Practical Application and Methodological Considerations on the Basics of Sports Nutrition in Basketball: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Observational and Interventional Studies

Abstract

The current systematic review (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022334707) of observational (OS) and interventional studies (IS) aimed at evaluating the state of scientific knowledge on the basics of sports nutrition, framing discipline-specific dietary recommendations, and indicating potential directions for future studies in various age, experience level, and able-bodied abilities groups of basketball players (BP). A systematic search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science ended on 20 December 2022. Records were excluded if reporting studies on animals, sport disciplines other than basketball, or supplementation protocols other than those related to macronutrients and hydration manipulations. Risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using Cochrane RoB_2 tools, ‘JBI checklist for prevalence studies’, and ‘Quality assessment tool for before-after (pre-post) studies with no control group’. The relevant data was synthesized in tables and a narrative review was performed. Seventy-two records were included (2581 participants): 63 were on able-bodied BP (2433 participants) and 9 on para-athlete players (148 participants); 45 records were OS and 27 IS. The review disclosed widespread poor nutritional habits and knowledge and shortages in applying adequate nutritional and hydration practices in BP. Moreover, the systematic review revealed the lack of a sufficient number of investigations delivering reliable proof for framing discipline-specific and evidence-based recommendations on the basics of sports nutrition in basketball.

The Effects of Acute Deep Seawater Supplementation on Muscle Function after Triathlon

“…It is important to note that each sport discipline differs in terms of the type and specificity of efforts, energy pathways, exercise durations, and environmental conditions that are encountered during training or competition [8]. In light of this, discipline-specific nutritional recommendations are necessary [8].…”

“…It is important to note that each sport discipline differs in terms of the type and specificity of efforts, energy pathways, exercise durations, and environmental conditions that are encountered during training or competition [8]. In light of this, discipline-specific nutritional recommendations are necessary [8]. Several studies have been conducted regarding nutritional recommendations for team sports such as football/soccer [9,10] (and the sex-based differences within these disciplines) [11,12] or rugby [13].…”