columna torácica obtuvieron un mejor promedio en robos por minuto. Los jugadores lesionados en la cabeza o el codo tuvieron un mejor rendimiento de +/- por minuto. RESULTADOS: Los jugadores lesionados en el cuello tuvieron mejores promedios por minuto en faltas recibidas, tiros libres realizados e intentados. Los jugadores lesionados en la columna lumbar tuvieron mejores promedios, por minuto jugado, en asistencias, probablemente por sus continuos giros de columna para proteger el balón con el cuerpo para evitar ayudas defensivas. Los jugadores lesionados en el hombro hicieron más tapones por minuto que aquellos no lesionados, probablemente porque la realización de un tapón implica una flexión y una rotación de hombro. Sería interesante realizar un seguimiento específico en este tipo de jugadores, para este tipo de lesiones. Esta información podría ser útil para mejorar la prevención de lesiones con el uso de KPIs en baloncesto

Impact of the Relative Age Effect on Competition Performance in Basketball: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Performance in basketball is multifactorial. One of the modifying factors is the "Relative Age Effect-RAE". However, its impact depends on the sample characteristics and sport context. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the RAE on basketball competition performance by analysing peer-reviewed articles published until July 2020. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic search guidelines, nine studies were identified in four databases: Sport Discus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Moreover, a study quality analysis using "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology" guidelines was carried out. The results confirmed an impact of the RAE on competition performance in basketball (56% measurements) and a higher influence of the RAE on short-term collective performance (54% measurements). Statistical parameters were affected, especially in men and U14-U18 categories. No impact of the RAE reversal and no influence of the RAE on long-term collective performance were found. There was a higher impact of the RAE in men (71%), the U14-U18 categories (44%), and at the national level (40%) was identified. The RAE has a variable influence on basketball performance according to developmental constraints. Nevertheless, the findings should be considered based on the sport context due to the heterogeneity and variability of the identified results.

Análisis de la técnica de tiro libre de jugadores de baloncesto en contexto formativo / Analysis of the free throw technique in formative basketball / Análise da técnica do lance livre de jogadores de basquete padronizados em contexto de treinamento

El objetivo fue determinar si la técnica de tiro libre ejecutada por jugadores de baloncesto de entre 9 y 11 años no participantes en ninguna selección autonómica y nacional coincidió con la técnica reportada por la literatura y estudios previos. El trabajo se realizó diferenciando la técnica de tiro antes de la salida y a la salida del balón. Participaron 12 jugadores varones de entre 9 y 11 años (M = 10,43, DT = ,63) que nunca habían participado en ninguna selección autonómica ni nacional. Se utilizó la metodología observacional a través de un diseño puntual/nomotético/multidimensional. Se grabó a los jugadores realizando un test que constaba de 10 tiros libres. Posteriormente, dos observadores observaron la ejecución técnica de cada uno de los tiros realizados por los jugadores. Se realizó la detección de t-patterns mediante el software Theme V.6 EDU. No se detectó ningún t-pattern antes de la salida del balón ni a la salida debido a que los tiros se realizaron siguiendo conductas muy dispares, que no se repitieron de forma regular en el tiempo. En el presente trabajo se utilizó un instrumento de observación que permitió la obtención de información directamente aplicable a la realidad diferenciando lo que ocurre antes de la salida del balón y a la salida del mismo. Se comprobó que los jugadores analizados, los cuales no jugaban en ninguna selección, ejecutaron una técnica de tiro que contrastaba en varios criterios con las recomendaciones propuestas por la literatura y estudios previos

The purpose was to determine whether the free throw technique of under-12 basketball players, who did not participated in any regional and national team, was similar to the technique reported by the literature and previous studies. The analysis differentiated prior to shoot and at ball release moments. Participant were 12 male players between 9 and 11 years old (M = 10.43, SD =, 63) who had never participated in any regional and national team. The observational methodology was used through a point/nomothetic/multidimensional design. The players were recorded performing a test consisting of 10 free throws. Two observers observed the technical execution of each of the shots made by the players. T-patterns were detected using Theme V.6 EDU software. Neither prior to ball release nor at ball release t-patterns were detected because the free throws followed very different behaviours, which were not repeated regularly over time. In the present work, an observation instrument was used that allowed obtaining information directly applicable to reality, differentiating between the free throw technique prior to shoot and at ball release moments. The analysed players, who did not play in any regional and national team, executed a free throw technique that contrasted in several criteria with the literature and previous studies recommendations

O objetivo foi determinar se a técnica do tiro livre executada por jogadores de basquete entre 9 e 11 anos de idade que não participavam de nenhuma seleção regional e nacional coincidia com a técnica relatada na literatura e em estudos anteriores. O trabalho foi realizado diferenciando a técnica do chute antes do início e do início da bola. Participaram 12 jogadores do sexo masculino entre 9 e 11 anos (M = 10,43, DT =, 63) que nunca haviam participado de nenhuma equipe regional ou nacional. A metodologia observacional foi utilizada através de um desenho pontual/nomotético/multidimensional. Os jogadores foram gravados realizando um teste composto por 10 chutes da linha de lance livre. Posteriormente, dois observadores observaram a execução técnica de cada um dos tiros feitos pelos jogadores. Os t-patterns foram detectados usando o software Theme V.6 EDU. Nenhum t-patterns foi detectado antes do início da bola ou no início, porque os chutes foram feitos seguindo comportamentos muito diferentes, que não foram repetidos regularmente ao longo do tempo. No presente trabalho, foi utilizado um instrumento de observação que permitiu obter informações diretamente aplicáveis à realidade, diferenciando o que ocorre antes da saída da bola e da saída da bola. Verificou-se que os jogadores analisados, que não jogaram em nenhuma seleção, executaram uma técnica de chute que contrasta em vários critérios com as recomendações propostas pela literatura e estudos anteriores