Background: Recent innovations in surface electromyographic (sEMG) technology have enabled the measurement of muscle activity using smart textiles. Objective: In this study, the StriveTM Sense3 performance monitoring system is evaluated against a research-grade system, NoraxonTM, in measuring activity during the back squat exercise. Method: Seventeen participants performed three total trials of the squat exercise with a progressive load for individual trials equal to 30%, 60%, and 80% of their estimated maximum 1RM (one-repetition maximum). sEMG measurements from the rectus femoris were captured for the left and right leg by both systems. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were computed for each trial to assess concurrent validity and interrater reliability of the StriveTM Sense3 device. Additionally, five coaches at the collegiate- and professional-level of Men’s Basketball speak from an autoethnographic frame to the findings from this study. Results: Results ranged from “Poor” to “Excellent” validity and “Poor to Moderate” to “Excellent” reliability, with a majority of trials achieving “Good” or better results across all loads [93% trials: r >= 0.7; 87% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (absolute sEMG); 98% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (normalized sEMG)]. Higher validity and reliability for medium and heavy loads were observed in comparison to the light load, and several outliers indicate the need for coaches to lubricate sensors and ensure proper fit to collect accurate data. Conclusion: Examining results alongside practitioner feedback indicate the StriveTM Sense3 system is capable of tracking sEMG activity in comparison to a research-grade system.

There is scarce research into the use of Strive Sense3 smart compression shorts to measure external load with accelerometry and muscle load (i.e., muscle activations) with surface electromyography in basketball. Sixteen external load and muscle load variables were measured from 15 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s basketball players with 1137 session records. The data were analyzed for player positions of Centers (n = 4), Forwards (n = 4), and Guards (n = 7). Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to find significant differences between training and game sessions. Significant differences were found in all variables except Number of Jumps and all muscle load variables for Guards, and all variables except Muscle Load for Forwards. For Centers, the Average Speed, Average Max Speed, and Total Hamstring, Glute, Left, and Right Muscle variables were significantly different (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis was conducted on the external load variables. Most of the variance was explained within two principal components (70.4% in the worst case). Variable loadings of principal components for each position were similar during training but differed during games, especially for the Forward position. Measuring muscle activation provides additional information in which the demands of each playing position can be differentiated during training and competition.

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Background: Assessing basketball shoe comfort and fit as personal protection equipment (PPE) at the collegiate level is unique. Objective: The purpose of Part II in this pilot study was to examine the effect of shoe design on the perception of comfort and fit after performing an acute series of jumps in elite male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 basketball student-athletes. Method: A total of sixteen basketball student-athletes (six males, ten females) performed two rounds of acute series of four styled basketball jumps on two ForceDecksTM Force Platforms while trying to maximize jump height by tapping VertecTM Jump Vanes. The male student-athletes selected the AdidasTM Harden Vol. 3 and the AdidasTM SM Pro basketball shoes. The female student-athletes selected the Adidas Harden Vol. 3 and the Adidas Captain Marvel basketball shoes. Upon completion of each round of jumps, the student-athlete recorded their perception of comfort on a 110mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and fit on a seven-point Likert rating scale based against their most comfortable basketball shoes ever worn. Results: Results of this pilot study reported, on average, the male student-athletes preferred comfort and fit of the Adidas SM Pro basketball shoes and the female student-athletes preferred the Adidas Harden Vol. 3 basketball shoe, though differences were non-significant at p > 0.05. Conclusion: The use of a human factors assessment tool to evaluate basketball shoe comfort and fit and the influence of rated comfort and fit parameters on basketball jumping performance proved viable.

Garvin’s seminal work “What Does ‘Product Quality’ Really Mean?” defines product quality based on five approaches: transcendent, product-based, user-based, manufacturing-based, and value-based. In addition to presenting five definitions of product quality, Garvin presents eight dimensions of product quality: performance, features, reliability, conformance, durability, serviceability, aesthetics, and perceived quality. The purpose of this research is to present a taxonomy for establishing product quality metrics for basketball shoes based on Garvin’s eight dimensions and the user-based definition of product quality. There is no clear explanation for what constitutes a properly fitted and usable basketball shoe. Constructing a multi-dimensional basketball shoe quality taxonomy, as presented in this paper, captures relationships between features and user needs to improve the fitness for use in basketball shoes beyond commonly-used marketing jargon. Several contextual relationships of basketball are identified and associated with the requirements of basketball players, thereby resulting in a basketball shoe quality taxonomy that defines the relationships of shoe features to user preference. This taxonomy can be used to derive what product quality means to the basketball athlete and thus improve the decision-making process for the basketball shoe wearer and coaching staff.