The effect of small-sided games using the FIT LIGHT training system on some harmonic abilities and some basic skills of basketball players

Introduction

The aim of this research is to identify the effect of Small-sided games using the FITLIGHT training system on some of the harmonic abilities and some of the basic skills of basketball Players.

Methods

The researchers used the experimental method on 24 basketball players. They were randomly divided into two groups: one experimental (n = 12, age = 10.92 ± 0.79 years; height = 138.50 ± 2.78 cm; weight = 40.25 ± 2.01 kg) and a control group (n = 12, age = 11.17 ± 0. 72 years; length = 139.92 ± 3.53 cm; weight = 40.50 ± . 1.73 kg). The homogeneity between the two groups was calculated and showed that there were no differences between the two samples. In the research variables, the proposed program was applied for 10 weeks at the rate of 4 weekly training units.

Results and Discussion

The proposed training program had a positive impact on the harmonic abilities and basic skills of basketball players and the differences in improvement rates for all variables were in favor of the experimental group. Therefore, the research suggests that Small-sided games using FITLIGHT positively affect all the variables under research. This leads to significant differences between the post-tests and benefits the experimental group.

Investigating External and Internal Loads in Male Older Adult Basketball Players during Official Games

This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method (sRPE-load)] loads of masters (senior citizen) basketball players during official games. Thirteen male basketball masters players (age: 66.6 ± 2.1 years; body mass: 89.9 ± 8.7 kg; stature: 183.7 ± 4.6 cm) were monitored during an official Lietuvos Krepsinio Veteranu Lyga (LKVL) 65-year game. Beside descriptive analysis, a chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted to assess the differences in the distribution within JUMP, ACC and COD classes of intensities (i.e., low, medium and high). The results revealed PL = 269.9 ± 83.3 AU and PL/min = 6.54 ± 1.29 AU/min. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.001) in the distribution of the intensity classes were found for JUMP, ACC, and COD, with the lowest intensities as the most frequent. Finally, HRpeak = 81.7 ± 8.1% and sRPE-load = 148.9 ± 69.7 AU were found, with sRPE = ~3 AU. In conclusion, a low external load during an official basketball game was found compared to other basketball populations. Moreover, a high objective internal load did not correspond to a low perceived demand, which might increase the training adherence and motivation during long-term studies.

A Validation Study of Heart Rate Variability Index in Monitoring Basketball Training Load

This study aimed to investigate whether the heart rate variability index (TL_HRV) during five ball-drills could be used to quantify training load (TL) in collegiate basketball players. Ten elite male college basketball athletes (18.2 ± 0.4 years) were recruited to perform five ball-drills (1V1, 2V2, 3V3, 4V4, and 5V5) which lasted 10 min and varied in intensity. During each drill, TL_HRV, training impulse (TRIMP), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), speed, and distance were recorded by Firstbeat, Foster’s RPE scale, and SiMi Scout. The correlation (Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficient), reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC), and agreement (Bland-Altman plots) among TL_HRV, TRIMP, RPE, speed, and distance were examined. TL_HRV was significantly correlated with TRIMP (r = 0.34, p = 0.015) and RPE (r = 0.42, p = 0.002). TL_HRV was significantly correlated with training intensity (r = 0.477, p = 0.006) but not with volume (r = 0.272, p = 0.056). TL_HRV and TRIMP, RPE showed significant intraclass relationships (ICC = 0.592, p = 0.0003). Moreover, TL_HRV differentiated basketball drills of equal volume and varying intensity. We concluded that TL_HRVmay serve as an objective and rational measure to monitor TL in basketball players.

Internal and External Load Control in Team Sports through a Multivariable Model

Data related to 141 sessions of 10 semi-professional basketball players were analyzed during the competitive period of the 2018-2019 season using a multivariable model to determine possible associations between internal and external load variables and fatigue. Age, height, weight, sessional rate of perceived exertion (sRPE), summated-heart-rate-zones, heart rate variability, total accelerations and decelerations were the covariates, and post-session countermovement jump loss (10% or higher) the response variable. Based on the results observed, a rise in sRPE and accelerations and decelerations could be associated with increased lower-body neuromuscular fatigue. Observing neuromuscular fatigue was 1,008 times higher with each additional sRPE arbitrary unit (AU). Each additional high-intensity effort also increased the probability of significant levels of neuromuscular fatigue by 1,005 times. Fatigue arising from demanding sporting activities is acknowledged as a relevant inciting event leading to injuries. Thus, the methodology used in this study can be used then to monitor neuromuscular fatigue onset, also enhancing proper individual adaptations to training.