The relationship between physical fitness and shooting accuracy of professional basketball players

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among physical fitness of professional Bosnian basketball players (n = 38) and shooting accuracy during one basketball season. A related, secondary aim was to examine relationships between basketball shooting assessments and competitive shooting accuracy during game play. Physical fitness components included: muscular endurance and aerobic endurance, lower and upper-body power, speed, agility, anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power. The specific basketball shooting accuracy was assessed by stationary and dynamic shooting assessments. Competitive shooting accuracy was represented by data collected during one basketball season for each player (free throw, field goal, and three-point %). Results of the regression analyses showed that there were significant positive relationships among shooting assessments and competitive shooting accuracy during game play. The relationship was stronger when the dynamic shooting tests were applied compared to the stationary tests. However, few or weak relationships existed among physical fitness components and competitive shooting accuracy. Only the power tests showed to be good predictors for shooting over longer distances. The findings support the inclusion of the dynamic basketball shooting accuracy tests in regular basketball assessment procedures as a valuable testing instrument.

"A relação entre aptidão física e precisão de arremesso dos jogadores profissionais de basquetebol." O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a relação entre a condição física de basquetebolistas profissionais bósnios (n=38) na precisão de arremesso no decorrer de uma temporada competitiva. Adicionalmente, pretendeu-se verificar a relação entre a avaliação específica e a precisão de arremessos durante os jogos. As variáveis de condição física foram as seguintes: resistência de força, resistência aeróbia, potência dos membros inferiores e superiores, velocidade, agilidade, capacidade e potência anaeróbia. A avaliação específica do arremesso foi testada através da utilização de arremessos estáticos e dinâmicos. A precisão dos arremessos durante os jogos foi realizada no decorrer da temporada competitiva mediante análise das seguintes variáveis: lance-livre, arremessos de quadra, e percentagem de arremessos de três pontos. As análises de regressão indicaram a existência de uma relação positiva entre as avaliações específicas dos arremessos e a precisão durante os jogos, a qual foi mais forte nas situações de arremessos dinâmicos comparados aos estáticos. Contudo, as relações existentes entre as variáveis de condição física e a precisão de arremesso durante os jogos foram menores e pouco significativas. Apenas os testes de potência mostraram ser bons preditores para os arremessos efetuados a longas distâncias. Os resultados obtidos apoiam a inclusão de testes de avaliação da precisão de arremessosrealizados de forma dinâmica em procedimentos regulares de avaliação no basquetebol, constituindo-se como instrumentos valiosos para ocontrole do rendimento.

"La relación entre la aptitud física y precisión de tiro de los jugadores profesionales de baloncesto." El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la relación entre la condición física de los jugadores profesionales de baloncesto de Bosnia (n=38) y la precisión de tiro durante una temporada de baloncesto. Paralelamente, el objetivo secundario fue examinar las relaciones entre las evaluaciones de lanzamiento de baloncesto y la precisión de tiro durante el partido. Los componentes de la aptitud física incluían: la resistencia muscular y la resistencia aeróbica, la potencia de los miembros inferiores y superiores del cuerpo, la velocidad, la agilidad, la capacidad anaeróbica y la potencia anaeróbica. La precisión específica de tiro de baloncesto se evaluó mediante lanzamiento estático y evaluaciones de tiro en movimiento. La precisión de tiro en competición estuvo representada por los datos recogidos durante una temporada de baloncesto para cada jugador (tiro libre, tiro de campo y triple %). Posteriores análisis de los resultados mostraron que había una significativa relación positiva entre las evaluaciones de tiro y la precisión de tiro durante el partido. La relación era más fuerte cuando las pruebas de tiro en movimiento se compararon con las pruebas de tiro estático. Sin embargo, existían pocas o débiles relaciones entre los componentes de la aptitud física y la precisión de tiro en competición. Sólo las pruebas de potencia mostraron ser buenas predictoras para lanzamientos de mayor distancia. Los resultados apoyan la inclusión de los entrenamientos de precisión de tiro en movimiento en los procedimientos habituales de evaluación de baloncesto, como un valioso instrumento de prueba.

Efeitos do treinamento em rugby em cadeira de rodas em atletas de elite com lesão da medula espinhal / Effects of wheelchair rugby training on elite athletes with spinal cord injury

O treinamento físico é capaz de proporcionar melhoras dos componentes fisiológicos, metabólicos e neuromusculares em indivíduos com LME cervical, dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi de analisar a influência do treinamento de rúgbi em cadeira de rodas nos aspectos fisiológicos e na capacidade funcional dos indivíduos com Lesão da Medula Espinhal. Foram avaliados sete atletas de RCR do sexo masculino com LME cervical (média do grupo de 28,57±6,52anos e tempo de lesão de 7±4,96 anos). Os sujeitos realizaram o Teste de Campo de corrida 12 minutos adaptado em dois momentos distintos, o primeiro antes de realizar a prática esportiva e o segundo momento, após intervenções do treinamento do RCR. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as médias da amostra referentes aos valores de Consumo Máximo de Oxigênio (VO2max), número de voltas realizadas (Voltas) e distância percorrida (D) (p?0.05), que inicialmente eram de 10,09 ± 6,91 ml(kg.min)-1, 15 ± 4,95voltas e 1151,3 ± 373,4 metros, respectivamente. Enquanto que, os valores obtidos no final do programa foram de 18,23 ± 8,21 ml(kg.min)-1, 21,14 ± 5,92 voltas e 1592,5 ± 446,5 metros. Conclui-se que a prática de forma regular no RCR gera adaptações e melhoras sobre os componentes fisiológicos e neuromusculares em atletas com LME.

Physical training is able to provide improved on physiological, metabolic and neuromuscular components in individuals with cervical SCI. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of wheelchair rugby (WR) training on the physiological and functional capacity of individuals with spinal cord injury. A total of seven male athletes with cervical SCI (group average of 28.57 ± 6.52 years old and 7 ± 4.96 years injury time). The athletes performed the 12-minute adapted running Field Test at two different times; the first before practicing the sport and the second time after the WR training interventions. Significant differences were observed among the sample means regarding Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max), number of laps (Laps) performed and distance (D) (p ? 0.05), which initially were 10.09 ± 6.91ml (kg.min) -1, 15 ± 4.95laps and 1151.3 ± 373.4m, respectively. The values obtained at the end of the program were 18.23 ± 8.21 ml(kg.min)-1, 21.14 ± 5.92laps and 1592.5 ± 446.5m. It can be concluded that regular practice in WR generates adaptations and improvements on the physiological and neuromuscular components in athletes with SCI.

Association between muscle strength and the cardiopulmonary status of individuals living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic function [anaerobic threshold (%VO2-AT), respiratory compensation point (%VO2-RCP) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)] between physically active patients with HIV/AIDS and matched controls and to examine associations between disease status, poor muscle strength, depression (as estimated by the profile of mood states questionnaire) and the aerobic performance of patients. METHODS: Progressive treadmill test data for %VO2-AT (V-slope method), RCP and (VO2peak) were compared between 39 male patients with HIV/AIDS (age 40.6±1.4 years) and 28 male controls (age 44.4±2.1 years) drawn from the same community and matched for habitual physical activity. Within-patient data were also examined in relation to CD4+ counts (nadir and current data) and peak isokinetic knee torque. RESULTS: AT, RCP and (VO2peak) values were generally similar for patients and controls.Within the patient sample, binary classification suggested that AT, RCP and (VO2peak) values were not associated with either the nadir or current CD4+ count, but treadmill test variables were positively associated with peak isokinetic knee torque. CONCLUSION: The aerobic performance of physically active patients with HIV/AIDS is generally well conserved. Nevertheless, poor muscle strength is observed in some HIV/AIDS patients, which is associated with lower anaerobic power and (VO2peak), suggesting the possibility of enhancing the aerobic performance of patients with weak muscles through appropriate muscle-strengthening activities.

Avaliação da capacidade máxima de exercício: uma revisão sobre os protocolos tradicionais e a evolução para modelos individualizados / Exercise maximum capacity assessment: a review on the traditional protocols and the evolution to individualized models

Os ajustes fisiológicos ao exercício têm sido extensivamente estudados. Apesar do consenso sobre a importância de testes de exercício para a avaliação do consumo máximo de oxigênio (O2máx), diferenças expressivas entre os protocolos utilizados podem comprometer a comparação de dados e sua utilização clínica ou funcional. A presente revisão analisou os principais protocolos correntemente utilizados na avaliação do O2máx, destacando suas vantagens e limitações. Além disso, compararam-se as características de protocolos escalonados em estágios com aquelas de modelos individualizados, conhecidos como protocolos em rampa. Foram revisados 102 estudos publicados entre os anos 1955 e 2009. Os resultados indicaram que, apesar de a maior parte dos estudos apontar vantagens dos protocolos em rampa sobre os mais tradicionais, há uma evidente carência de recomendações sobre diversos aspectos de sua elaboração. São raros os estudos que analisaram a influência de variáveis dos protocolos em rampa sobre os desfechos pretendidos, como o consumo máximo de oxigênio e limiares de transição metabólica. Há dúvidas acerca da melhor maneira de se determinar a capacidade máxima de exercício, velocidade inicial do teste, razão de incremento, interação velocidade/inclinação e tempo de teste. Em suma, os testes em rampa vêm sendo aplicados com base na experiência dos avaliadores, sem que haja realmente um 'protocolo' que norteie a sua montagem. Estudos que possam contribuir para o desenvolvimento de critérios mais formais e precisos para a elaboração de protocolos em rampa, portanto, fazem-se necessários.

The physiological adjustments to exercise have been extensively investigated. Despite the agreement on the importance of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the maximal oxygen uptake capacity (O2max), expressive differences within the available protocols may compromise the comparison between studies as well as their clinical or functional utilization. The present study analyzed the most frequently used exercise testing protocols to assess the O2max highlighting their pros and cons. Furthermore, the characteristics of staggered protocols were compared to those of individualized models, generally referred as ramp protocols. 102 studies published between 1955 and 2009 were revised. The available studies suggest that ramp protocols would produce better results compared to more traditional staggered tests. However, there is clearly a lack of recommendations regarding the application of such individualized protocols. Very few studies investigated the influence of the testing variables on the main expected results, as O2max and metabolic transition thresholds. It is not clear yet which is the best strategy to determine the maximal exercise capacity, the initial speed of the test, increment ratio, interaction between speed and treadmill inclination, and total duration of the protocol. In conclusion, exercise ramp protocols have been elaborated based on the evaluator experience, since precise recommendations that would define a real 'protocol' do not exist. Studies that contribute to the development of formal and precise criteria for exercise testing ramp protocols design are therefore necessary.

Perfil antropométrico e fisiológico de atletas brasileiros de "rugby" / Anthropometric and physiological profile of Brazilian rugby athletes

Rugby is a very popular sport around the world and on the rise in Brazil. It is characterized by the existence of two basic tactics positions (forwards and backs), in which athletes have distinguishing functional demands and physical characteristics. Although the international literature presents a number of interesting data about the physiological and anthropometric profile of these athletes, little attention has been spent to Brazilian athletes. This study aimed to verify the performance of 20 amateur rugby players and to compare the aerobic power (VO2max), anaerobic endurance and isokinetic strength in backs (n = 10) and forwards (n = 10). A computerized gas analyzer (CPX-D - MGC) was used to determine VO2 and VCO2. A Wingate test was used to determine the anaerobic endurance. An isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Norm) was used to measure isokinetic strength. The body composition was evaluated according to five components of ISAK. The data were compared through Student t test for independent samples (p < 0.05). Our results show a significant difference between backs and forwards in the variables VO2max (47.8 &± 4.5 and 38.8 &± 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1); 2nd ventilatory threshold (38.3 &± 3.0 and 31.6 &± 4.2 ml.kg-1.min-1); average power (7.5 &± 0.6 and 6.3 &± 1.1 W.kg-1); total work (225.7 &± 18.4 and 187.9 &± 31.7 J.kg-1); body weight (78.5 &± 9.5 and 101.6 &± 12.6 kg); fat mass (24.7 &± 3 , 2 and 29.7 &± 4.6 percent) and muscle mass (48.7 &± 4.2 and 44.5 &± 3.4 percent) respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, there are significant differences, related to the tactic position and function, in Rugby athletes. Furthermore our results shows that even at the amateur level athletes, physiological and anthropometric characteristics are similar when compared to professional level players.

O "Rugby" é um esporte bastante popular internacionalmente e em franca ascensão no Brasil. É caracterizado pela existência de duas posições táticas básicas ("forwards" e "backs"), cujos atletas apresentam demandas funcionais e características físicas distintas. Embora a literatura internacional apresente um número interessante de referências acerca do perfil antropométrico e fisiológico destes atletas, pouca atenção tem sido despendida aos atletas brasileiros. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o desempenho de 20 jogadores amadores de "Rugby" submetidos à ergoespirometria, teste de Wingate e Dinamometria isocinética bem como a comparação entre "backs" (n = 10) e "forwards" (n = 10) para verificar possíveis diferenças entre as posições táticas. Para determinação dos valores de VO2 e VCO2 foi utilizado um analisador de gases computadorizado (CPX-D; MedGraphics Cardiorespiratory Diagnostic Systems) para variáveis de força um dinamômetro isocinético Cybex Norm (Lumex & Co., Ronkonkoma, USA) e para comparações de composição corporal foi aplicada a técnica de cinco componentes da ISAK. A comparação entre os dados foi verificada por meio do teste t de Student para amostras independentes, sendo que para todas as variáveis foi adotado um índice de significância de p < 0,05. Os nossos resultados mostram uma diferença significativa entre "backs" e "forwards' nas variáveis VO2max (47,8 ± 4,5 e 38,8 ± 5,5 ml.kg-1.min-1)...

2º limiar ventilatório (38,3 ± 3,0 e 31,6 ± 4,2 ml.kg-1.min-1) - potência média (7,5 ±0,6 e 6,3 ±1,1 W.kg-1) e trabalho total (225,7 ± 18,4 e 187,9 ± 31,7 J.kg-1) - massa corporal (78,5 ± 9,5 e 101,6 ± 12,6 kg) Massa Adiposa (24,7 ± 3,2 e 29,7 ± 4,6%) Massa Muscular (48,7 ± 4,2 e 44,5 ± 3,4%) respectivamente (p < 0,05). Sendo assim, evidenciamos a existência de diferenças significativas em algumas das variáveis medidas entre atletas de "Rugby' conforme sua função no jogo. Essa evidência mostra que mesmo os atletas sendo de nível amador, as características fisiológicas, antropométricas e mecânicas são semelhantes quando comparadas aos jogadores de nível profissional.

Alterações na aptidão física de atletas de futebol infantil ao longo de um macrociclo de treinamento / Changes in physical fitness of u- 15 soccer players over macrocycles of training

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aptidão física das crianças de jogadores de futebol ao longo de um macro treinamento. A amostra foi composta por 16 atletas de futebol infantil, com altura média de 1,74 m (DP = 0,07) e peso corporal médio igual a 63 kg (DP = 6). Analisou-se a potência aeróbia (VO2max), velocidade (T30m), força explosiva de salto vertical (SV) em 4 diferentes tempos de macro (P1, P2, P3, P4). dados análise foi utilizada estatística descritiva e ANOVA de uma via com ajuste de Bonferroni. o principal os resultados foram os seguintes: o VO2max = 13% (P1xP3) e -3,8% (P3xP4); T30m = 4,1% (P1xP2), SV = 5,26% (P2xP3); Foi possível observar a consistência dos resultados com a metodologia proposta adotada, embora os resultados foram mostrados abaixo das expectativas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate children's physical fitness of footballers over a macro training. The sample consisted of 16 athletes from children's football, with average height of 1.74 m (SD = 0.07) and average body weight equal to 63 kg (SD = 6). We analyzed the aerobic power (VO2max), speed (T30m), explosive power of vertical jump (SV) in 4 different times of macro (P1, P2, P3, P4). Data analysis was used descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment. The main results were as follows: VO2max = 13% (P1xP3) and -3.8% (P3xP4); T30m = 4.1% (P1xP2), SV = 5.26% (P2xP3); It was possible to observe the consistency of results with the proposed methodology adopted, although the results have been shown below expectations.

The effect of an aerobic training program on the electrical remodeling of the heart: high-frequency components of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram are predictors of the maximal aerobic power

Increased heart rate variability (HRV) and high-frequency content of the terminal region of the ventricular activation of signal-averaged ECG (SAECG) have been reported in athletes. The present study investigates HRV and SAECG parameters as predictors of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) in athletes. HRV, SAECG and VO2max were determined in 18 high-performance long-distance (25 ± 6 years; 17 males) runners 24 h after a training session. Clinical visits, ECG and VO2max determination were scheduled for all athletes during thew training period. A group of 18 untrained healthy volunteers matched for age, gender, and body surface area was included as controls. SAECG was acquired in the resting supine position for 15 min and processed to extract average RR interval (Mean-RR) and root mean squared standard deviation (RMSSD) of the difference of two consecutive normal RR intervals. SAECG variables analyzed in the vector magnitude with 40-250 Hz band-pass bi-directional filtering were: total and 40-æV terminal (LAS40) duration of ventricular activation, RMS voltage of total (RMST) and of the 40-ms terminal region of ventricular activation. Linear and multivariate stepwise logistic regressions oriented by inter-group comparisons were adjusted in significant variables in order to predict VO2max, with a P < 0.05 considered to be significant. VO2max correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with RMST (r = 0.77), Mean-RR (r = 0.62), RMSSD (r = 0.47), and LAS40 (r = -0.39). RMST was the independent predictor of VO2max. In athletes, HRV and high-frequency components of the SAECG correlate with VO2max and the high-frequency content of SAECG is an independent predictor of VO2max.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE AND POWERS ESTIMATED FRONT BLOOD LACTATE CONCENTRATION DURING INTERMITTENT RUNNING / 体力科学

This study was conducted to clarify the relationship between power estimated by blood lactate movement during intermittent running test (Maximal Anaerobic Running Test : MART), and velocity of middle distance running (V 800 m, V 1500 m) . The subjects were well-trained male middledistance runners (n=8) .<BR>MART consisted of a variable number of 20 seconds runs on a treadmill with a 100 seconds recovery period between runs. The runs were performed ona a 4° incline. After 40 second recovery, earlobe blood samples were taken and blood lactate concentrations were analyzed. The first run was performed at 250 m/min. Velocity of the treadmill was increased by 25 m/min for each consecutive run until volitional exhaustion.<BR>The power requirement associated with the absolute value of blood lactate (La) and relative value of peak blood lactate (PBLa) was determined from the La or %PBLa vs power curve by linear interpolation from the two consecutive La values which were above and below the desired value.<BR>Results were summarized as follows:<BR>(1) Maximal power (Pmax) for MART was correlated positively with V800m (r=0.880, P<0.01) and V1500m (r=0.948, p<0.001) .<BR>(2) Power estimated at 40% value of PBLa (P40%La) correlated positively with V 1500 m (r=0.903, P<0.01), and at 60% value of PBLa (P60%La) was correlated positively with V800m (r=0.835, P<0.01) and 1500m (r=0.936, p<0.001) .<BR>These results indicate that MART is a valid test for estimating middle distance running performance and P40%La, and P60%La are important indexes with 800-m and 1500-m running.

Aerobic and anaerobic power and muscle thickness of varsity kayak paddlers / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the ability of aerobic and anaerobic power output and the muscle thickness at each site of varsity kayak paddlers. Twenty-three male kayak paddlers who divided into skilled and unskilled group by their career participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake as a measure of aerobic power was determined with a progressive arm cranking exercise. Four all-out ergometer work tests lasting 7 and 40 seconds were used to estimate anaerobic alactic power and anaerobic lactic power with leg (pedaling) and arm (cranking) exercises. Anaerobic alactic power (AAP) was computed as the highest power output during 7 seconds and anaerobic lactic power (ALP) was obtained as the mean power output during 40 seconds. Muscle thickness were measured by B-mode ultrasonography at 11 sites on the body. Maximal oxygen uptake of skilled paddlers (3.501/min) was significantly higher than that of unskilled ones (2.701/min) . Similarly, there were significant differences between skilled and unskilled paddlers in AAP and ALP, especially as measured by the arm cranking exercise. The results showed that the career of arm-specific training induced the large specificity of aerobic and anaerobic power output with arm cranking mode. Muscle thickness of skilled paddlers were significantly larger than those of unskilled paddlers at sites on the biceps, abdomen, back muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings, and these strongly correlated with aerobic and anaerobic power output. It is suggested that for the improvement in power output it was necessary to train the muscles of trunk and thigh, and have a specific exercise mode.

Relationship between maximal aerobic power and the fatiguability during repeated isokinetic contractions / 体力科学

To investigate the relationship between maximal aerobic power (VO<SUB>2</SUB>max) and fatigu-abililty during repeated isokinetic contractions, 39 male speed skaters (mean 20.8 years) served as subjects. They were divided into two groups according to their VO<SUB>2</SUB>max levels ; high VO<SUB>2</SUB>max group (HI, n=19) and low VO<SUB>2</SUB>max group (LO, n=20) . VO<SUB>2</SUB>max was measured in all subjects during incremental exercise on a bicycle ergometer and body composition was determined by densitometry. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the leg extensor muscles was evaluated using ultrasonic method. Fatiguability was assessed during the fatigue test consisting of 50 repeated isokinetic knee-extensions at an angular velocity of 180 deg⋅sec<SUP>-1</SUP>. Remark-able findings include :<BR>1. There were no significant differences in body composition and thigh composition between the two groups except for high subcutaneous fat in group LO.<BR>2. There were significant differences in VO<SUB>2</SUB>max between group HI (3.93<I>l</I>⋅min<SUP>-1</SUP>, 67.3 m<I>l</I>⋅kg LBM<SUP>-1</SUP>⋅min<SUP>-1</SUP>) and group LO (3.59<I>l</I>⋅min<SUP>-1</SUP>, 59.9 m<I>l</I>⋅kg LBM<SUP>-1</SUP>⋅min<SUP>-1</SUP>) .<BR>3. In the fatigue test, the average initial values did not differ, however, the average final values were higher in group HI. Also, a significant difference was observed in per unit CSA between the two groups.<BR>4. Higher peak forces (kg) in group HI were observed after the initial 30 dymanic contractions per unit CSA and % of peak values (% peak force) .<BR>5. A close relationship was demonstrated between VO<SUB>2</SUB>max per LBM and the fatigue index, i. e., the mean decline in peak force with 50 contractions (r=-0.37, p<0.05) .<BR>Based on the present findings it is suggested that maximal aerobic power (VO<SUB>2</SUB>max) influences the rate of fatigue development even during short-term maximal isokinetic contractions, and that there may be some physiological cross-linkages between cardiopulmonary regulation and the metabolic properties of skeletal muscles. This finding is also in conformity with earlier results indicating the importance of oxygen delivery as a limiting factor for muscle performance.