Applying a Specific Warm-Up on Basketball Performance: The Basket-Up Approach

Cerrillo-Sanchis, J., Muñoz-Criado, I., Pérez-Puchades, V., Palmero-Martín, I., Galcerán-Ruiz, J., Portes-Sanchez, R., Chulvi-Medrano, I., Domínguez-Navarro, F., Morales-Hilario, E., Mur-Gomar, B., Calvache-Castillo, S., Sebastiá-Alcácer, V., Tortosa-Soriano, G., Alcácer-Arraiza, P., Bayarri-Melchor, J., Martínez-Ortí, J., Valverde-García, A., Girbés-Melià, A., Galán-Lliri, J., Ricart-Luna, B.

Applied Sciences.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a basketball-specific neuromuscular warm-up (the Basket-Up approach) on physical performance (jumping, agility, and sprinting) in comparison to a standard warm-up. Twenty-two highly trained youth basketball players (age: 15.68 ± 1.17 years) participated in this study. In a randomized crossover design, players performed two different warm-up protocols on separate days: the Basket-Up program (which includes mobility, core stability, eccentric strength, and specific jumping exercises) and a club standard warm-up. Physical performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ), the V-cut agility test, and 10 m and 20 m sprint tests....

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a basketball-specific neuromuscular warm-up (the Basket-Up approach) on physical performance (jumping, agility, and sprinting) in comparison to a standard warm-up. Twenty-two highly trained youth basketball players (age: 15.68 ± 1.17 years) participated in this study. In a randomized crossover design, players performed two different warm-up protocols on separate days: the Basket-Up program (which includes mobility, core stability, eccentric strength, and specific jumping exercises) and a club standard warm-up. Physical performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ), the V-cut agility test, and 10 m and 20 m sprint tests. The results showed that the Basket-Up program led to significant improvements in CMJ height (p < 0.01) and 10 m and 20 m sprint times (p < 0.05) compared to the standard warm-up. No significant differences were found in the V-cut agility test between the two protocols. In conclusion, the Basket-Up approach is an effective and specific tool for optimizing immediate neuromuscular performance in basketball players, outperforming traditional warm-up routines. These findings suggest that implementing targeted, sport-specific neuromuscular exercises during the warm-up can enhance key physical attributes required in basketball.

Vol. 14, N.º 14, Art. 5969

Exploring the Implications of Inter-Limb Asymmetries on Sprint, Agility, and Jump Performance in Young Highly-Trained Basketball Athletes: Is There a Relevant Threshold?

F. Domínguez-Navarro, J. Gámez-Payá, B. Ricart-Luna e I. Chulvi-Medrano

Medicina.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of vertical jump inter-limb asymmetries among young highly-trained basketball athletes and to analyze its impact on sport performance, specifically in sprints, agility, and vertical jumps. Materials and Methods: A unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) was employed to determine Inter-limb Index Asymmetry (IAI) in 320 participants aged from 14 to 18 years, from the Valencia Basket youth academy. IAI was categorized into three groups: 0–9.9%, 10–14.9%, and >15%. The relationship between IAI and performance variables was analyzed through correlation studies (Pearson or Spearman’s). The influence of IAI magnitude was...

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of vertical jump inter-limb asymmetries among young highly-trained basketball athletes and to analyze its impact on sport performance, specifically in sprints, agility, and vertical jumps. Materials and Methods: A unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) was employed to determine Inter-limb Index Asymmetry (IAI) in 320 participants aged from 14 to 18 years, from the Valencia Basket youth academy. IAI was categorized into three groups: 0–9.9%, 10–14.9%, and >15%. The relationship between IAI and performance variables was analyzed through correlation studies (Pearson or Spearman’s). The influence of IAI magnitude was assessed using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis analysis, with leg dominance as a covariable. SPSS Statistics version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among all the participants, the mean IAI was 10.6%. Correlation studies revealed non-significant values (p < 0.05) between IAI and sport performance variables. The three IAI magnitude groups did not show statistically significant differences in sprint, agility, and jump outcomes. Leg dominance did not seem to influence performance outcomes, except for unilateral CMJ. Conclusions: The results obtained challenge the assumption that an IAI above 10% negatively affects sprint, agility, or jump performance in young basketball athletes. Notably, the magnitude of IAI did not influence sport performance parameters, suggesting that the 10–15% threshold from previous studies may not be applicable to this population. The study emphasizes the need to understand lower-limb asymmetries in the context of specific sport task performance, considering the potential evolution over time among affected young athletes.

Vol. 60, N.º 1, Art. 131

Dynamic balance and explosive strength appears to better explain single leg hop test results among young elite female basketball athletes

Fernando Dominguez-Navarro, Jose Casaña, Borja Perez-Dominguez, Borja Ricart-Luna, Pedro Cotoli-Suárez y Joaquin Calatayud

Scientific Reports.

To analyze the impact of balance, lower-limb explosive strength and anthropometric variables on the result of the hop test in young elite female basketball athletes. Ninety young elite female basketball athletes (13–17 years), without current or recent lower-limb injury, were assessed in the off-season period of July 2021. Single leg hop test, countermovement jump, Y balance test and anthropometric outcomes were assessed. A correlation study and a regression model were performed to investigate the influence of such outcomes and the value of their participation on the hop test results. It was found a low-to-moderate correlation effect size for both countermovement jump (distance and power...

To analyze the impact of balance, lower-limb explosive strength and anthropometric variables on the result of the hop test in young elite female basketball athletes. Ninety young elite female basketball athletes (13–17 years), without current or recent lower-limb injury, were assessed in the off-season period of July 2021. Single leg hop test, countermovement jump, Y balance test and anthropometric outcomes were assessed. A correlation study and a regression model were performed to investigate the influence of such outcomes and the value of their participation on the hop test results. It was found a low-to-moderate correlation effect size for both countermovement jump (distance and power flight) and Y balance test values (except interlimb outcomes) with the single leg hop test results. Anthropometric outcomes did not show significant correlation (p > 0.05). Regression model revealed that for right hop test, countermovement jump values exhibited an adjusted determination coefficient of 0.408, (β = 0.249, p = 0.013). For left hop test, again the countermovement jump values (β = 0.229, p = 0.025), and left Y balance test values (β = 0.331, p = 0.011) jointly obtained an adjusted determination coefficient of 0.263 significant predictive value for countermovement jump outcomes in both right (β = 0.249, p = 0.013; β = 0.301; p = 0.031) and left leg (β = 0.229, p = 0.025; β = 0.365, p = 0.040), as well as certain Y balance outcomes values. Explosive strength, and dynamic balance although to a lesser extent, appear to be the most relevant physical-functional factors influencing the single leg hop test results among young elite female basketball athletes. These findings may serve as a basis to implement targeted interventions, such as plyometric and balance training, for an enhancement on functional rehabilitation and reducing the risk of injury related to the hop test results.

Vol. 14, Artículo n.º 2307

Explosive strength and dynamic balance as determinants of the single leg hop test: cross-sectional study among young elite female basketball athletes

F. Domínguez-Navarro, J. Casaña, B. Perez-Dominguez, B. Ricart-Luna, P. Cotolí-Suárez y J. Calatayud

Research Square.

Objective: To analyze the impact of balance, lower-limb explosive strength and anthropometric variables on the result of the hop test in young elite female basketball athletes. Methods: Ninety young elite female basketball athletes (13–17 years), without current or recent lower-limb injury, were assessed in the off-season period of July 2021. Single leg hop test, countermovement jump, Y balance test and anthropometric outcomes were assessed. A correlation study and a regression model were performed to investigate the influence of such outcomes and the value of their participation on the hop test results. Results: It was found a low-to-moderate correlation effect size for both...

Objective: To analyze the impact of balance, lower-limb explosive strength and anthropometric variables on the result of the hop test in young elite female basketball athletes. Methods: Ninety young elite female basketball athletes (13–17 years), without current or recent lower-limb injury, were assessed in the off-season period of July 2021. Single leg hop test, countermovement jump, Y balance test and anthropometric outcomes were assessed. A correlation study and a regression model were performed to investigate the influence of such outcomes and the value of their participation on the hop test results. Results: It was found a low-to-moderate correlation effect size for both countermovement jump (distance and power flight) and Y balance test values (except interlimb outcomes) with the single leg hop test results. Anthropometric outcomes did not show significant correlation (p > 0.05). Regression model revealed significant predictive value for countermovement jump outcomes in both right (β = 0.249, p = 0.013; β = 0.301; p = 0.031) and left leg (β = 0.229, p = 0.025; β = 0.365, p = 0.040), as well as certain Y balance outcomes values. Conclusions: Among young elite female basket athletes, the explosive strength, measured with the countermovement jump, seems to be a relevant functional component for the results of the single leg hop test. Also, dynamic balance, but with a minor influence. Focusing on the elements that compose the hop test helps to improve the understanding and the design of specific interventions to enhance the test's performance.

Muscle and adjacent subcutaneous fat thicknesses of the gastrocnemius medialis and rectus femoris and the relationship with countermovement jump and v-cut test performance in young elite basketball players

Juan Francisco Lisón, Sergio García-Herreros, Borja Ricart, Eduardo Jorge Godoy, Sara Nozal, Pedro Cotolí-Suárez, Jaime Jordán-López, Juan José Amer-Cuenca y Pablo Salvador-Coloma

Research Square.

The countermovement jump (CMJ), the V-cut test, the muscle thickness (MT) and the adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and rectus femoris (RF) are important physiological indicators for success in basketball. The aims of this study were to obtain normative data regarding CMJ and V-cut performance and ultrasound measurements, evaluate between-age-category and between-gender differences in these data and examine the relationships between physical tests and ultrasound measurements. The measurements were recorded in a sample of 131 elite basketball players (66 males) who played in three age-categories (U14, U16, or U18). We performed two-way analysis of...

The countermovement jump (CMJ), the V-cut test, the muscle thickness (MT) and the adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and rectus femoris (RF) are important physiological indicators for success in basketball. The aims of this study were to obtain normative data regarding CMJ and V-cut performance and ultrasound measurements, evaluate between-age-category and between-gender differences in these data and examine the relationships between physical tests and ultrasound measurements. The measurements were recorded in a sample of 131 elite basketball players (66 males) who played in three age-categories (U14, U16, or U18). We performed two-way analysis of covariance tests and age-adjusted partial correlation analyses. U16 and U18 males showed better performance in the CMJ and V-cut tests and lower GM and RF SFT compared to the U14 males ($p \leq .001$) and to age-category equivalent female players ($p \leq .001$). Comparisons between the females did not show significant differences in any of the study variables. V-cut and GMSFT variables explained 53.3% of the variation for the CMJ result in males ($p < .01$). This study reports normative data from CMJ and V-cut tests and ultrasound measurements of different age-category male and female elite youth basketball players. Furthermore, it is the first to show the association and predictive role of subcutaneous fat thickness in physical performance.

Impact of Hip Abductor and Adductor Strength on Dynamic Reduced Knee Valgus in Young Female Basketball Players

Domínguez-Navarro, F., Benítez-Martínez, J. C., Ricart-Luna, B., Cotolí-Suárez, P., Blasco-Igual, J. M., & Casaña-Granell, J.

Scientific Report.

This study aimed to evaluate, in an isolated and relative manner, hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) strength and to study the extent to which these factors are related to balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Sixty trainee-level elite female basketball players (13–18 years old), who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, were divided into three subgroups based on competition age divisions (U14, U16, U18). Isometric hip ABD and AD strength in each leg was evaluated using the ForceFrame Strength Testing System, also calculating the strength ratio and imbalance between legs. Y Balance Test (YBT) and ankle dorsiflexion mobility were also...

This study aimed to evaluate, in an isolated and relative manner, hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) strength and to study the extent to which these factors are related to balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Sixty trainee-level elite female basketball players (13–18 years old), who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, were divided into three subgroups based on competition age divisions (U14, U16, U18). Isometric hip ABD and AD strength in each leg was evaluated using the ForceFrame Strength Testing System, also calculating the strength ratio and imbalance between legs. Y Balance Test (YBT) and ankle dorsiflexion mobility were also assessed. ANOVA was used for between-group differences analysis. Likewise, the impact of hip strength on balance and ankle mobility was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A linear regression model for dependent variables was created with all variables that exhibited significant correlations. A between-group comparison analysis for the three competition age subgroups (U14, U16, U18) revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.005) for the hip strength variables except for hip ABD strength. The correlation study showed low-moderate effect sizes for hip ABD (in both the contralateral and homolateral limb) and AD strength (only the homolateral limb) with YBT and ankle dorsiflexion. However, when performing a regression model, only right hip ABD significantly predicted right limb YBT scores (β = 0.592, p = 0.048). The present study indicated that, although both hip ABD and AD strength correlate with balance and ankle mobility with low-moderate effect sizes, only hip ABD strength was found to significantly predict YBT scores. Therefore, the potential role of hip ABD strength in particular, but also hip AD strength, for monitoring and enhancing balance and ankle mobility outcomes, should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing preventive strategies for lower-limb injuries.

Cambios en fuerza explosiva y agilidad tras un entrenamiento online en jóvenes jugadores de baloncesto confinados por COVID-19

Ricart Luna, B., Monteagudo Chiner, P., Pérez Puchades, V., Cordellat Marzal, A., Roldán Aliaga, A., & Blasco Lafarga, C.

Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación.

El cierre de centros deportivos y suspensión de entrenamientos y competiciones provocadas por la COVID-19 conllevó una merma importante en la actividad física de los deportistas de alto rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer si un programa de entrenamiento supervisado online, orientado a la fuerza, fue capaz de mejorar la altura y potencia en el salto, y mitigar los efectos de la cuarentena en la agilidad. 51 jugadores de baloncesto de élite en formación (72.74 ± 13.30 kg; 1.85 ± .10 m), fueron divididos según categoría de edad (Infantil (U-14): 20 jugadores, 13.45 ± .51 años; Cadete (U-16): 22 jugadores, 15.59 ± .50 años; y Junior (U-18): 9 jugadores, 17.00 ± .50 años) y...

El cierre de centros deportivos y suspensión de entrenamientos y competiciones provocadas por la COVID-19 conllevó una merma importante en la actividad física de los deportistas de alto rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer si un programa de entrenamiento supervisado online, orientado a la fuerza, fue capaz de mejorar la altura y potencia en el salto, y mitigar los efectos de la cuarentena en la agilidad. 51 jugadores de baloncesto de élite en formación (72.74 ± 13.30 kg; 1.85 ± .10 m), fueron divididos según categoría de edad (Infantil (U-14): 20 jugadores, 13.45 ± .51 años; Cadete (U-16): 22 jugadores, 15.59 ± .50 años; y Junior (U-18): 9 jugadores, 17.00 ± .50 años) y evaluados de composición corporal, fuerza explosiva (test de salto Abalakov, bilateral y unilateral) y agilidad (test V-Cut). Peso y BMI se vieron negativamente afectados. La fuerza explosiva mejoró tras la intervención (p < .001) en todas las variables y categorías, mientras la agilidad empeoró significativamente (p < .001), confirmando que la falta de espacio para realizar desplazamientos y la ausencia de orientación perceptiva-cognitiva en el entrenamiento son limitaciones determinantes, con peores consecuencias cuando aumenta la edad. La cuarentena obligatoria puede (y debe) verse como una oportunidad para el desarrollo de habilidades físicas básicas como la fuerza (prestando especial atención a las cargas de entrenamiento), siempre que se realice después un trabajo planificado y específico de reinserción al juego. Los preparadores físicos deben prestar especial atención a las cargas en un confinamiento, pues pueden ser insuficientes para deportistas más capaces y formados.

Vol. 41(3º trimestres), págs. 256-264

Hypovitaminosis D in Young Basketball Players: Association with Jumping and Hopping Performance Considering Gender

Ricart, B., Monteagudo, P., & Blasco-Lafarga, C.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

This study aimed to verify whether a group of young well-trained basketball players presented deficiencies in vitamin D concentration, and to analyze whether there was an association between vitamin D concentration and jumping and hopping performance. Gender differences were considered. Twenty-seven players from an international high-level basketball club (14 female, $16.00 \pm 0.55$ years; 13 male, $15.54 \pm 0.52$ years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Rate of force development was evaluated by means of the Abalakov test (bilateral: AbB; right leg: AbR; left leg: AbL); and the triple hop test (right leg: THR; left leg: THL). Blood samples were collected for the determination...

This study aimed to verify whether a group of young well-trained basketball players presented deficiencies in vitamin D concentration, and to analyze whether there was an association between vitamin D concentration and jumping and hopping performance. Gender differences were considered. Twenty-seven players from an international high-level basketball club (14 female, $16.00 \pm 0.55$ years; 13 male, $15.54 \pm 0.52$ years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Rate of force development was evaluated by means of the Abalakov test (bilateral: AbB; right leg: AbR; left leg: AbL); and the triple hop test (right leg: THR; left leg: THL). Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and nutritional status. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in both women ($29.14 \pm 6.08\ ng/mL$) and men ($28.92 \pm 6.40\ ng/mL$), with no gender differences regarding nutritional scores. Jumping and hopping performance was confirmed to be significantly larger in males (AbL, THR, and THL $p < 0.005$) whose CV% were always smaller. A positive correlation was found between AbB and vitamin D ($r = 0.703$) in males, whereas this correlation was negative (-0.611) for females, who also presented a negative correlation ($r = -0.666$) between THR and vitamin D. A prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was confirmed in young elite athletes training indoors. Nutritional (i.e., calciferol) controls should be conducted throughout the season. Furthermore, whilst performance seems to be affected by low levels of this vitamin in men, these deficiencies appear to have a different association with jumping and hopping in women, pointing to different performance mechanisms. Further studies accounting for differences in training and other factors might delve into these gender differences.

Vol. 18, N.º 10, Art. 5446