Study on the relationship between fixation characteristics and hit rate in psychological procedure training of free throw.

BACKGROUND: Free throw is an important means of scoring in basketball games. With the improvement of basketball competition level and the enhancement of confrontation degree, the number of free throws in the game gradually increases, so the score of free throw will have an important impact on the result of the game. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between visual attention characteristics and hit rate of basketball players in free throw psychological procedure training, so as to provide scientific basis for basketball teaching and training. METHODS: Forty players with similar free throw abilities were randomly assigned to the experimental group (10 males, 10 females) and control group (10 males, 10 females). The experimental group was free throw psychological procedure training, while the control group was trained with routine training, Eye movement indices (number of fixations, fixation duration, and pupil dilation) and the free throw hit rate and analyzed before and after the experiment. Group differences were examined using t-tests, while paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-test results within each group. The training time and training times of the two groups were the same. RESULTS: There were significant differences in fixation duration, number of fixations, pupil diameter and free throw hit rate between pre-test and post-test in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Post-test, there were significant differences in number of fixations, fixation duration, pupil diameter and free throw hit rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between number of fixations and free throw hit rate in top (P < 0.01), and there was a significant positive correlation between fixation duration and hit rate in front (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The psychological procedure training can improve the visual information search strategy and information processing ability of free throw, and significantly improve the free throw hit rate. There was a positive correlation between the front fixation time and the free throw hit rate, and there was a positive correlation between the top number of fixations and the free throw hit rate.

Caffeinated Chewing Gum Improves Basketball Shooting Accuracy and Physical Performance Indicators of Trained Basketball Players: A Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on the basketball-specific performance of trained basketball players. A double-blind, randomized crossover design was employed. (2) Methods: Fifteen participants (age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years; height: 180.9 ± 5.4 cm; mass: 77.2 ± 7.5 kg; training age: 8.2 ± 0.3 years) were recruited and divided into a caffeine trial (CAF) and placebo trial (PL). The participants in the CAF trial chewed gum containing 3 mg/kg of caffeine for 10 min, while those in the PL trial chewed a placebo gum without caffeine. Following a 15 min rest, all the participants completed basketball-specific performance tests. (3) Results: The free throw accuracy for the CAF trial was significantly higher than that for the PL trial (CAF: 79.0 ± 4.31%; PL: 73.0 ± 9.16%; p = 0.012; Cohen's d = 0.94). Additionally, the CAF trial demonstrated significantly better performance in the 20 m segmented dash (CAF: 2.94 ± 1.12 s; PL: 3.13 ± 0.10 s; p < 0.001; Cohen's d =1.8) and squats (p < 0.05), and exhibited lower fatigue indexes (CAF: 3.6 ± 1.6%; PL: 5.2 ± 1.6%; p = 0.009; Cohen's d =1.0). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that chewing gum containing 3 mg/kg of caffeine offers moderate-to-large improvements in key performance aspects relevant to professionally trained basketball players.

Effects of the Flying Start on Estimated Short Sprint Profiles Using Timing Gates.

Short sprints are predominantly assessed using timing gates and analyzed through parameters of the mono-exponential equation, including estimated maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and relative acceleration (TAU), derived maximum acceleration (MAC), and relative propulsive maximal power (PMAX), further referred to as the No Correction model. However, the frequently recommended flying start technique introduces a bias during parameter estimation. To correct this, two additional models (Estimated TC and Estimated FD) were proposed. To estimate model precision and sensitivity to detect the change, 31 basketball players executed multiple 30 m sprints. Athlete performance was simultaneously measured by a laser gun and timing gates positioned at 5, 10, 20, and 30 m. Short sprint parameters were estimated using a laser gun, representing the criterion measure, and five different timing gate models, representing the practical measures. Only the MSS parameter demonstrated a high agreement between the laser gun and timing gate models, using the percent mean absolute difference (%MAD) estimator (%MAD < 10%). The MSS parameter also showed the highest sensitivity, using the minimum detectable change estimator (%MDC95), with an estimated %MDC95 < 17%. Interestingly, sensitivity was the highest for the No Correction model (%MDC95 < 7%). All other parameters and models demonstrated an unsatisfying level of sensitivity. Thus, sports practitioners should be cautious when using timing gates to estimate maximum acceleration indices and changes in their respective levels.

Do the feet of male and female netball players differ in shape? Implications for shoe design.

A large proportion of netball players suffer foot-related problems and pain and are dissatisfied with current netball-specific footwear. To improve the fit and functionality of netball-specific shoes, we must understand the shape of these players' feet and determine whether any sex differences exist. Five hundred and two representative-level netball players (n = 251 male; n = 251 female) had their feet three-dimensionally scanned. We then used a validated MATLAB code to automatically extract 10 measurements to characterise each participant's foot shape. Differences between men and women for the absolute values and those normalised to foot length and stature were identified using independent samples t-tests with a Bonferroni adjusted alpha level. The size and shape of male netball players' feet differed significantly from their female counterparts. Males had significantly larger absolute and normalised foot measurements than females, notably at the ball of the foot, heel and instep (p < 0.001). Netball shoe manufacturers should develop unique lasts for each sex and foot size and should offer a more extensive range of shoe lengths and widths to netball players. Such considerations will help optimise shoe fit and comfort and, in turn, reduce foot-related problems and pain associated with ill-fitting footwear.

Is larger eccentric utilization ratio associated with poorer rate of force development in squat jump? An exploratory study.

This exploratory study examines the relationship between the eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) and the rate of force development (RFD) in squat jumps (SJ). EUR, a key metric in sports science, compares performance in countermovement jumps (CMJ) and squat jumps (SJ). The study hypothesizes that a higher EUR is associated with a poorer RFD in SJ. Basketball and soccer players, long-distance runners, alongside physical education students (209 men; age: 23.2 ± 4.95 years and 104 women; age: 22.7 ± 4.42 years) participated. The EUR was calculated from jump height, peak force and peak power. The results indicated a small to moderate but significant negative correlation between EUR based on peak force or peak power and RFD in SJ (r = -.41 and -.27), suggesting that a higher EUR might be linked to a diminished ability to rapidly develop force in SJ. Thus, a higher EUR may not indicate superior athletic performance.

Assessing the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on pediatric baseball and basketball-related craniofacial and neck injuries treated in United States emergency departments, 2003-2022.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of United States (U.S.) youth play basketball, baseball, softball, or T-ball. Each of the activities poses a documented risk of craniofacial and neck injuries. However, few studies have assessed the national prevalence of pediatric craniofacial and neck injuries in this population, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) dataset was used to identify pediatric craniofacial and neck injuries associated with basketball, baseball, softball, or T-ball from 2003-2022 in a cross-sectional study. The annual number of injuries before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was used to estimate the pandemic's impact on the monthly number of injuries incurred nationally. RESULTS: Both overall and stratified by sport involvement, the annual number and rate of injuries identified in NEISS decreased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. ITSA demonstrated that the monthly number of injuries decreased -4094.4 (95% CI = -5100, -3088.7) immediately after the beginning of the pandemic. The number of injuries began increasing towards pre-pandemic levels at a rate of 110.6 (95% CI = 64, 157.2) injuries per month after the initial plunge. CONCLUSION: Prior to the-pandemic, there was a steady decline in craniofacial and neck injuries due to basketball, baseball, softball and T-ball among children, aged <18 years. The shutdown during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a precipitous drop in such injuries. Current rates are approaching pre-pandemic levels and may exceed them. Continued efforts are needed to keep the pre-pandemic progress.

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.

The effect of repeated concussions on clinical and neurocognitive symptom severity in different contact sports.

INTRODUCTION: The potential consequences of repeated concussions in sport are well documented. However, it remains unclear whether the cumulative impact of sports-related concussions differs between different contact sports. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the cumulative effects of sports-related concussions on clinical and neurocognitive health in different contact sports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, we examined 507 (74 females) active professional athletes between 18 and 40 years of age from five different contact sports (soccer, handball, American football, basketball, and ice hockey). Data collection involved concussion history, clinical symptom evaluation, neurocognitive assessment, and the collection of other sports-related information. Composite scores were built for clinical symptoms (such as neck pain and balance disturbances) and for neurocognitive symptoms (such as memory and attention impairments). RESULTS: Athletes having suffered 3+ concussions in the past showed disproportionally higher clinical symptom severity than athletes with less than three concussions across all sports. The level of clinical symptom burden in athletes with 3+ concussions indicated mild impairment. The number of past concussions did not affect neurocognitive performance. DISCUSSION: Repeated sports-related concussions appear to have a cumulative impact on clinical-but not cognitive-symptom severity. Although clinical symptom burden in athletes with 3+ concussions in the past was not alarmingly high yet in our sample, increased caution should be advised at this point. Despite few exceptions, results are similar for different contact sports, suggesting a similar multidisciplinary concussion management across all types of sport.

Effect of a Neuromodulation Protocol Associated With Sports Training on the Precision Sports Performance of a Wheelchair Basketball Para-Athlete: A Case Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) optimizes the performance of a wheelchair basketball player on precision tasks. METHODS: A right-handed wheelchair basketball player (1.5 points functional class) with myelomeningocele (low lumbar level) participated in this case study. The tDCS neuromodulation protocol was applied throughout 10 interventions of 20 minutes with a current intensity of 2 mA, simultaneously with sport-specific training, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Anodic stimulation was performed on the right cerebellar hemisphere (CB2) and cathodic stimulation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A control participant was submitted to a sham-tDCS stimulation protocol for the same period. Functional performance was assessed before the intervention and after the 5th and 10th interventions using "pass accuracy," "free-throw shooting," and "spot shot" tests. Outcome measures were compared using percentage differences between preintervention, intermediate intervention, and postintervention values. RESULTS: There was a gradual increase in the athlete's total and average scores in all tests performed, with an overall improvement of 78% between the baseline and final assessments, while the control participant had an overall improvement of 6.5%. CONCLUSION: The tDCS protocol was effective in improving performance in precision activities in a wheelchair basketball player.

Statistical Tests for Sports Science Practitioners: Identifying Performance Gains in Individual Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Harry, JR, Hurwitz, J, Agnew, C, and Bishop, C. Statistical tests for sports science practitioners: identifying performance gains in individual athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e264-e272, 2024-There is an ongoing surge of sports science professionals within sports organizations. However, when seeking to determine training-related adaptations, sports scientists have demonstrated continued reliance on group-style statistical analyses that are held to critical assumptions not achievable in smaller-sample team settings. There is justification that these team settings are better suited for replicated single-subject analyses, but there is a dearth of literature to guide sports science professionals seeking methods appropriate for their teams. In this report, we summarize 4 methods' ability to detect performance adaptations at the replicated single-subject level and provide our assessment for the ideal methods. These methods included the model statistic, smallest worthwhile change, coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of measurement (SEM), which were discussed alongside step-by-step guides for how to conduct each test. To contextualize the methods' use in practice, real countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) test data were used from 4 (2 females and 2 males) athletes who complete 5 biweekly CMJ test sessions. Each athlete was competing in basketball at the NCAA Division 1 level. We concluded that the combined application of the model statistic and CV methods should be preferred when seeking to objectively detect meaningful training adaptations in individual athletes. This combined approach ensures that the differences between the tests are (a) not random and (b) reflect a worthwhile change. Ultimately, the use of simple and effective methods that are not restricted by group-based statistical assumptions can aid practitioners when conducting performance tests to determine athlete adaptations.

Leveraging Statistical Theory In Sports Competitions: An Analysis Of Probabilistic Models And Multiple Regression Within The Framework Of Big Data

CBA is a sports event that allows fans to enjoy themselves and players to give full play, and traditional Chinese cultural values have a profound influence on it. This paper takes the 100 sets of historical rating data of the fourteen teams in CBA league as the basic basis, firstly, we simply deal with the 100 sets of historical rating data and use Excel function formula to find out the mean, extreme deviation and variance of each team, then we carry out SAS normal test, and we find that except for the very few data with large deviation, the historical rating data satisfy the normal distribution. Through the outlier algorithm to screen the values, compare the confidence intervals as well as carry out hypothesis testing, to objectively and scientifically explore the probability of each team winning the championship in the CBA league. Compare the probability of winning the championship of these fourteen teams and predict the top four teams in the CBA league to ensure that the prediction results are as reasonable as possible. With the help of hierarchical analysis to qualitatively analyze the level of each team, and then through cluster analysis to compare these data, and combined with the trend of the development of the world's basketball movement, the use of multiple regression and SPSS to analyze the level of the team's factors, in-depth thinking about the league, a more reasonable to give a more scientific to improve the probability of the team's winning the championship, and to promote better development of the basketball movement. (AU)

HIIT serves as an efficient training strategy for basketball players by improving blood fluidity and decreasing oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: A challenge for coaches and athletes is to find the best combination of exercises during training. Considering its favorable effects, HIIT has been very popular recently. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate anthropometric features, performance, erythrocyte deformability, plasma viscosity (PV) and oxidative stress in response to acute and long-term (6 weeks) HIIT in adolescent basketball players. METHODS: 22 sportsmen between the ages of 14-16 were included. Tabata protocol was applied to the HIIT group in addition to their routine training program 3 days/week, for 6 weeks. Erythrocyte deformability was determined using an ectacytometer (LORCA), PV with a rotational viscometer. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured by kits. RESULTS: HIIT for 6 weeks induced an improvement in performance tests and waist circumference. 6 weeks of HIIT resulted in a decrement, while the last exercise session yielded an increment in RBC deformability. PV and TOS of HIIT groups were decreased on the 6th week. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that, HIIT in addition to the routine exercise program is beneficial for improving performance and blood fluidity as well as decreasing oxidative stress in basketball players. Therefore, HIIT seems as an efficient training strategy for highly-trained individuals.

Effect of pre-season and in-season training on anthropometric variables, somatotype, body composition and body proportion in elite basketball players.

The aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the pre-season period; 2) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the in-season period; and 3) to observe if the age and position influenced the variables analyzed. A total of 17 players belonging to the men's ACB league team competing in the Euroleague (age = 23.42 ± 5.28 years-old) participated in the study. The players underwent an anthropometric measurement before and after the pre-season, as well as four evaluations throughout the in-season. Anthropometric indices, somatotype components according to Heath and Carter, and adiposity were calculated. The results show that during the pre-season, body mass, BMI, sum of 6 and 8 skinfolds, waist/hip ratio, adipose tissue (kg), adipose tissue percentage, and endomorphy decreased, while ectomorphy increased. However, no significant changes were found in the variables analyzed throughout the season; except for endomorphy, which increased along the in-season. Playing position and age did not have a significant influence on the changes in the anthropometric variables throughout the pre-season and the in-season. In conclusion, while changes in the anthropometric variables in the pre-season were observed, these remained the same during the in-season.

Composite rating method: Application to European basketball leagues.

This paper introduces the Composite Rating Method (CRM), a novel approach for the integrated evaluation of basketball player and team performances across multiple leagues. Utilizing data from Euroleague, EuroCup, and Basketball Champions League, the presented method provides comprehensive and accurate rankings, including accounting for actions not included in personal statistics. Drawing inspiration from established methodologies such as ELO, PER, Offensive and Defensive ratings, CRM offers a balanced assessment of player and team capabilities. The paper delineates the data collection and preprocessing procedures, details the algorithmic framework of CRM, and showcases its predictive capacity. By presenting a well-rounded approach to ranking, this paper aims to contribute to the advancement of performance evaluation methods in basketball and sports in general.

Recovery in elite youth basketball players: The responsiveness of the psychophysiological measurements and the role of testosterone concentration.

This study investigated the recovery responses to the Total Quality Recovery (TQR), Well-Being questionnaire (WBQ), and Heart Rate (HR) responses to Submaximal Running Test (SRT), and the influence of salivary testosterone concentration (TEST) on these responses in 25 elite youth (U15) male basketball players. TQR, WBQ, and HR measurements were assessed after 48 hours of rest (T1), 24 hours after the 1st day of training (T2) and 24 hours after the 2nd day of training (T3). Salivary sampling was conducted at T1 and T3. A significant decrease was observed for TQR (F = 4.06; p = 0.01) and for WBQ (F = 5.37; p = 0.008) from T1 to T3. No difference among the three-time points was observed for HR and HR Recovery, and the TEST concentration did not influence the results. These results show that TQR and WBQ are sensitive to acute transient alterations in training loads (TL) and may be utilized to monitor recovery in elite youth basketball players. The HR related measurements presented limited responsiveness, and the TEST seems not to influence the recovery of these players who are competing at highest performance level.

Anterior knee laxity is greater in athletic females who attain menarche at a younger age.

PURPOSE: Females with above-average anterior knee laxity values are at increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of menarche age (MA) and menarche offset on anterior knee laxity in young, physically active women. METHODS: Anterior knee laxity (KT-2000) and menstrual characteristics (per self-report) were recorded in 686 Slovenian sportswomen from team handball, volleyball and basketball club sports (average years sport participation: 7.3 ± 3.6 years). Females were stratified into four groups based on their self-reported age at menarche: 9-11, 12, 13 and 14+ years. Anterior knee laxity was compared across MA groups using a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction, with and without controlling for factors that could potentially differ between groups and influence anterior knee laxity. Females were then stratified into four groups based on the number of years they were away from their age at onset of menarche. Groups were compared using a univariate ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, with and without controlling for factors that differed between groups and could influence anterior knee laxity. RESULTS: Anterior knee laxity was greater in females who attained menarche at 12 years of age (6.4 ± 1.5 mm) or younger (6.6 ± 1.6 mm) compared to 14 years of age or older (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) (p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.032). Anterior knee laxity was 0.7-1.4 mm greater in females who were 5 or more years away from menarche compared to those who were within 2 years of menarche (5.8 ± 1.3 mm; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anterior knee laxity is greater in females who attained menarche at a younger age and in females who are 5 or more years postmenarche. Age of menarche represents a critical pubertal event that is easy for women to recall and may provide important insights into factors that moderate anterior knee laxity, a risk factor for ACL injury in women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Anthropometric and physical fitness indicators in the combine draft between the finalist and the eliminated player in the national basketball association all-star slam dunk contest.

Little is known about the difference of anthropometry and physical fitness between the finalist and eliminated player in the NBA all star slam dunk contest. This study aimed to compare the difference on anthropometric and physical fitness indicator in the combine draft between finalist and eliminated player in the national basketball association all star slam dunk contest. Draft data of 32 basketball players (N = 32, age in draft year: 20.69±2.28 years old, height without shoes: 196.75±8.68 cm, weight: 96.85±10 kg, body fat percentage: 6.07±1.23%) participating in the 2000-2015 draft and 2003-2023 slam dunk contest was selected from national basketball association database. It was classified into finals group (FG) (N = 16) and elimination group (EG) (N = 16). Independent sample t-test with cohen's d was adopted for evaluating the statistical significance of intergroup difference and its effect size. The result indicates that Finalist group was significant less than elimination group on height without shoes (FG vs EG: 193.43±9.47 cm vs 200.06±6.52 cm, P<0.05), standing reach (FG vs EG: 257.66±12.32 cm vs 268.29±10.03 cm, P<0.05) and weight (FG vs EG: 93.38±7.37 kg vs 100.33±11.25 kg, P<0.05). Conversely, compared to elimination group,finalist group has significant better performance on three quarter court sprint (FG vs EG: 3.15±0.1 s vs 3.26±0.12 s, P<0.05), standing vertical jump (FG vs EG: 84.88±5.13 cm vs 78.83±4.9 cm, P<0.05) and max vertical jump (FG vs EG: 102.39±6.47 cm vs 94.79±8.34 cm, P<0.05). However, effect size analysis indicated that height without shoes,standing reach,weight (cohen's d = 0.73-0.959, 0.7≤cohen's d<1.3, moderate) from the anthropometric indicator and three quarter court sprint, standing vertical jump, and max vertical jump (cohen's d = 0.97-1.21, 0.7≤cohen's d<1.3, moderate) from physical fitness indicator has moderate effect size, whereas effect size of body fat percentage, wingspan and lane agility time (cohen's d = 0.31-0.67, 0.3≤cohen's d<0.7, small) was small. To conclude, specific anthropometric and physical fitness indicator shows clear difference between finals group and elimination group. Height without shoes, standing reach,weight in anthropometry and three quarter court sprint, standing vertical jump, and max vertical jump in physical fitness are key indicator to slam dunk performance. In line with the result in the study, NBA staff can select suitable rookies for slam dunk contest. Similiarly, coach from NBA or other basketball league, who want to improve the player's slam dunk performance, should use specific training programs to develop the slam dunk-related indicator.