Despite extensive data regarding the demands of playing basketball, the relative importance of factors that cause fatigue and muscle potentiation has been explored only tentatively and remains unclear. The aim of this experimental field study was to assess changes in leg muscle power and relate these changes to body temperature modifications and indices of exercise-induced muscle damage in response to a simulated basketball game. College-level male basketball players (n=10) were divided into two teams to play a simulated basketball game. Ten-meter sprint and vertical counter-movement jump tests, core body temperature and creatine-kinase activity were measured within 48 h after the game. The participants’ body temperatures increased after a warm-up (1.9%, p<0.05), continued to increase throughout the game, and reached 39.4 ± 0.4ºC after the fourth quarter (p<0.05). The increase in temperature during the warm-up was accompanied by an improvement in the 10-meter sprint time (5.5%, p<0.05) and jump height (3.8%, p<0.05). The players were able to maintain leg power up to the fourth quarter, i.e., during the major part of the basketball game. There was a significant increase in creatine-kinase at 24 h (>200%, p<0.05) and 48 h (>30%, p<0.05) after the game, indicating damage to the players’ muscles. The basketball players’ sprint and jump performance appear to be at least in part associated with body temperature changes, which might contribute to counteract fatigue during the larger part of a basketball game.

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The purpose of this study was to examine possible differences in cardio respiratory functional capacity between perimeter and post elite basketball players. The subjects included 42 highly trained basketball players subdivided into groups of perimeter and post players. Point guards, shooting guards and small forwards were involved in the group of perimeter players, while power forwards and centers represented the group of post players. All players performed a standardized exercise test to evaluate maximal oxygen uptake using a cycle ergometer and automated breath-by-breath system VMAX229C. Collected data of power, heart rate, pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange were compared between the groups of perimeter and post players. Significant differences in anthropometric features between the investigated subgroups were observed. Post players were heavier and taller. Therefore, the perimeter players had significantly higher values of VO2max and relative power. VO2max was related to relative power. Relations between those variables can be described by linear regression. Given regressions can be used as a source of typical values for male basketball players. The results indicate that the empirical repartition of basketball players into perimeter and post players has not only a morphological but a physiological basis as well.

Study aim: The goal of the present study was to estimate and compare dynamics of physical fitness indices of judo athletes and non-sporting persons aged 11-17 years during this stage ontogeny and their importance of the body’s functional adaptation. Study material: The studies involved 47 judo athletes, 11–17 years old, who were divided into three age groups GP 11-13 years n=16; GP 14-15 years n=16; GP 16-17 years n=15, and 48 schoolchildren not involved in sports GK 11-13 years n=16; GK 14-15 years n=15; GK 16-17 years n=17. Aerobic and anaerobic capacity was studied in all groups. The initial studies were carried out in January and follow-up studies were conducted six months later. Results: Power indicators increased in all groups, but judo athletes’ anaerobic capacity was significantly higher comparing to other groups. Judo athletes’ simulation fights resulted in increased La concentrations, pH changes, and heart rate alterations, whereas the level of changes depended on athletes’ age, training, and training experience. Comparison of maximum oxygen intake parameters of judo players and untrained children of the same age did not reveal significant differences between these groups. Wrestlers aged 12 and 16 years presented significantly higher anaerobic prevalence in comparison with untrained children. The differences indicate that anaerobic performance potential in older judo athletes (16 years old and above) is increased, which is reflected by a higher intensity and elevated exercise loads as well as training experience. Conclusions: No significant differences were reported in terms of VO2 max between the study groups. The indicators of anaerobic performance of children training in judo (W/kg, W average /kg, Time achieved max power, Time to maintain max power) were significantly better in comparison with untrained peers. The maximum loads (Wingate test, especially in simulative judo fights) caused a significant increase in La levels accompanied by a decrease in pH in the chosen period of growth period.

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