Do Elite Basketball Players Maintain Peak External Demands throughout the Entire Game?

Consideration of workload intensity and peak demands across different periods of basketball games contributes to understanding the external physical requirements of elite basketball players. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the average intensity and peak demands encountered by players throughout game quarters. PlayerLoad per minute and PlayerLoad at three different time samples (30 s, 1 min, and 3 min) were used as workload metrics. A total of 14 professional elite male basketball players were monitored during 30 official games to investigate this. A linear mixed model and Cohen's d were employed to identify significant differences and quantify the effect sizes among game quarters. The results showed a significant, moderate effect in PlayerLoad per minute between Q1 vs. Q4, and a small effect between Q2 and Q3 vs. Q4. Furthermore, a small to moderate decline was observed in external peak values for PlayerLoad across game quarters. Specifically,, a significant decrease was found for the 3 min time window between Q1 and other quarters. The findings from the present study suggest that professional basketball players tend to experience fatigue or reduced physical output as the game progresses.

Intra-unit reliability and movement variability of submission grappling external load as measured by torso mounted accelerometery.

Submission grappling consists of skills and movements used in combat sports to physically control opponents whilst trying to apply choke holds and joint locks. There is currently no accepted method of monitoring external load in grappling-based sports due to the absence of key variables such as distance, velocity or time. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether PlayerLoad is a reliable variable for measuring external load of submission grappling movements, with a secondary aim of determining the between repetition variance of submission grappling movements. 7 experienced submission grapplers were recruited. Each wore a torso mounted Catapult® Optimeye S5 microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and completed 5 repetitions of each of the following: 4 submission techniques; 5 transition techniques; 2 guard pass techniques; 2 takedown techniques. Accumulated PlayerLoad (PLdACC) was recorded as a marker of absolute load, with accumulated PlayerLoad per minute (PLdACC∙min-1) representing relative load. Reliability of each was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(3,1)) (≥ 0.70). Between repetition movement variation was assessed via coefficient of variation with 95% confidence intervals (CV, 95%CI) (acceptable ≤ 15%, good ≤ 10%). PLdACC ICC(3,1) range = 0.78-0.98, with CV range = 9-22%. PLdACC∙min-1 ICC(3,1) range = 0.83-0.98, with CV range = 11-19%. Though several variables displayed CV > 15%, all had 95%CI lower boundaries ≤ 15%. Whilst PlayerLoad was found to be a reliable measure for submission grappling, relatively high CVs across most techniques examined suggest PlayerLoad may not be appropriate for measuring changes in external load for individual movements in submission grappling. However, it may prove a useful tool for monitoring the external load of full, grappling-based, training sessions within an individual.

External Load of Flamenco Zap-3 Footwork Test: Use of PlayerLoad Concept with Triaxial Accelerometry.

The intense footwork required in flamenco dance may result in pain and injury. This study aimed to quantify the external load of the flamenco Zapateado-3 (Zap-3) footwork via triaxial accelerometry in the form of PlayerLoad (PL), comparing the difference in external loads at the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the dominant ankle (DA), and to explore whether the speed, position, axis and proficiency level of the flamenco dancer affected the external load. Twelve flamenco dancers, divided into professional and amateur groups, completed a 15-s Zap-3 footwork routine at different speeds. Triaxial accelerometry sensors were positioned at the DA, L5 and C7 and were utilized to calculate the total PlayerLoad (PLTOTAL), uniaxial PlayerLoad (PLUNI) and uniaxial contributions (PL%). For both PLTOTAL and PLUNI, this study identified significant effects of speed and position (p < 0.001), as well as the interaction between speed and position (p ≤ 0.001), and at the DA, values were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those at C7 and L5. Significant single axis and group effects (p < 0.001) and effects of the interactions between the position and a single axis and the group and speed (p ≤ 0.001) were also identified for PLUNI. Medial-lateral PL% represented a larger contribution compared with anterior-posterior PL% and vertical PL% (p < 0.001). A significant interaction effect of position and PL% (p < 0.001) also existed. In conclusion, the Zap-3 footwork produced a significant external load at different positions, and it was affected by speed, axis and the proficiency level of the flamenco dancer. Although the ankle bears the most external load when dancing the flamenco, some external load caused by significant vibrations is also borne by the lumbar and cervical vertebrae.

Peak instantaneous PlayerLoad metrics highlight movement strategy deficits in professional male soccer players.

To investigate the influence of task, limb dominance and previous injury on single leg hop task performance and loading response, 25 professional male soccer players completed anterior, medial and lateral hop tests with an accelerometer at mid-calf. Performance outcome was defined as hop distance with loading response defined as the magnitude of, and time to peak instantaneous planar PlayerLoad. The performance was sensitive to task and previous injury (P < 0.001) but not limb dominance, with no evidence of bilateral asymmetry (P = 0.668). Despite impaired performance, previously injured players did not exhibit lower peak instantaneous PlayerLoad after impact in any plane (P ≥ 0.110). There was however a significantly (P = 0.001) longer time to peak medio-lateral loading after impact in previously injured players' affected limb. This observation was exacerbated when the injury was to the non-dominant limb (P = 0.041). Lower-limb accelerometry enhances understanding of movement strategy beyond task outcome, with practical implications in player screening and objective rehabilitation.

Submaximal Cricket Fast Bowling Offers a Disproportionate Reduction in Loading Versus Performance: An Alternative Workload Intervention.

CONTEXT: Cricket fast bowlers are particularly susceptible to lumbar spine loading and injury. Quantitative analysis of technique typically involves laboratory-based biomechanical systems with limited ecological validity, whereas contemporary developments in global positioning satellite microtechnologies facilitate an on-field evaluation of loading. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the influence of submaximal bowling from reduced approach lengths on performance and loading. DESIGN: Repeated-measures, field-based design. SETTING: Regulation cricket pitch. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 12 male cricket academy fast bowlers (18.7 [0.7] y), injury free with ≥3 years of competitive experience. INTERVENTIONS: Each bowler wore 2 global positioning satellite units placed at C7 and L4 to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). Bowlers completed an over (6 deliveries) from a randomized 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-stride approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ball speed was recorded as the performance measure, with PlayerLoad in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and vertical planes also calculated for each delivery length. RESULTS: In ball speed, there was a significant main effect for delivery length (P = .02), with a 3-stride approach eliciting significantly less ball speed than a 9-stride (P = .03) or 12-stride (P = .002) approach. In loading, there was a significant main effect for delivery length (P < .001) in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and vertical planes, with loading increasing linearly as a function of delivery strides. The 6-stride approach elicited a 44% reduction in loading, with a disproportionately small 3.5% decrease in performance. There was a significant main effect for global positioning satellite location (P ≤ .023) in all planes, with L4 eliciting greater loading than C7. CONCLUSIONS: A submaximal 6-stride approach yielded the optimum balance between reduced loading and performance inhibition. Reduced delivery length, therefore, offers an alternative to reduced overs in reducing loading in young bowlers and might also have practicable value in the rehabilitation of bowlers postinjury.

The Influence of Playing Surface on the Loading Response to Soccer-Specific Activity.

CONTEXT: The influence of playing surface on injury risk in soccer is contentious, and contemporary technologies permit an in vivo assessment of mechanical loading on the player. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the influence of playing surface on the PlayerLoad elicited during soccer-specific activity. DESIGN: Repeated measures, field-based design. SETTING: Regulation soccer pitches. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen amateur soccer players (22.1 [2.4] y), injury free with ≥6 years competitive experience. INTERVENTIONS: Each player completed randomized order trials of a soccer-specific field test on natural turf, astroturf, and third-generation artificial turf. GPS units were located at C7 and the mid-tibia of each leg to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total accumulated PlayerLoad in each movement plane was calculated for each trial. Ratings of perceived exertion and visual analog scales assessing lower-limb muscle soreness were measured as markers of fatigue. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed no significant main effect for playing surface on total PlayerLoad (P = .55), distance covered (P = .75), or postexercise measures of ratings of perceived exertion (P = .98) and visual analog scales (P = .61). There was a significant main effect for GPS location (P < .001), with lower total loading elicited at C7 than mid-tibia (P < .001), but with no difference between limbs (P = .70). There was no unit placement × surface interaction (P = .98). There was also a significant main effect for GPS location on the relative planar contributions to loading (P < .001). Relative planar contributions to loading in the anterioposterior:mediolateral:vertical planes was 25:27:48 at C7 and 34:32:34 at mid-tibia. CONCLUSIONS: PlayerLoad metrics suggest that playing surface does not influence mechanical loading during soccer-specific activity (not including tackling). Clinical reasoning should consider that PlayerLoad magnitude and axial contributions were sensitive to unit placement, highlighting opportunities in the objective monitoring of load during rehabilitation.

The Influence of Soccer Playing Surface on the Loading Response to Ankle (P)Rehabilitation Exercises.

CONTEXT: Contemporary synthetic playing surfaces have been associated with an increased risk of ankle injury in the various types of football. Triaxial accelerometers facilitate in vivo assessment of planar mechanical loading on the player. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the influence of playing surface on the PlayerLoad elicited during footwork and plyometric drills focused on the mechanism of ankle injury. DESIGN: Repeated-measures, field-based design. SETTING: Regulation soccer pitches. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 15 amateur soccer players (22.1 [2.4] y), injury free with ≥6 years competitive experience. INTERVENTIONS: Each player completed a test battery comprising 3 footwork drills (anterior, lateral, and diagonal) and 4 plyometric drills (anterior hop, inversion hop, eversion hop, and diagonal hop) on natural turf (NT), third-generation artificial turf (3G), and AstroTurf. Global positioning system sensors were located at C7 and the mid-tibia of each leg to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PlayerLoad in each axial plane was calculated for each drill on each surface and at each global positioning system location. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for sensor location in all drills, with PlayerLoad higher at mid-tibia than at C7 in all movement planes. AstroTurf elicited significantly higher PlayerLoad in the mediolateral and anteroposterior planes, with typically no difference between NT and 3G. In isolated inversion and eversion hopping trials, the 3G surface also elicited lower PlayerLoad than NT. CONCLUSIONS: PlayerLoad magnitude was sensitive to unit placement, advocating measurement with greater anatomical relevance when using microelectromechanical systems technology to monitor training or rehabilitation load. AstroTurf elicited higher PlayerLoad across all planes and drills and should be avoided for rehabilitative purposes, whereas 3G elicited a similar mechanical response to NT.

Joint Hypermobility as a Predictor of Mechanical Loading in Dancers.

CONTEXT: Dance requires the performance of complex movements that may exceed normal anatomical range. However, in hypermobile individuals, this may have implications for injury and performance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of the Beighton score (BS) in predicting mechanical loading in dancers in hypermobile and nonhypermobile dancers with consideration of accelerometer placement and lumbar flexion hypermobility. DESIGN: Cohort study, clinical measurement. SETTING: University. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 34 dancers had their joint hypermobility assessed by the BS. Participants completed the Dance Aerobic Fitness Test with a global positioning device incorporating a triaxial accelerometer located at the cervico-thoracic junction (C7) and one at the midbelly of the gastrocnemius. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accelerometry data were used to calculate PlayerLoad total, PlayerLoad medial-lateral, PlayerLoad anterior-posterior, and PlayerLoad vertical. Physiological response was measured via heart rate and fatigue response by rate of perceived exertion. RESULTS: The total BS was a poor predictor of all mechanical loading directions with PlayerLoad anterior-posterior C7 (r = .15) and PlayerLoad total lower limb (r = .20) the highest values. Multiple linear regression was a better predictor with values of C7 (r = .43) and lower limb (r = .37). No significant difference existed between hypermobile and nonhypermobile subjects for mechanical loading values for all stages of the Dance Aerobic Fitness Test and for heart rate and fatigue responses. CONCLUSIONS: The BS is not a good predictor of mechanical loading which is similar in hypermobile and nonhypermobile dancers for all levels of the Dance Aerobic Fitness Test. Mechanical loading and fatigue responses are similar between hypermobile and nonhypermobile dancers.

The influence of short-term fixture congestion on position specific match running performance and external loading patterns in English professional soccer.

The aim of the current study was to investigate positional specific physical performance and external load responses to short term fixture congestion in English professional soccer. A total of 515 match observations were categorised as G1: the first game in a week with >4 days following a previous game, G2: the second game in a week played <4 days since G1, and G3: the third game in a week played with <4 days between each of the previous games. Global positioning system and accelerometer-based metrics were partitioned into fifteen-minute epochs. These data were then analysed using a linear mixed model to assess both the within and between game positional differences. Total, low-intensity (<4.0 m·s-1), medium-intensity (MID; 4.0-5.5 m·s-1), and sprint distance (>7.0 m·s-1) were significantly different across games. No between game positional differences were identified; however, within match position specific differences were observed for measures of MID and HID. No significant differences were evident for accelerometer derived metrics between games or across positions. The current data suggests that the use of fifteen minute within game epochs enables the detection of alterations in physical output during congested schedules. The observed within game positional differences has implications for player specific conditioning and squad rotation strategies.

The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts.

PURPOSE: As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. METHODS: Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2] kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4] cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. RESULTS: Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1) arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112) AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6) AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6) AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3) AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8) AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). CONCLUSIONS: While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

Relationship Between External and Internal Load Measures in Youth Beach Handball.

PURPOSE: Assessing the relationship between external load (EL) and internal load (IL) in youth male beach handball players. METHODS: A total of 11 field players from the Lithuanian U17 beach handball team were monitored across 14 training sessions and 7 matches. The following EL variables were assessed by means of inertial movement units: PlayerLoad™, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps and total of inertial movements. IL was assessed objectively and subjectively using the summated heart rate zones and training load calculated via session rating of perceived exertion, respectively. Spearman correlations (ρ) were used to assess the relationship between EL and IL. The interindividual variability was investigated using linear mixed models with random intercepts with IL as dependent variable, PlayerLoad™ as the independent variable, and players as random effect. RESULTS: The lowest significant (P < .05) relationship was for high jumps with objective (ρ = .56) and subjective (ρ = .49) IL. The strongest relationship was for PlayerLoad™ with objective (ρ = .9) and subjective (ρ = .84) IL. From the linear mixed model, the estimated SD of the random intercepts was 19.78 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 11.75-33.31); SE = 5.26, and R2 = .47 for the objective IL and 6.03 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 0.00-7330.6); SE = 21.87; and R2 = .71 for the subjective IL. CONCLUSIONS: Objective and subjective IL measures can be used as a monitoring tool when EL monitoring is not possible. Coaches can predict IL based on a given EL by using the equations proposed in this study.

The Effect of Rifle Carriage on the Physiological and Accelerometer Responses During Biathlon Skiing.

Purpose: Investigate the effect of biathlon rifle carriage on physiological and accelerometer-derived responses during biathlon skiing. Methods: Twenty-eight biathletes (11F, 17M) completed two XC skiing time-trials (~2,300 m), once with and once without the biathlon rifle, with concurrent measurements of HR, skiing speed and accelerations recorded from three triaxial accelerometers attached at the Upper-spine, Lower-spine and Pelvis. Exercise intensity was quantified from HR, skiing speed as well from accelerometry-derived PlayerLoad™ per minute (PL·min-1) and average net force (AvFNet). All metrics were analyzed during Uphill, Flat and Downhill sections of the course. Relationships between accelerometry-derived metrics and skiing speed were examined. Results: Time-trials were faster for males compared with females (mean difference: 97 ± 73 s) and No-Rifle compared to With-Rifle (mean difference: 16 ± 9 s). HR was greatest during Downhill (183 ± 5 bpm), followed by Uphill (181 ± 5 bpm) and was lowest in the Flat sections (177 ± 6 bpm, p <0.05). For PL·min-1 and AvFNet there were 3-way Rifle x Gradient x Sensor-Position interactions. Typically, these metrics were greatest during Uphill and Flat sections and were lowest during Downhill sections. Rifle carriage had no impact on the AvFNet at the Lower-Spine or Pelvis. Significant positive linear relationships were identified between skiing speed and accelerometer-derived metrics during Uphill, Flat and Downhill skiing (r = 0.12-0.61, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The accelerometry-derived approach used in this study provides the potential of a novel method of monitoring the external demands during skiing. In particular, AvFNet with sensors located close to the center of mass displayed greatest utility because it followed the expected response of external intensity where responses were greatest during uphill sections, followed by flats and lowest during downhills. In addition, there were significant positive relationships between AvFNet and skiing speed ranging from small to large. Accelerometry-derived measures could provide useful estimates of the external demands in XC skiing and biathlon.

A Comparison of the External and Internal Demands Imposed during Conditioning Training and Match-Play in Semi-Professional and Development Female Netball Players.

This case series, team-based study aimed to compare the demands imposed during conditioning training and match-play in netball players. Female netball players competing at semi-professional (n = 9, age: 22.2 ± 3.8 years) and development (n = 9, age: 22.3 ± 2.9 years) levels had their internal (rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) and external (relative PlayerLoad (PL) in total and in the forwards, sideways, and vertical vectors) loads measured during conditioning-based training sessions and matches in a season. Demand variables were compared between conditioning and match-play across all players and according to position in each playing level. Conditioning training imposed higher relative PL in total and in each vector compared to match-play in semi-professional and development players (small to large effects). In contrast, RPE was significantly (p = 0.006) higher during match-play than conditioning training in semi-professional and development players (medium effects). Furthermore, according to playing position, significantly higher relative PL variables were evident during conditioning training than match-play in wing attack and goalkeeper semi-professional players and in goal attack, goal shooter, goal keeper, and goal defence development players. These results suggest conditioning training practices elicit adequate external intensities but inadequate internal intensities relative to match-play across positions in semi-professional and development netball players.

A Comparison of PlayerLoadTM and Heart Rate during Backwards and Forwards Locomotion during Intermittent Exercise in Rugby League Players.

Limited research has examined the demands of backward locomotion at various speeds using common load monitoring metrics in team sport athletes. Consequently, this study compared the external and internal loads between backward and forward locomotion during intermittent exercise in team sport athletes. Semi-professional, male rugby league players (n = 29) completed the same exercise protocol on two occasions in backward and forward directions. On each occasion, participants performed separate 20 m trials at self-selected walking, jogging, running, and sprinting speeds and then completed a 15 min modified Loughborough intermittent shuttle test (mLIST). Common external and internal load metrics were gathered across testing. Faster speeds (p < 0.001) were attained at all speeds during forward locomotion in the 20 m trials. Non-significant differences in accumulated PlayerLoadTM were found between directions across the mLIST; however, higher relative (per min) PlayerLoadTM (p < 0.001) was apparent during backward locomotion when walking and during forward locomotion when sprinting during the mLIST. RPE and mean heart rate were higher (p < 0.001) during backward locomotion across the mLIST. These data highlight the unique loading patterns experienced during backward locomotion and suggest practitioners should consider the discernment in loading imposed between backward and forward locomotion when measuring athlete demands using common metrics.

Differences in PlayerLoad and pitch type in collegiate baseball players.

PlayerLoad is derived from a tri-axial accelerometer device and is a measure of an athlete's external training load. Tri-axial accelerometers (Optimeye S5, Catapult Sports, Melbourne, Australia) were worn by 25 collegiate pitchers during a pitching session. Pitches included fastballs, curve balls, sliders, and changeups. Peak and sum PlayerLoad were calculated for fastballs, curve balls, sliders, and changeups. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests (p < 0.01) and effect size indexes (ESI). Peak and sum PlayerLoad were higher for fastballs compared to changeups (N = 20; ESIpeak = 0.47, p= 0.001 and ESISum = 0.13, p = 0.001, respectively). Peak and sum PlayerLoad were not different comparing fastball to curveball (N = 12; ESIpeak = 0.24, p = 0.050 and ESISum<0.01, p = 0.106) and fastball to slider (N = 12; ESIpeak = 0.32, p = 0.088 and ESISum = 0.02, p = 0.221). Fastball velocity (37.1 ± 2.1 m/s) differed from the changeup (33.8 ± 1.9 m/s; p < 0.001), curveball (32.2 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), and slider (33.8 ± 1.3 m/s; p < 0.001). Pitching workload may differ based on pitch type. Pitch counts may not capture true player fatigue due to variability in stresses resulting from different pitch types.

Impact of Match Type on Exercise Volume and Intensity of Semi-Professional Basketball Referees During a Competitive Season.

Identification of the exercise volume and intensity of basketball referees, across competitive match types based on competition sex and level, would assist in developing appropriate training regimes. Purpose: The aims of this study were to quantify and compare the exercise volume and intensity encountered by semiprofessional basketball referees during different match types across a competitive season. Method: Sixteen referees participated and were monitored for absolute and relative PlayerLoad (PL) using microsensors during 25 semiprofessional matches (12 men's, 13 women's, 17 regular season, eight playoff). Comparisons between match types (men's vs. women's; regular season vs. playoff) were examined via independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and repeated measures ANOVA with the magnitude of differences calculated via effect size. Results: Referees experienced an absolute PL of ~365 arbitrary units (AU) per match that was similar for men's, women's, regular season, and playoff matches during a competitive season. Relative PL was significantly greater (5.35 ± 0.82 vs. 4.26 ± 0.59 AU.min-1, p < .001, effect size = 1.57) during women's matches with a greater proportion of each quarter and match spent within PL band 2 compared to men's matches (11.6 ± 2.2 vs. 8.8 ± 1.4%, p < .001, effect size = 1.53), likely due to a reduced number of referees officiating. Minimal differences existed between the regular season and playoff matches for absolute PL, relative PL, and proportion of quarter/match time within PL bands. Conclusion: The current study confirmed that referees experienced considerable exercise volume and intensity per match during a competitive season with these influenced primarily by referee configuration. The current results provide crucial information to develop effective training regimes for referees during a competitive season.

Assessing the External Load Associated With High-Intensity Activities Recorded During Official Basketball Games.

Load monitoring in basketball is fundamental to develop training programs, maximizing performance while reducing injury risk. However, information regarding the load associated with specific activity patterns during competition is limited. This study aimed at assessing the external load associated with high-intensity activities recorded during official basketball games, with respect to different (1) activity patterns, (2) playing positions, and (3) activities performed with or without ball. Eleven male basketball players (six backcourt, five frontcourt, age: 20.5 ± 1.1 years, stature: 191.5 ± 8.7 cm, body mass: 86.5 ± 11.3 kg; experience: 8.5 ± 2.4 years) competing in the Lithuanian third division were recruited for this study. Three in-season games were assessed via time-motion analysis and microsensors. Specifically, the high-intensity activities including sprints, high-intensity specific movements (HSM) and jumps were identified and subsequently the external load [PlayerLoad™ (PL) and PlayerLoad™/min (PL/min)] of each activity was determined. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in PL, PL/min and mean duration between activity pattern, playing positions and activities performed with or without ball. Results revealed PL was lower in jumps compared to sprints [p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.68] and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.58), while PL/min was greater in sprints compared to jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.22). Jumps displayed shorter duration compared to sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 1.10) and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.81), with HSMs lasting longer than sprints (p = 0.002, ES = 0.17). Jumps duration was longer in backcourt than frontcourt players (p < 0.001, ES = 0.33). When considering activity patterns combined, PL (p < 0.001, ES = 0.28) and duration (p < 0.001, ES = 0.43) were greater without ball. Regarding HSMs, PL/min was higher with ball (p = 0.036, ES = 0.14), while duration was longer without ball (p < 0.001, ES = 0.34). The current findings suggest that external load differences in high-intensity activities exist among activity patterns and between activities performed with and without ball, while no differences were found between playing positions. Practitioners should consider these differences when designing training sessions.

Accelerometer detected lateral sway during a submaximal running test correlates with endurance exercise performance in elite Australian male cricket players.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether movement patterns during a standardized submaximal running test (SSRT), assessed by accelerometry, were associated with improvements in endurance exercise performance. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of data collected from the 2018-2019 Australian cricket preseason. METHODS: Thirty-nine high-performance male cricket players were studied (25±3 years, 82±6kg, 183±6cm). SSRT was performed monthly prior to a two kilometre (km) running time trial (2kmTT). SSRT involved running between markers, positioned twenty metres apart, for three minutes. Foot strikes were timed to a metronome (154beats/min) to elicit a running speed of ˜eight km/h. Triaxial accelerometers were worn in vests on the upper back and used to assess PlayerLoad medio-lateral vector (PL1Dside%), vertical vector (PL1Dup%) and anterior-posterior vector (PL1Dfwd%) were assessed. RESULTS: 2kmTT performance improved over the study period (p<0.05). PlayerLoad vectors during the first minute of SSRT were not related to 2kmTT performance (p>0.23). During the second and third minutes there were positive associations between 2kmTT (run time) and PL1Dside% (SSRT2min, ß 2.12, p<0.03, 95% CI: 0.22-4.01; SSRT3min, ß 2.30, p<0.03, 95% CI:0.32-4.29), but not PL1Dup% (SSRT2min, ß -0.15, p=0.77, 95% CI: -1.13-0.83; SSRT3min, ß -0.15, p=0.77, 95% CI: -1.11-0.87) or PL1Dfwd% (SSRT2min, ß -0.45, p=0.42, 95% CI: -1.49-0.62; SSRT3min, B-0.45, p=0.40, 95% CI: -1.51-0.60). CONCLUSION: Assessment of PL1Dside% during the second or third minutes of SSRT may inform how an athlete's endurance exercise performance is responding to changes in training load.

External Workload Can Be Anticipated During 5 vs. 5 Games-Based Drills in Basketball Players: An Exploratory Study.

This study determined whether external workload could be anticipated during 5 vs. 5 games-based drills in basketball. Thirteen semi-professional, male basketball players were monitored during 5 vs. 5 training drills across the season. External workload was determined using PlayerLoad™ (AU∙min-1). The reference workload for each drill was calculated across all sessions, using bootstrapping. The bootstrap mean workload and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were then calculated for session 1, sessions 1-2, and continued for remaining sessions (1-3, 1-4, etc.), and were compared with those of the reference workload. The minimum sessions to anticipate workload for each drill was identified when the first normative value fell within ±5% or ±10% of the reference workload 95% CI. The minimum sessions were then tested to determine the accuracy to which workload could be anticipated. Three to four sessions were needed to anticipate workload within ±5%, while 2-3 sessions were needed to anticipate workload within ±10%. External workload was anticipated in 0-55% of future sessions using an error range of ±5%, and in 58-89% of sessions using an error range of ±10%. External workload during 5 vs. 5 games-based drills can be anticipated in most sessions using normative values established during a short-term monitoring period with an error range of ±10%.

No Influence of Prematch Subjective Wellness Ratings on External Load During Elite Australian Football Match Play.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is an association between external match load and contextual factors on subjective wellness in the days before and after Australian Rules football match play. METHODS: A total of 34 elite male Australian football players completed a subjective wellness questionnaire in the days leading into the match (-3, -2, and -1 d), the day of (match day), and the days after each match (+3, +2, and +1 d). Players subjectively rated each item (mood, energy, stress, leg heaviness, muscle soreness, sleep quality, hours slept, and total wellness [a sum of the total response score]) on a visual analog scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the negative end of the continuum. External load during competitive matches was quantified using accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad, and running activity was quantified using global positioning system technology across 2 competitive seasons. The relationships between perceptions of wellness (within-individual z score), external match load, and contextual factors (match result, match location, and between-matches recovery duration) were analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Mixed-effect linear models revealed trivial effects of match-day wellness z score on subsequent external match load metrics. Match result (win) and PlayerLoad in the anteroposterior vector (au·min-1) were associated with an increased (estimate ± SE: 0.30 ± 0.13 z score) and reduced subjective wellness (-0.15 ± 0.06 z score), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that prematch perceived wellness does not relate to external match load in elite Australian football players. The between-matches microcycle length appears to be sufficient to restore perceived wellness to values that do not affect the subsequent external match loads.