PHYSIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS AND PHYSICAL MATCH ACTIVITIES IN BASKETBALL

Introduction: Players\u2019 anthropometrical and physiological characteristics play a key role for basketball success. Despite several studies investigating the physical profile of basketball players of different competitive levels, geographical locations, gender and ages, the studies comparing anthropometrical and physiological characteristics, and their seasonal changes, among male adult players competing at different playing levels are still limited. In addition, data regarding activity demands of European adult basketball competitions at various competitive levels is yet unknown. The aims of this thesis are 1) to describe the physical profile of Italian adult male basketball players of different competitive levels across an entire basketball season and 2) to examine the differences in the activity demands of basketball games between different competitive levels. Study 1: This investigation examined the anthropometrical and physiological differences in adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) and playing roles (Guards, Forwards and Centres) during the competitive phase of the season. Results revealed that a high force and power production and the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent exercises should be considered as important characteristics for success in basketball and to compete at higher level. In addition, this study provided normative data of anthropometric and physiological characteristics of basketball players according to their playing positions. Study 2: This study compared the training load indices and the changes in physical fitness between professional and semi-professional adult male basketball players during the preparation period. In addition, the relationships between training load indices and changes in physical fitness level were investigated. Professional players underwent a greater training load compared to semi-professional players, however, in some extent, similar physical fitness improvements were observed between the two groups. The results raise doubts on the effectiveness of using high training load and training volume during the preparation period to improve the physical fitness level of players. Study 3: This study investigated the changes induced by the preparation period on selected neuromuscular variables (i.e. vertical jump and change of direction (COD) ability) among professional and semi-professional adult male basketball players. In addition, this research investigated the relationships between training load indices and changes in neuromuscular physical performance during the preparation period. The preparation period induced minimal changes in the CMJ, while the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts was improved. Reaching high training loads might partially and negatively affect the ability to produce strength and power. Study 4: This investigation examined the differences among adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) and the changes over an entire basketball season of peripheral neuromuscular functions (PNF) of knee extensor muscles (KE) measured following a standardized repeated CODs exercises. Results demonstrate how elite and professional basketball players are characterized by better PNF and by less fatigue levels following repeated CODs runs compared to lower level counterparts. The majority of changes in PNF following CODs exercises occurs after the preparation period, when the KEs appear to be less fatigable. Study 5: This study examined the changes in several physical fitness parameters of adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to semi-professional) over an entire basketball season. In general, the preparation period appears to minimally affect variables measured during vertical jump test but enhance the aerobic fitness and the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent exercise. The changes in physical performance during the competitive phase of the season seem to be affected by the competitive level of play. Study 6: This investigation examined the differences in the activity demands of official basketball games between different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) among a large sample of adult male players. The main results demonstrated different intermittent profiles among competitive levels, with elite players performing at increased high and moderate intensities and amateur players utilising longer recovery periods during competition. The game activity demands of professional and semi-professional players were similar. This study provided normative match activity data for Italian basketball tournaments. Conclusion: This thesis provides insight into the activity demands of Italian basketball tournaments and the anthropometrical and physiological characteristics of basketball players across an entire basketball season, highlighting the differences among the various competitive levels of play. In addition, this thesis provides novel insight into the relationships between training load and changes in physical fitness in basketball

The freedom to be sustainable, from the past to the future

This study aims to investigate the historical evolution of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), with a particular focus on the main theories and events that led it to no longer be a voluntary choice but a necessity for the company’s long-term survival. The article will first analyze the main definitions in the literature to determine the aspects that characterize it. Subsequently, using a theoretical approach, a literature review will be performed to describe its historical evolution, starting from its birth during the Industrial Revolution period (1760-1840) up to the present day. The analysis results show that, in the scientific debate, the CSR concept was initially focused on the workers’ well-being and, subsequently, it expanded its scope and significance to include all stakeholders’ categories. Furthermore, it emerged that CSR become a necessity for the companies’ long-term survival, especially in the post-pandemic period. For this reason, companies must develop new business models to face sustainability issues and meet social needs

The preparation period in basketball: Training load and neuromuscular adaptations

© 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc. Purpose: To investigate the effect of the preparation period on neuromuscular characteristics of 12 professional (PRO) and 16 semiprofessional (SEMIPRO) basketball players and relationships between training-load indices and changes in neuromuscular physical performance. Methods: Before and after the preparation period, players underwent a countermovement jump (CMJ) test followed by a repeated change-of-direction (COD) test consisting of 4 levels with increasing intensities. The peripheral neuromuscular functions of the knee extensors (peak torque [PT]) were measured using electrical stimulations after each level (PT1, PT2, PT3, and PT4). Furthermore, PT Max (the highest value of PT) and PT Dec (PT decrement from PT Max to PT4) were calculated. Results: Trivial to small (effect size [ES] = -0.17 to 0.46) improvements were found in CMJ variables, regardless of competitive level. After the preparation period, peripheral fatigue induced by a COD test was similarly reduced in both PRO (PT Dec: from 27.8% [21.3%] to 11.4% [13.7%]; ES = -0.71; 90% confidence interval [CI], ±0.30) and SEMIPRO (PT Dec: from 26.1% [21.9%] to 10.2% [8.2%]; ES = -0.69; 90% CI, ±0.32). Moderate to large relationships were found between session rating of perceived exertion training load and changes in peak power output (PPO) measured during the CMJs (rs [90% confidence interval]: PPOabs, -.46 [±.26]; PPOrel, -.53 [±.23]) and in some PTs measured during the COD test (PT1, -.45 [±.26]; PT2, -.44 [±.26]; PT3, -.40 [±.27]; and PT Max, -.38 [±.28]). Conclusions: The preparation period induced minimal changes in the CMJ, while the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts was improved. Reaching high session rating of perceived exertion training loads might partially and negatively affect the ability to produce strength and power

Seasonal changes in physical capacities of basketball players according to competitive levels and individual responses

PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to quantify changes in physical capacities of thirty-eight basketball players selected from different teams, as well as from varying competitive levels (i.e. Division I, Division II and Division III) during the preparation and in-season periods. METHODS:Pre (T1) and post (T2) preparation period and during regular season (T3), the players completed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test-level 1. Following a 3 to 8 days-break, players performed a 6-min continuous running test (Mognoni's test), a counter-movement jump test and a 5-min high-intensity intermittent running test. RESULTS:Blood lactate concentration measured after the Mognoni's test was significantly reduced from T1 to T2, and from T2 to T3 (P<0.001, ƞ2 = 0.424). The distance covered during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test was significantly increased only from T1 to T2 in Division II and III (P<0.001, ƞ2 = 0.789). Similarly, the physiological responses to high-intensity intermittent running test were improved only from T1 to T2 (all P<0.001, ƞ2 = 0.495 to 0.652). Despite significant changes observed in running tests from T1 to T2, at individual level 35-55% of players did not show a very likely improvement. Relative peak power produced during vertical jumps at T3 by Division I players was increased compared to T1 (ANOVA interaction, P = 0.037, ƞ2 = 0.134). CONCLUSIONS:The main improvements in physical capacities occurred during the preparation period, when the aerobic fitness and the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent efforts were moderately-to-largely improved. However, it appears that the preparation period does not consistently impact on vertical jump variables. Aerobic fitness and force/power production during vertical jumps appear to improve across the competitive season (slightly-to-moderately). Physical tests should be used to identify weaknesses in physical performance of players and to monitor their fatigue status, with the aim to develop individualized training programs

Proton Collimation in TeV Colliders

In high intensity proton colliders with superconducting magnets, quenches induced by beam losses are unavoidable in the absence of a collimation system. We will show that a single stage system cannot suffice at TeV energies. We will discuss a two-stage collimation system at first as an optical system then considering true scattering in collimator jaws. Expected performance at LHC are presented. then finally, we present the preliminary measurements done at 120 GeV/c in the SPS ring with a simplified three stage collimation system

Forward and backward digit span difficulties in children with specific learning disorder

This study examined performance in the forward and backward digit span task of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV) in a large group of children with specific learning disorder (SLD) as compared with a group of typically developing children matched for age and sex. Our results further support the hypothesis that the intellectual difficulties of children with SLD involve working memory in the forward digit span task to a greater extent than in the backward digit span task. The correlation of the two spans with a General Ability Index (GAI) was similar in SLD, and smaller in magnitude than in typically developing children. Despite a GAI within normal range, children with SLD had difficulty with both digit span tasks, but more so for forward span. This pattern was similar for different SLD profiles with clinical diagnoses of dyslexia and mixed disorder, but the impairments were more severe in the latter. Age differences were also investigated, demonstrating larger span impairment in older children with SLD than in younger

Peripheral Muscle Function During Repeated Changes of Direction in Basketball

PURPOSE: To examine differences between adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (study 1) and changes over a basketball season (study 2) of knee extensor peripheral muscle function during a multi-stage changes of direction exercise (MCODE). METHODS: In study 1, 111 players from 4 different divisions completed the MCODE during the regular season. In study 2, the MCODE was performed before (T1) and after (T2) the preparation period and during the competitive season (T3) by 32 players from division I, II and III. The MCODE comprised 4 levels of increasing intensity for each player. The peak twitch torque (PT) of knee extensors was measured after each level. PTmax (the highest value of PT) and fatigue were calculated. RESULTS: In study 1, we found possibly small differences (ES\ub190%CI: -0.24\ub10.39) in fatigue between division I and II. Division I was characterized by likely (ES: 0.30 to 0.65) and very likely-to-almost certain (ES: 0.74 to 1.41) better PTmax and fatigue levels compared to division III and VI, respectively. In study 2, fatigue was very likely reduced (ES: -0.91 to -0.51) among all divisions from T1 to T2, while PTmax was likely-to-very likely reduced (ES: -0.51 to -0.39) in division II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Professional basketball players are characterized by a better peripheral muscle function during a MCODE. Most of the seasonal changes in peripheral muscle function occurred after the preparation period. These findings inform practitioners on the development of training programs to enhance the ability to sustain repeated changes of direction efforts

Adropin and apelin fluctuations throughout a season in professional soccer players : are they related with performance?

Myokines are likely to be involved in the whole-body metabolic adaptive changes that occur in response to regular exercise. We aimed to investigate the association of the two myokines (adropin and apelin) with physical performance in professional soccer players. To this purpose, we analyzed the fluctuations of circulating levels of both adropin and apelin in professional soccer players during a season and evaluated the possible association of these myokines with the performance level. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity as well as iron, transferrin and high-sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), free testosterone/cortisol ratio (FTCR), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were also determined. Fifteen male professional soccer players from an Italian Serie A team were included in this study. Regarding the results of the biochemical analyses, the patterns of changes in the biomarkers of fatigue and inflammation, i.e., HsCRP, CK and LDH reflected the effects of the training throughout the season. No significant changes were observed in adropin, while apelin exhibited variations that seem not to be related with performance. In addition, both adropin and apelin did not represent valuable strategy to assist in the performance assessment of professional soccer players

The Preparation Period in Basketball: Training Load and Neuromuscular Adaptations

PURPOSE: To investigate the 1) effect of the preparation period on the neuromuscular characteristics of 12 professional (PRO) and 16 semi-professional (SEMI-PRO) basketball players; 2) relationships between training load indices and changes in neuromuscular physical performance. METHODS: Prior to and following the preparation period, players underwent a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, followed by a repeated change of direction (COD) test consisting of 4 levels with increasing intensities. The peripheral neuromuscular functions of the knee extensors (peak torque, PT) were measured using electrical stimulations after each level (PT1, PT2, PT3 and PT4). Furthermore, PT Max (the highest value of PT) and PT Dec (PT decrement from PT Max to PT4) were calculated. RESULTS: Trivial-to-small (effect size, ES: -0.17 to 0.46) improvements were found in CMJ variables, regardless of the competitive levels. After the preparation period, peripheral fatigue induced by a COD test was similarly reduced in both PRO (PT Dec: from 27.8\ub121.3% to 11.4\ub113.7%, ES\ub190%CI= -0.71\ub10.30) and SEMI-PRO (PT Dec: from 26.1\ub121.9% to 10.2\ub18.2%, ES\ub190%CI= -0.69\ub10.32). Moderate-to-large relationships were found between session rating of perceived exertion training load and changes in PPO measured during the CMJs (rs \ub190%CI: PPOabs, -0.46\ub10.26; PPOrel, -0.53\ub10.23) and in some PTs measured during the COD test (PT1, -0.45\ub10.26; PT2, -0.44\ub10.26; PT3, -0.40\ub10.27 and PT Max, -0.38\ub10.28). CONCLUSION: Preparation period induced minimal changes in the CMJ, while the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts was improved. Reaching high session rating of perceived exertion training loads might partially and negatively affect the ability to produce strength and power

Exercise effects on erythrocyte deformability in exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia

Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) is often found in endurance-trained subjects at high exercise intensity. The role of erythrocyte deformability (ED) in EIAH has been scarcely explored. We aimed to explore the role of erythrocyte properties and lactate accumulation in the response of ED in EIAH. ED was determined in 10 sedentary and in 16 trained subjects, both before and after a maximal incremental test, and after recovery, along with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell lactate concentrations. EIAH was found in 6 trained subjects ( 06SaO2=-8.25\ub14.03%). Sedentary and non-EIAH trained subjects showed reduced ED after exercise, while no effect on ED was found in EIAH trained subjects. After exercise, lactate concentrations rose and MCV increased equally in all groups. ED is strongly driven by cell volume, but the different ED response to exercise in EIAH shows that other cellular mechanisms may be implicated. Interactions between membrane and cytoskeleton, which have been found to be O2-regulated, play a role in ED. The drop in SaO2 in EIAH subjects can improve ED response to exercise. This can be an adaptive mechanism that enhances muscular and pulmonary perfusion, and allows the achievement of high exercise intensity in EIAH despite lower O2 arterial transport