Strength training can improve myriad health parameters in elderly cohorts. Although potentially more appropriate for the elderly, low-load resistance training protocols have been less investigated. We aimed to examine the effects of 12 weeks of chair-based, low-load resistance training with elastic band (EBT) on functional fitness and metabolic biomarkers in older women. One hundred sixty-eight women were allocated randomly to an elastic band resistance training (EBT, n = 86, 75.7 ± 8.9 years, 71.3 ± 12.2 kg) or a control group (CON, n = 82, 74.5 ± 8.2years, 70.6 ± 12.0 kg). RT protocol consisted of periodized chair-based, low-load whole-body resistance exercises (2 sets, 12-15 repetitions, 40-60% of one repetition maximum-1RM) using an elastic band, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The resistance training program was generally designed to maintain internal load over time, provided with increasing intensity using various elastic bands (Thera-Band). Functional fitness (30-s Chair Stand,30-s Arm Curl, 2-min Step Test, Chair Sit-and-Reach, Back Scratch, 8-Foot Up-and-Go, Handgrip Strength) and metabolic markers (Fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoprotein) were measured before and after the training period. To detect pre/post intervention changes and between group- differences 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was applied. Significant improvements over time for all fitness variables for EBT comparing to CON were obtained (F = 12.78, p < 0.05 for 30-s Chair Stand; F = 14.04, p < 0.05 for 30-s Arm Curl; F = 5.18, p < 0.05 for 2-min Step Test; F = 10.90, p < 0.05 for Chair Sit-and-Reach; F = 16.57, p < 0.05 for Back Scratch; F = 11.79, p < 0.05 for 8-foot Up-and-Go; and F = 29.25, p < 0.05 for Handgrip Strength). In addition, significant improvements over time for all but one (triglycerides) biomarkers for EBT comparing to CON were obtained (F = 7.30, p < 0.05 for blood sugar levels; F = 13.36, p < 0.05 for total cholesterol; F = 8.61, p < 0.05 for HDL; and F = 11.53, p < 0.05 for LDL). Furthermore, the participants’ adherence to training sessions of over 90% was reported. In conclusion, 12 weeks of EBT is safe and beneficial for improving health-related fitness and metabolic biomarkers in older women and seems to be viable model to ensure a high training adherence rate.

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players.

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The purposes of this study were (I) to examine which game-related statistics can serve to discriminate between winning and losing teams according to final game outcome in NLB League basketball, and (II) to determine the differences in game-related statistics for teams who play in the NLB League and EuroLeague when they win and lose in two competitions. The game-related statistics that were analyzed are 2- and 3-point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks made, blocks received, fouls committed and fouls received. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that winning teams differ from losing teams in assists (SC=0.417), defensive rebounds (SC=0.399) and in successful 2-point (SC=0.355) and 3-point field goals (SC=0.325). In balanced games winning differ from losing teams in defensive rebounds (SC=0.388), successful 2-point field goals (SC=0.343) and blocks committed (SC=0.303), and in unbalanced games winners were better in assists (SC=0.434), defensive rebounds (SC=0.304) and successful 3-point field goals (SC=0.353). When the  teams Partizan, Olimpija and Cibona played in the NLB League, the difference between wins and losses was in assists (SC=0.395), successful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.371) and defensive rebounds (SC=0.326). When they played in the EuroLeague, the difference was only in unsuccessful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.414) and blocks received (SC=0.318). Data obtained in this study may be useful for coaches in preparing their teams and analyzing opponents during preparations for competitions.

Summary Study aim: The aim of the present study was to examine a single movement of dynamic stretching (SMDS) of the shooting arm as a pre-shot routine for free throw performance (FTP). Material and methods: The sample consisted of 60 junior and senior basketball players from the youth league of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), and the national level – the First Division of B&H. The authors found that some players during a game and training sessions apply an SMDS of the shooting arm as a pre-shot routine for FTP. Since previous literature suggests that length of the routine and pre-performance behaviors are quite different among players of all levels, the sample was divided based on the number of training hours per week (lower/higher number of training hours) and basketball experience (experienced/less experienced). The procedure involves every player performing five free throws (FTs) without prior stretching, five FTs immediately after SMDS of the triceps muscle and five FTs after SMDS of the m. flexor carpi radialis. Results: After the first SMDS (m. triceps brachii) the percentage of FT slightly decreased in the first following attempt. After the second stretching (m. flexor carpi radialis), a significant FT percentage drop was noted in the first following FT for the whole sample. Players with more experience and more training hours per week had poorer results after the stretching. Conclusions: The SMDS routine did not enhance the FTP and it had a rather harmful effect on FTP, especially SMDS of the flexor carpi radialis muscle, and the authors do not recommend SMDS before the FTP.