Comparison of chosen physical fitness characteristics of turkish professional basketball players by division and playing position

The purpose of the present study was to compare chosen physical fitness characteristics of Turkish professional basketball players in different divisions (first and second division) and playing positions. Forty-five professional male basketball players (14 guards, 15 forwards, 16 centers) participated in this study voluntarily. For each player, anthropometric measurements were performed, as well as a multi-stage 20 m shuttle run, isokinetic leg strength, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-30 meter single-sprint and T-drill agility tests. The differences in terms of division were evaluated by independent t-test and the differences by playing position were evaluated by one-way ANOVA with Post Hoc Tukey test. First division players' CMJ measurements were significantly higher than those of second division players' (p≤0.05), whereas second division players' 10 m sprint times were significantly better than those of first division players' (p≤0.05). In addition, forwards and centers were significantly taller than guards. Centers were significantly heavier and their T-drill test performances were inferior to those of forwards and guards (p≤0.05). Moreover, guards had a significantly higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) than centers. Guards and forwards showed significantly better performance in the 10 and 30 m sprint tests than centers (p≤0.05). Forwards and centers had significantly better left leg flexor strength at 180°.s-1(p≤0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that physical performance of professional basketball players differed among guards, forwards and centers, whereas there were not significant differences between first and second division players. According to the present study, court positions have different demands and physical attributes which are specific to each playing position in professional basketball players. Therefore, these results suggest that coaches should tailor fitness programs according to specific positions on the court. © Editorial Committee of Journal of Human Kinetics

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYNAMIC BALANCE, FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT AND MUSCLE LENGTH IN YOUNG ADULTS

The functional movement screen is an easily administered and noninvasive tool for identifying weaknesses and asymmetry during exercises and daily activity. Also the bilateral asymmetries inflexibilityand in Y Balance Test have been associated with injuries. However, relationships among these attributes are unclear especially in young adults. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), functional movement using the functional movement screen (FMS) and muscle lengths using a standard goniometer in a young adults. Secondary aims were to investigate whether this parameters differed between male and female. One hundred twenty-three healthy people (male: n=68, age=21.49 +/- 1.47 years; female: n=55, age=20.98 +/- 1.67 years) participated in the study. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between muscle lengths and FMS, and the YBT. There were positive correlations between the muscle lenghts and the YBT(.197.05) when considered as total scores. However, females performed significantly better than male on the shoulder mobility (p=.004) and straight leg raise (p=.000) but poorer than male on the trunk stability push-up (p=.001) and deep squat (p=.000). We conclude that muscle length in young, male and female can effect in FMS and dynamic balance

How does Spinal Mobility Affect Balance and Postural Control in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis? A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose Alterations in spinal mobility lead to impaired postural control and balance, an increased risk of falls and a decrease in quality of life. The purposes of this study were to investigate the relationship between spinal mobility, postural control and balance and to compare spinal mobility and balance with a view to disease severity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods 137 patients with AS were divided into 2 groups by tragus-to-wall distance (TWD): (Group I=mild AS, n=51), (Group II=moderate AS, n=86). Balance was assessed with the Single-Leg Balance Test, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Spinal mobility was measured by BASMI Index [TWD, cervical rotation (CR), Modified Schober Test (MST), lumbar lateral flexion (LLF), intermalleolar distance (IMD) and thoracic expansion (TE)] and was compared between the groups. The association with balance was investigated. Results Spinal mobility and BBS scores in Group II were worse than in Group I (p0.05). Dynamic balance was weakly correlated with MST, LLF and IMM and moderately correlated with CR, TE and BASMI. Static balance was weakly correlated with spinal mobility (p0.05). Conclusions In patients with AS, spinal mobility and dynamic balance worsen as the disease progresses, whereas static balance does not change. Such changes in mobility and balance can negatively affect patients' participation in daily life and increase their risk of falls. Therefore, detailed evaluation of balance, balance training and fall prevention approaches need to be implemented in the rehabilitation programs of patients with AS