Different Training Loads Partially Influence Physiological Responses to the Preparation Period in Basketball

Abstract

Ferioli, D, Bosio, A, La Torre, A, Carlomagno, D, Connolly, DR, and Rampinini, E. Different training loads partially influence physiological responses to preparation period in basketball. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 790-797, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare the session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL), training volume (TV), and the changes in physical fitness between professional (n = 14) and semiprofessional (n = 18) basketball players during the preparation period. Furthermore, relationships between sRPE-TL and TV with changes in physical fitness level were investigated. The players performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test-level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) before and after the preparation period. In addition, physiological responses to a standardized 6-minute continuous running test (Mognoni's test) and to a standardized 5-minute high-intensity intermittent running test (HIT) were measured. Session rating of perceived exertion-TL and TV were greater for professional (5,241 ± 1787 AU; 914 ± 122 minutes) compared with semiprofessional players (2,408 ± 487 AU; 583 ± 65 minutes). Despite these differences, Yo-Yo IR1 performance improvements (∼30%) and physiological adaptations to the Mognoni's test were similar between the 2 groups. Furthermore, physiological adaptations to HIT were slightly greater for professional compared with semiprofessional players; however, the magnitude of these effects was only small/moderate. No clear relationships were found between sRPE-TL and changes in Yo-Yo IR1 performance and Mognoni's test (rs ± 90% confidence interval [CI]: Yo-Yo IR1, 0.18 ± 0.30; Mognoni's test, -0.14 ± 0.29). Only moderate relationships were found between sRPE-TL and changes in HIT (rs ± 90% CI: [La], -0.48 ± 0.23; [H], -0.42 ± 0.25). These results raise doubts on the effectiveness of using high sRPE-TL and TV during the preparation period to improve the physical fitness level of players. The Yo-Yo IR1 seems to be sensitive to monitor changes induced by the preparation period; however, its use is not recommended to discriminate between adult basketball players of different competitive level.

Seasonal changes in physical capacities of basketball players according to competitive levels and individual responses

“…High-intensity intermittent test. The HIT protocol [6,21], comprising of 10×10 s shuttle runs over a 25+25 m course with a 180˚change of direction and 20 s of passive recovery between each bout, was performed 10 minutes after the end of the CMJ test. The players were required to run at 18 km�h -1 , following a sequence of audio signals.…”

“…The assessment of players' physical fitness across an entire basketball season indicates the effectiveness of conditioning programs and permits quantification of changes in fitness status of players across various phases of the season [4]. The greatest improvement in an athlete' physical fitness usually occurs during the preparation period, when players begin performing physical activity after a prolonged period of complete, or nearly complete rest [4][5][6]. During the competitive phase of the season strength and conditioning programs aim to maintain players' physical fitness, although realistically, fitness may slightly increase or decrease [4,7].…”

“…Despite several studies investigating the seasonal changes in physical fitness of junior and collegiate (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball players [4,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15], only few studies have investigated these trends in adult male professional basketballers [5][6][7][8]16]. Gonzalez et al [8] investigated performance changes among 7 NBA basketball players from the beginning to the end of the regular season, reporting improvements in lower limb power produced during squat exercise and repeated vertical jumps.…”

“…4 th week from the beginning) and after 3 weeks from the beginning of the Brazilian regular season. Similarly, the preparation period has been shown to be effective in enhancing the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent efforts and repeated changes of direction, but to be less effective in improving the aerobic fitness and jumping ability of professional basketball players competing in Italian tournaments [5,6].…”

“…Previous studies reported changes in physical fitness of basketball players to be affected by the competitive level of play [4][5][6][7]17]. Thus, a thorough understanding of seasonal fitness variations at varying playing standards might highlight useful information for physical preparation staff and coaches alike.…”