Increased game frequency period crossing Ramadan intermittent fasting decreases fat mass, sleep duration, and recovery in male professional basketball players.

Background: Increased basketball game frequency may affect athlete performances, especially during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). The objective of the present investigation was to assess the impacts of increased game frequency periods crossing the RIF on body composition, sleep habits, indices of well-being, recovery state, and dietary intake in professional male basketball players. Methods: Twenty-eight professional basketball players participated in this study and were divided into increased-games-frequency (INCR) or normal-games-frequency (NORM) groups. INCR trained four times and completed two games per week, whereas NORM completed only one game per week. During the first and fourth weeks of RIF, the following variables were assessed: internal load (weekly session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), heartrate (HR)), dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality (PSQI survey), well-being indices questionnaire (sleep, fatigue, stress, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)), and recovery state with the Total Quality Recovery (TQR) questionnaire. Results: The internal load significantly increased after 4 weeks of RIF in INCR compared to NORM (p < 0.001). Significant decrease of TQR, sleep duration, and a significant increase of DOMS only for INCR (26.93%, p < 0.001, ES = 0.48, small; 33.83%, p < 0.001, ES = 0.40, small; 161.17%, p < 0.001, ES = 0.32, small; respectively). Significant group × time interaction was observed for body mass (p = 0.006, ES = 0.46, small) and body fat percentage (p = 0.025, ES = 0.33, small), with INCR having a greater decrease in all these values. Conclusion: Increased game frequency period crossing RIF decreases fat mass, sleep duration, and recovery in professional basketball players, which may consequently affect performance and health.

Neuromuscular and balance adaptations following basketball-specific training programs based on combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training.

Multidirectional jumping and repeated sprint ability are crucial performance factors in basketball. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the neuromuscular performance and body balance adaptations following basketball-specific combined training programs based on drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training. Forty-two professional basketball male players participated in the current investigation and were randomly assigned to three groups: a combined group (COMB; n = 14), a multidirectional jump group (MJG; n = 14) and an active control group (CON; n = 14). The COMB and the MJG groups completed the 8-week training programs with two weekly sessions while the CON continued their usual training. The static and dynamic balance tests, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA5COD), the T-change of direction (CoD) test, the vertical jump tests, the five time-jump test (FJT) were performed by participants before and after the intervention period. The results showed a significant main effect of time with remarkable improvements at the end of the intervention (P < 0.001, effect size small/moderate) except the physiological parameters for IRSA5COD. Only, significant group × time interactions for body balance, T-CoD test, IRSA5COD (total time and best time), and jump tests were found (P < 0.001, effect size from trivial to moderate). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significantly greater improvement in favor of COMB compared to MJG for body balance, CoD and IRSA5COD (P < 0.005, effect size small/moderate). Otherwise, no significant differences between COMB and MJG concerning jump performances were found. Combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint training program lead to significantly better neuromuscular performance, body balance and CoD in professional basketball players when compared with an usual training.

Impact of combined versus single-mode training programs based on drop jump and specific multidirectional repeated sprint on bio-motor ability adaptations: a parallel study design in professional basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Jumping and specific multidirectional repeated sprint ability are important in basketball. The objective of this study was to assess the contributions of 8-week combined versus single-mode training programs based on drop jump (DJ) and specific multidirectional repeated sprint (MRSA) on repeated sprint ability performances, body balance and lower limbs power in male professional basketball players. METHODS: This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Fifty-two professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to 4 groups: DJ group (JG; n = 13), MRSA group (RSG; n = 13), combined group (COMB; n = 13) and an active control group (CON; n = 13). The JG, RSG and COMB groups completed the 8-week training programs with 2 sessions per week while the CON continues their regular basketball training. Training volume was similar between groups all over the experimental period. Before and after the intervention, the four groups were evaluated for the stork test, Y-balance test, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA5COD), the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the single leg drop jump test, the five time-jump test and T-change of direction (CoD) test. RESULTS: All measures displayed significant main effect, (medium/small) magnitude (effect size) improvements for time (post-test > pre-test) except the physiological parameters for IRSA5COD. Significant time × group interactions were revealed for body balance, T test, IRSA5COD (total time and best time) and jump tests (vertical/horizontal). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significant greater improvement in favor of RSG and COMB compared to JG for body balance, CoD and IRSA5COD. Moreover, greater improvement in CMJ, SJ and single leg DJ in favor of JG compared to the RSG. In addition, a greater CoD improvement was observed in favor of COMB when compared to the RSG. CONCLUSION: Combined and single-mode training programs based on DJ and MRSA contributed to a significantly better performance in specific basketball physical fitness parameters with results favoring combined interventions.

Change of Direction Performance and its Physical Determinants Among Young Basketball Male Players.

The main aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the age group (U-15, U-17 and U-19) on change of direction (COD) performance and its specific physical determinants among young basketball male players. Thirty-one young male basketball players (13-18 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The sample was divided into 3 age groups (U-15, U-17, U-19). All the evaluations were carried out in the same order in 3 sessions as follows: 1) body composition, self-reported sexual maturation, COD performance, and intermittent endurance capacity; 2) reactive strength index (RSI), 15-m sprint, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) test; 3) vertical and horizontal jumps and lower-limb strength. The results showed significant differences between groups for age, sexual maturation, endurance capacity, horizontal and vertical jump performances, RSI, COD, RSA, and lower-limb strength (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were identified between COD performances and some physical determinants such as jumping ability and RSA performance (-0.43 < r < 0.85; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, there are age effects on COD performance and its specific physical determinants among young basketball male players. The associations between COD performance and its determinants should be considered by practitioners when programing athletic talent development for this population.

Basketball-Specific Small-Sided Games Training during Ramadan Intermitting Fasting: Do Changes in Body Composition, Sleep Habits, and Perceived Exertion Affect Technical Performance?

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on technical performance depending on changes in body composition, sleep habits, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty-four professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 12) or an active control group (CON; n = 12). Both groups completed a four-week SSG training program (three sessions per week). During the first and fourth weeks of the SSGs training, the two groups were evaluated to detect changes in technical performance, dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality index (PSQI) survey outcomes, RPE, heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration [La]. During the fourth week of the RIF period, body composition, dietary intake, sleep latency, sleep duration, and HR significantly decreased only for INT (p < 0.001). However, RPE significantly increased (p < 0.001), and technical performances were negatively affected (p < 0.01). MANCOVA (adjusted for the percentage of change in sleep duration, body mass, and RPE) showed no significant differences in either group. In conclusion, our results showed that the technical performance of professional basketball male players was significantly affected at the end of RIF independently of changes in RPE, sleep habits, and body composition.

Construct Validity and Reliability of a New Basketball Multidirectional Reactive Repeated Sprint Test.

The objective of this study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of a new reactive multidirectional repeated sprinting test (RRSA5COD) in basketball players. Forty male basketball players were divided into two groups: Professional (PRO; n = 20) and Semi-professional (SEMI; n = 20). Participants completed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1), the squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ), the single leg drop jump (DJ), the 20-m sprint test, the planed multidirectional repeated sprinting test (PRSA5COD), and the RRSA5COD test. Reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT), total time (TT), best time (BT), and fatigue index (FI) were assessed. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded, while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (LA) were measured post-tests. The reliability of the RRSA5COD test was also assessed between two attempts with one week between them. The RRSA5COD results demonstrated to be reliable with most of the variables showing ICC > 0.80. BA Bonferroni post hoc revealed a significant better TT in favor of RRSA5COD (p < 0.001; ES = 0.15; small), and in favor of PRO (p < 0.001; ES = 0.006; small). The result showed a significant better performance in favor of PRO in all physical fitness tests. In conclusion, it was found that the RRSA5COD discriminates between professional and semi-professional male basketball players, and the results were demonstrated to be reliable.

Variation in Lower Limb Power and Three Point Shot Performance Following Repeated Sprints: One Vs. Five Changes of Direction in Male Basketball Players.

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) with five changes of direction was well admitted to replicate real basketball game situations, but the additional changes of direction may affect some fundamental skills and performances in basketball. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RSA with one vs. five changes of direction (IRSA5COD) on squat jump (SJ), five jump test (FJT) and three point shot (3PS) performances in male basketball players. Sixteen participants (23.4 ± 2.3 years; 1.86 ± 0.10 m; 77.8 ± 7.7 kg) randomly performed eight testing sessions consisting of either RSA (10 repetitions of (15 m + 15 m)) or IRSA5COD (10 repetitions of (5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m)) performed alone or immediately followed by the SJ, FJT or 3PS. The heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were continuously recorded, while blood lactate concentration was measured post-tests. Differences between RSA and IRSA5COD were evaluated by a Student t-test for paired samples, while analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures assessed differences in SJ, FJT and 3PS performance between baseline, post-RSA and post-IRSA5COD. A significantly poorer FJT performance post-RSA was shown compared to baseline (7.47 ± 0.47 vs.7.54 ± 0.47 m, p = 0.01) and post-IRSA 5COD (7.47 ± 0.47 vs. 7.56 ± 0.49%, p = 0.048). Significantly lower 3PS accuracy was also observed post-IRSA 5COD compared to baseline (41.3 ± 3.1 vs.53.1 ± 2.8%, p = 0.003) and post-RSA (41.3 ± 3.1 vs. 48.1 ± 3.7%, p = 0.033). These results suggest that jump performance required for crucial actions such as lay-ups is negatively affected by longer sprints (15-m) with few changes of direction, while 3PS accuracy is impaired by shorter sprints with many changes of direction. These situations should be replicated when training these particular abilities to optimize training adaptations.

Sex-specific effects of small-sided games in basketball on psychometric and physiological markers during Ramadan intermittent fasting: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the effects of gender, in association with a four-week small-sided games (SSGs) training program, during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on changes in psychometric and physiological markers in professional male and female basketball players. METHODS: Twenty-four professional basketball players from the first Tunisian (Tunisia) division participated in this study. The players were dichotomized by sex (males [GM = 12]; females [GF = 12]). Both groups completed a 4 weeks SSGs training program with 3 sessions per week. Psychometric (e.g., quality of sleep, fatigue, stress, and delayed onset of muscle soreness [DOMS]) and physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate frequency, blood lactate) were measured during the first week (baseline) and at the end of RIF (post-test). RESULTS: Post hoc tests showed a significant increase in stress levels in both groups (GM [- 81.11%; p < 0.001, d = 0.33, small]; GF [- 36,53%; p = 0.001, d = 0.25, small]). Concerning physiological parameters, ANCOVA revealed significantly lower heart rates in favor of GM at post-test (1.70%, d = 0.38, small, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that SSGs training at the end of the RIF negatively impacted psychometric parameters of male and female basketball players. It can be concluded that there are sex-mediated effects of training during RIF in basketball players, and this should be considered by researchers and practitioners when programing training during RIF.

Effects of a 12-Week Change-of-Direction Sprints Training Program on Selected Physical and Physiological Parameters in Professional Basketball Male Players.

Multidirectional repeated sprints with quick changes-of-direction (CoD) are considered a key performance determinant in basketball. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week CoD sprint training program compared to regular basketball training on selected measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in male basketball players. Sixteen professional basketball players were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT = 8) or an active control group (CON = 8). INT completed a 12-week CoD sprint training program with two sessions per week while CON continued their regular training. Training volume was similar between groups. Before and after the intervention, the two groups were evaluated for the repeated sprint ability test with CoD (IRSA5COD), the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) test, the five time-jump test (FJT) and change of direction t-test. Blood samples were taken before the beginning of the experimental protocol, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks to monitor the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C). For t-test, post-hoc tests revealed significant pre-to-post improvements for INT (3.4%; p = 0.001, ES = 0.91). For CMJ, post-hoc tests revealed a significant pre-to-post decrease for INT (-11.6%; p = 0.001, ES = 0.94), and a significant improvement for CON (4.96%; p = 0.014, ES = 0.60). For T/C ratio, post-hoc tests revealed a significant decrease after 12 weeks of training for INT (52.3%; p < 0.001; ES = 0.63). In conclusion, twelve weeks of CoD sprint training enhanced CoD performance but negatively affected vertical jump capacity in male basketball players. T/C ratio indicated that the physiological demands associated with INT were well-balanced.

Small sided games vs repeated sprint training effects on agility in fasting basketball players / Jogos reduzidos vs sprints repetidos treinamento efietos na agilidade em jogadores de basquete em jejum / Juegos reducidos vs sprints repetidos enternamiento efectos en la agilidad en jugadores de baloncesto en ayunas

ABSTRACT Introduction The coinciding of month of Ramadan with international basketball competitions could affect players' performance. Objective This field investigation examined the impacts of a basic training program in small-sided games and repeated sprint ability during intermittent fasting for Ramadan (R) and one month after Ramadan (AR) [control month] on body composition, agility and lower limb power. Methods Sixteen basketball players (age, 23.4±2.3 years) performed two training programs [small-sided games (SSG) and repeated sprint ability (RSA)] during R and AR, interrupted by fifteen days of total recovery. The players were randomly allocated to two groups (GSSG, n=8 and GRSA, n=8). Body composition, agility T test, squat jump (SJ) test, countermovement jump (CMJ) test and five-jump (FJT) test performances were measured on four occasions: before R (P1) and at the end of R (P2),as well as before AR (P3) and at the end of AR (P4). Results The results showed that body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI) and body fat (BF %) decreased significantly at the end of R for both groups (all p < 0.001). Moreover, the performances in the agility T test, SJ test, CMJ test and FJT test improved significantly at the end of R for both groups (p<0.001 and p<0.01). Also, by comparing R with the control month, we recorded significantly better agility and FJT performances in the R month (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study indicated that Ramadan combined with RSA and SSG training may improve agility and lower limb power, enabling coaches and physical trainers to choose between these two training modalities, depending on the training objectives. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

RESUMO Introdução A coincidência do mês do Ramadã e as competições internacionais de basquetebol pode influenciar o desempenho dos jogadores. Objetivo Esta investigação de campo examinou os impactos do programa de treinamento básico em jogos reduzidos e capacidade de sprints repetidos no jejum intermitente durante o Ramadã (R) e um mês após o Ramadã (AR) [mês controle] na composição corporal, agilidade e força dos membros inferiores. Métodos Dezesseis jogadores de basquetebol (idade, 23,4 ± 2,3 anos) realizaram dois programas de treinamento [jogos reduzidos (SSG) e capacidade de sprints repetidos (RSA)] durante o R e AR, interrompidos por quinze dias de recuperação total. Os jogadores foram alocados randomicamente em dois grupos (GSSG, n = 8 e GRSA, n = 8). A composição corporal, o teste T de agilidade, o teste de salto vertical sem contramovimento (SJ, squat jump), o teste do salto com contramovimento (CMJ) e o desempenho no teste de cinco saltos (FJT) foram medidos em quatro ocasiões: antes do R (P1) e no final do R (P2), bem como antes de AR (P3) e no final do AR (P4). Resultados Os resultados mostraram que a massa corporal (MC), o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a gordura corporal (% GC) diminuíram significativamente no final do R nos dois grupos (todos p < 0,001). Além disso, o desempenho no teste T de agilidade, teste SJ, teste CMJ e teste FJT melhorou significativamente no final do R nos dois grupos (p < 0,001 e p < 0,01). Além disso, comparando o mês do R com o mês controle, registramos desempenho em agilidade e FJT significativamente maior no mês R (p < 0,001). Conclusões Este estudo indicou que o Ramadã combinado com treinamento RSA e SSG pode melhorar a agilidade e a força dos membros inferiores, permitindo que os treinadores e preparadores físicos escolham entre essas duas modalidades de treinamento de acordo com o objetivo do treinamento. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Diagnósticos - Investigação de exame diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Introducción La coincidencia del mes del Ramadán y las competiciones internacionales de baloncesto puede influir en el desempeño de los jugadores. Objetivo Esta investigación de campo examinó los impactos del programa de entrenamiento básico en los juegos reducidos y capacidad de sprints repetidos en el ayuno intermitente durante el Ramadán (R) y un mes después del Ramadán (AR) [mes control] en la composición corporal, agilidad y fuerza de los miembros inferiores. Métodos Dieciséis jugadores de baloncesto (edad, 23,4 ± 2,3 años) realizaron dos programas de entrenamiento [juegos reducidos (SSG) y capacidad de sprints repetidos (RSA)] durante el R y el AR, interrumpidos por quince días de recuperación total. Los jugadores fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos (GSSG, n = 8 y GRSA, n = 8). La composición corporal, el test T de agilidad, el test de salto vertical sin contramovimiento (SJ, squat jump), el test de salto con contramovimiento (CMJ) y el desempeño en el test de cinco saltos (FJT) fueron medidos en cuatro ocasiones: antes del R (P1) y al final del R (P2), así como antes del AR (P3) y al final del AR (P4). Resultados Los resultados mostraron que la masa corporal (MC), el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la grasa corporal (% GC) disminuyeron significativamente al final del R en los dos grupos (todos p <0,001). Además, el desempeño del test T de agilidad, el test SJ, el test CMJ y el test FJT mejor ó significativamente al final del R en los dos grupos (p <0,001 y p<0,01). Además, al comparar el mes del R con el mes control, hemos registrado desempeño en agilidad y FJT significativamente mayor en el mes R (p <0,001). Conclusiones Este estudio indicó que el Ramadán, combinado con el entrenamiento RSA y SSG, puede mejorar la agilidad y la fuerza de los miembros inferiores, permitiendo que los entrenadores y preparadores físico s escojan entre estas dos modalidades de entrenamiento de acuerdo con el objetivo del entrenamiento. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios Diagnósticos - Investigación de examen diagnóstico.