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

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

Weekly Fluctuations in, and Associations Between, Salivary Hormone Responses, Load, and Well-Being During the Pre-season in Professional Male Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Kamarauskas, P, Scanlan, A, Ferioli, D, and Conte, D. Weekly fluctuations in, and associations between, salivary hormone responses, load, and well-being during the pre-season in professional male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 128-135, 2024-This study aimed to (a) quantify weekly fluctuations in hormonal responses (testosterone [T], cortisol [C], and their ratio [T:C]), external (PlayerLoad [PL] and PL·minute-1) and internal (session rating of perceived exertion load [sRPE-load], summated heart rate zones [SHRZs], and percentage of maximal heart rate [%HRmax]) load measures, and well-being measured using a self-reported questionnaire and (b) determine the associations between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with weekly changes in well-being during the pre-season phase in basketball players. Twenty-one professional male basketball players (age: 26.2 ± 4.9 years) were monitored during a 5-week pre-season phase. Linear mixed models were used to determine weekly differences in each variable and associations between weekly changes in hormonal and load variables with weekly changes in well-being. Findings revealed that T (p < 0.001) and T:C (p = 0.002) increased toward the end of the pre-season phase. Moreover, higher (p < 0.05) external (PL·minute-1) and internal (%HRmax) load intensities were evident during the first 3 weeks of the pre-season, with no significant fluctuations in other load variables. Weekly changes in PL and sRPE-load were negatively associated (p < 0.05) with weekly changes in well-being, albeit weak in magnitudes (R2 = 0.061-0.105). These results highlight that a periodized approach was undertaken across the pre-season predominantly predicated on altering weekly load intensities, which coincided with positive hormonal responses toward the end of the pre-season. In addition, weak relationships were evident between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with well-being, emphasizing that a low commonality may be present between these constructs.

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

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

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

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

The effect of basketball matches on salivary markers: a systematic review.

The aim of this paper was to synthesize the findings on salivary marker responses to the different basketball match typologies. An electronic database search of articles published until October 2020 was performed in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies were then screened using pre-defined selection criteria and a subsequent assessment of methodological quality was conducted. Articles matching the selection criteria and methodological quality were included in the systematic review. The electronic database search produced 696 articles. After removing 505 duplicates, 191 articles were included for screening. Screening led to 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The main findings revealed that playing a basketball match induced a highly stressful condition reflected by increased post-match cortisol levels regardless of season phase (i.e. regular vs. semi-final vs. final matches), match outcome (i.e. winning vs. losing matches) and location (i.e. home vs. away). Different results were found for testosterone, which showed inconsistent outcomes when measured before and after matches. However, an effect of match location on testosterone levels was observed, with higher concentrations before home matches compared to away matches. Finally, playing basketball matches led to an increase in levels of alpha-amylase, a decrease in interleukin-21 and no changes in immunoglobulin A, total protein and brain-derived-neurotrophic factor. The current results provide a detailed description of salivary markers changes in response to different basketball matches, which can help practitioners to have a better understanding of the basketball performance profile.

Changes in salivary markers during basketball long-term and short-term training periods: a systematic review.

Changes in salivary markers have been largely assessed during different modalities of long-term and short-term basketball training across different basketball populations. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature assessing changes in salivary markers in basketball following long-term and short-term training periods. An electronic database search of articles published until October 2020 was completed in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies were then screened and selected using pre-defined selection criteria with 1080 articles identified. After removing 690 duplicates, 390 articles were included for screening, which revealed 15 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The main findings revealed no changes in testosterone (T), cortisol (C) or their ratio (T:C), while contrasting results were found in immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total protein (TP) levels across long-term periodized training periods in different basketball populations. The analysis of short-term training periods showed that strength-hypertrophy training induced higher C levels compared to a non-exercising day, one-power training and one-endurance training session in female basketball players, while no changes were evident for T and IgA. Moreover, the analysis of salivary markers in response to small-sided games (SSGs) documented a large-to-moderate increase in alpha-amylase (AA) from pre- to post-SSG and inconsistent results of C and T across differently designed SSGs. The current results provide a detailed description of salivary marker changes in response to different basketball long- and short-term training periods, which can help practitioners in designing sound training programmes to optimize players' fitness and health status across different phases of the season.

Assessing the Relationship Between External and Internal Match Loads in Elite Women's Rugby Sevens.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between external and internal load during official women's rugby seven matches. METHODS: Six backs (age = 24.2 [3.2] y; height = 161.5 [7.3] cm; body mass = 59.5 [5.0] kg; playing experience = 5.3 [1.5] y) and 8 forwards (age = 22.4 [2.7] y; height = 167.0 [4.8] cm; body mass = 70.6 [5.6] kg; playing experience = 5.0 [1.5] y) belonging to the women's rugby seven Brazilian national team were monitored across 3 international tournaments during the 2019-20 season, with 2 players excluded from the analysis since they did not participate in any investigated match. Total distance (TD), distance during high-intensity running 18.1 to 20.0 km·h-1 and >20 km·h-1 (sprinting), number of accelerations >1.8 m·s-2 (ACC), and of decelerations <1.8 m·s-2 were used as match load volume measures, while their relative values (TD per minute, high-intensity running per minute, sprinting per minute, ACC per minute, and decelerations per minute) were used as external load match intensity measures. Internal load intensity and volume were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and its value multiplied by match duration (sRPE-ML), respectively. Spearman correlations and linear mixed models were used to assess the relationships between internal and external load measures. RESULTS: A very large relationship (ρ = .830, P < .001) was found between sRPE-ML and TD, with linear mixed models showing that TD statistically affected sRPE-ML (P < .001). Linear mixed models analysis showed that ACC per minute was also affecting the sRPE-ML (P = .017), while sprinting (P = .007) and ACC per minute (P = .005) were the only 2 measures statistically affecting sRPE. However, weak relationships (trivial to large) were found for these and all other measures. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight that TD is the main external load measure able to anticipate the internal load responses measured via sRPE-ML in elite women's rugby sevens.

Weekly Fluctuations in Salivary Hormone Responses and Their Relationships With Load and Well-Being in Semiprofessional, Male Basketball Players During a Congested In-Season Phase.

PURPOSE: To assess weekly fluctuations in hormonal responses and their relationships with load and well-being during a congested in-season phase in basketball players. METHODS: Ten semiprofessional, male basketball players were monitored during 4 congested in-season phase weeks consisting of 3 weekly matches. Salivary hormone variables (testosterone [T], cortisol [C], and T:C ratio) were measured weekly, and external load (PlayerLoad™ and PlayerLoad per minute), internal load session rating of perceived exertion, percentage of maximum heart rate (HR), summated HR zones, and well-being were assessed for each training session and match. RESULTS: Significant (P < .05) moderate to large decreases in T were found in the third and fourth weeks compared with the first week. Nonsignificant moderate to large decreases in C were apparent in the last 2 weeks compared with previous weeks. Summated HR zones and perceived sleep significantly (P < .05) decreased in the fourth week compared with the first week; whereas, percentage of maximum HR significantly (P < .05) decreased in the fourth week compared with the second week. No significant relationships were found between weekly changes in hormonal responses and weekly changes in load and overall wellness. CONCLUSIONS: A congested schedule during the in-season negatively impacted the hormonal responses of players, suggesting that T and C measurements may be useful to detect fluctuations in hormone balance in such scenarios. The nonsignificant relationships between weekly changes in hormonal responses and changes in load and well-being indicate that other factors might induce hormonal changes across congested periods in basketball players.

Influence of Congested Match Schedules, Pre-Match Well-Being and Level of Opponents on Match Loads during World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.

This study aimed at assessing (1) the effect of congested match schedules on match loads and well-being as well as (2) pre-match well-being and level of opponents on match loads in elite women's rugby sevens. Eleven players of the Brazilian women's rugby sevens national team were investigated across three 2019-20 HSVC World Rugby Women's Seven Series tournaments to assess: (1) within-tournament match-to-match changes in various external and internal match load measures; (2) daily changes in players' well-being collected before the commencement of a tournament (day one) and during or post-tournament (day two to day four); and (3) the effect of pre-match well-being and level of opponents (high vs. low level) on match loads. Results revealed no between-match significant differences (p > 0.05) in most of the investigated match load measures. A congested match schedule negatively affected perceived fatigue (p < 0.001), muscle soreness (p = 0.004) and overall wellness (p < 0.001), with post hoc analyses showing decreased values on day four compared to previous days (small-to-moderate effect sizes). Finally, pre-match well-being and level of opponents did not affect match loads (p > 0.05). These results highlighted the necessity to embrace a multidimensional approach when adopting monitoring systems in elite women's rugby sevens during tournaments and to consider various contextual factors possibly affecting match loads, besides those investigated.

Repeated Sprint Ability in Elite Basketball Players: The Effects of 10 × 30 m Vs. 20 × 15 m Exercise Protocols on Physiological Variables and Sprint Performance.

Team sports players are required to perform repeated bouts of short-term high-intensity actions during the games. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a novel repeated sprint ability protocol (20×15 m) and compare it with the impact of a more traditional repeated sprint ability protocol (10×30 m). Twelve male elite Lithuanian basketball players (age 21.0 ± 2.0 y, body height 1.90 ± 0,07 m, body mass 86.2 ± 5.8 kg and training experience 12.0 ± 1.9 y) competing in the Lithuanian National Basketball Championship participated in this study. Participants completed three bouts of each repeated sprint protocol interspersed with 5 minutes of recovery. Results showed that the 20×15 m protocol caused a significant decrease in total sprint time (most likely; mean changes (%) with ± 90% of confidence limits, -9.4%; ± 0.7%) and a large decrease in blood lactate (most likely, -39.2%; ±12.8%) compared to the 10×30 m protocol. Despite small differences, the fatigue index presented a similar trend (possibly decrease, -23.7%; ± 38.8%). The exercise heart rate showed a very similar trend with trivial differences between the two protocols. The 20×15 m protocol presented a lower heart rate during recovery with small magnitude. Overall, the present study showed that the 20×15 m protocol seemed to be more representative of the specific basketball demands. Coaches should be aware that RSA training during the in-season may be an adequate stimulus to improve high-intensity runs and muscle power in high-level players.

Workload and well-being across games played on consecutive days during in-season phase in basketball players.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify and compare workload and well-being across basketball games played on consecutive days during the in-season phase. METHODS: Seven players (mean [SD]: age, 20.8 [1.6] y; stature, 195.0 [5.4] cm; body mass, 88.3 [4.2] kg; training experience, 11.6 [3.7] y) competing in the second-tier Lithuanian league were recruited. Changes in workload and well-being were monitored across six NKL games in three separate weeks during the in-season phase, with two games per week played on Friday (Day 1) and Saturday (Day 2). External workload was determined as PlayerLoad (PL) and PL per minute (PL/min) via microsensors. Internal workload was determined as percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), summated heart rate zones (SHRZ) workload, and session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) workload. Well-being was evaluated using questionnaires assessing fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress levels and mood. Linear mixed models and effect size analyses were used to compare workload and well-being between Day 1 and Day 2. RESULTS: Significantly lower PL/min (P=0.029; ES=0.26, small), greater perception of fatigue (P<0.001; ES=1.31, large) and lower total well-being score (P<0.001; ES=0.59, small) were observed for basketball games played on Day 2 compared to games played on Day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Two games played on consecutive days elicited similar game workloads with higher perceived fatigue and lower well-being in the second game day. These findings suggest basketball coaches using recovery strategies to optimize player well-being during congested game schedules.

Physical and Physiological Response to Different Modes of Repeated Sprint Exercises in Basketball Players.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in physical and physiological responses to different modes of repeated sprint exercise by measuring speed, total time (sum of sprints), fatigue index, heart rate, local oxygen saturation, total haemoglobin content, and blood lactate. The volume of the physical load (distance, work and rest ratio) was the same in both exercises, but load specifics were different. The first mode consisted of 10 x 30 m sprints (with one change of direction) interspersed with 30 s of passive recovery, while the second mode of 20 x 15 m shuttle sprints interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery. Both exercise modalities were repeated three times with a five-minute rest interval between bouts with 7 days of recovery between each testing condition. Twelve highly trained male basketball players volunteered to participate in this study. Our study showed that different modes of repeated sprint exercises elicited a different physical response and metabolic demand. Longer sprints with directional changes placed a higher demand on the anaerobic glycolytic system compared to straight and more frequent sprint exercises. However, players' fatigue was more noticeable in shorter and more frequent sprints. Heart rate responses and local use of O2 showed a similar activity of aerobic reactions through the different exercises. During the sprints, players' SmO2 fell to 40% and recovered to the level of about 80% during passive rest intervals without showing differences in both modalities. This suggests that both types of sprint exercises can similarly stimulate aerobic metabolism.