Health problems of basketball referees: a prospective study / Problemas de salud en árbitros de baloncesto: estudio prospectivo / Problemas de saúde em oficiais de quadra de basquetebol: estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Basketball referees are the authorities responsible for ensuring that rules and regulations are followed and for making decisions. The ability of referees to respond to the physical and physiological demands imposed during the game is essential for good performance on the court. Objective: To understand the context in which health problems faced by basketball referees occur and to outline the epidemiological profile of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in which basketball referees were evaluated using a standardized form. The participants were monitored online weekly for 12 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire to assess health problems, such as diseases (affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive or neurological systems) or musculoskeletal injuries (acute or from overuse). Results: The study sample consisted of 78 referees with a mean age of 36.5 (±9.8) years. Most referees (97.4%) found it important to implement a preventive program. In relation to the health problems reported during follow-up, there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5 - 27.9) and the mean weekly prevalence of diseases was 3.2 (95% CI 0.4 - 6.0) and of injuries was 17.4 (95% CI 16.5 - 18.3). Conclusion: Through this study, it was possible to conclude that there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5 - 27.9) and a mean prevalence of diseases of 3.2 (95% CI 0.4 - 6.0) and musculoskeletal injuries of 17.4 (95% CI 16.5 - 18.3). The most common health problems that affected basketball referees were musculoskeletal overuse injuries of the lower limbs. Level of evidence I; Prospective cohort study .

RESUMEN Introducción: Los árbitros de baloncesto son las autoridades responsables por garantizar que las reglas y los reglamentos sean cumplidos y por la toma de decisiones. La capacidad de respuesta de los árbitros a las demandas físicas y fisiológicas impuestas durante el juego es fundamental para un buen desempeño en campo. Objetivo: Comprender el contexto en el que ocurren los problemas de salud de los árbitros de baloncesto y trazar el perfil epidemiológico de las lesiones musculoesqueléticas. Métodos: Fue realizado un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que los árbitros de baloncesto fueron evaluados por medio de un formulario estandarizado. Los participantes fueron monitorizados semanalmente en línea durante 12 semanas, usándose el cuestionario de Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center para evaluar los problemas de salud, como enfermedades (que afectan a los sistemas respiratorio, cardiovascular, digestivo o neurológico) o lesiones musculoesqueléticas (agudas o por sobrecarga). Resultados: La muestra del estudio fue compuesta por 78 árbitros con promedio de edad de 36,5 (± 9,8) años. La mayoría de los árbitros (97,4%) consideró importante implementar un programa preventivo. Con relación a los problemas de salud durante el acompañamiento, hubo incidencia de 23,7 lesiones a cada 1000 horas de juego (IC 95%: 19,5 - 27,9) y la prevalencia promedio semanal de enfermedades fue de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) y de lesiones, 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Conclusión: Por medio de este estudio, fue posible concluir que hubo una tasa de incidencia de 23,7 lesiones a cada 1000 horas de juego (IC 95%: 19,5 - 27,9), y prevalencia promedio de enfermedades de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) y de lesiones musculoesqueléticas de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Los problemas de salud más comunes que acometieron a los árbitros de baloncesto fueron las lesiones musculoesqueléticas de los miembros inferiores. Nivel de evidencia I, Estudio de cohorte prospectivo .

RESUMO Introdução: Os oficiais de quadra de basquetebol são considerados autoridades oficiais responsáveis pelo comprimento das regras e tomada de decisões. A capacidade de resposta dos oficiais às exigências físicas e fisiológicas impostas durante o jogo é fundamental para um bom desempenho em quadra. Objetivo: Compreender o contexto pelo qual ocorrem os problemas de saúde enfrentados por oficiais de quadra de basquetebol. E a partir disso, traçar o perfil epidemiológico de lesões musculoesqueléticas. Métodos: Estudo coorte prospectivo no qual foi realizado uma avaliação dos oficiais de quadra de basquetebol através de um instrumento de avaliação. Em seguida, foi realizado o acompanhamento semanal online por 12 semanas utilizando o questionário Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center para avaliar os problemas de saúde, sendo eles doenças (acometem sistema respiratório, cardiovascular, digestivo ou neurológico) e lesões musculoesqueléticas (agudas e sobrecarga). Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 78 oficiais de quadra com média de idade de 36,5 (±9,8) anos. A maioria dos oficiais (97,4%) consideram importante a implementação de um programa preventivo. Em relação aos problemas de saúde durante o acompanhamento, houve uma taxa de incidência de 23,7 lesões a cada 1000 horas de jogo (IC 95% 19,5 - 27,9) e uma prevalência média semanal de doenças foi de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) e de lesões foi de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Conclusão: Por meio deste estudo, foi possível concluir que houve uma taxa de incidência de 23,7 lesões a cada 1000 horas de jogo (IC 95% 19,5 - 27,9) e prevalência média de doenças de 3,2 (IC 95% 0,4 - 6,0) e de lesões musculoesqueléticas de 17,4 (IC 95% 16,5 - 18,3). Os problemas de saúde mais comuns que acometeram os oficiais de quadra de basquetebol foram as lesões musculoesqueléticas por sobrecarga em membros inferiores. Nível de evidência I; Estudo de coorte prospectivo .

Comparison of tests to evaluate the vertical rebound jump in basketball players / Comparação de testes para avaliação do ressalto vertical em jogadores de basquetebol

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the vertical rebound jump performance of basketball players by using Hurdle Jump and Drop Jump tests based on different performance parameters, in addition to investigating whether the height of the hurdles used (barrier and box) are equivalent when the optimal and maximum heights for the tests mentioned are determined. Thirteen players of a male basketball team were included in this study (age 18.77 ±1.78 years old, height 182 ±7.97 m, body mass 76.4 ±9.55 kg, practice time 6.0 ±1.8 years). Data normality and homogeneity were tested by applying Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. The paired t-test was used to compare the means of the results obtained in the tests; the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The results regarding the comparison of the performance parameters means were the following: the maximum vertical rebound jump and reactive strength index did not show significant differences (p = 0.256 and p = 0.243, respectively); on the other hand, differences were seen for the corresponding obstacle heights. These differences can be attributed to both, individual characteristics of each subject and the specificities of the tests.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desempenho do ressalto vertical de jogadores de basquetebol por meio dos testes Hurdle Jump e Drop Jump a partir de diferentes parâmetros de desempenho e verificar se a altura dos obstáculos utilizados (barreira e caixote) se equivalem quando forem determinadas a altura ótima e a máxima para os testes mencionados. Participaram do estudo 13 jogadores de uma equipe de basquetebol masculina (idade 18,77 ±1,78 anos, estatura 182 ±7,97 centímetros, massa corporal 76,4 ±9,55 quilogramas, tempo de prática 6,0 ±1,8 anos). A normalidade e a homogeneidade dos dados foram testadas por meio dos testes Shapiro-Wilk e Levene, respectivamente. O Test T pareado foi utilizado na comparação das médias dos resultados obtidos nos testes e o nível de significância foi p≤0,05. Os resultados das comparações das médias dos parâmetros de desempenho: ressalto vertical máximo e índice de força reativa, não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p=0,256 e p=0,243, respectivamente), em contrapartida, foram identificadas diferenças nas alturas dos obstáculos correspondentes. Essas diferenças podem ser atribuídas às características da individualidade de cada sujeito e às especificidades dos testes.

Proposal of accuracy analysis of indoor tracking systems in basketball / Proposta de análise de precisão de sistemas de rastreamento interno em basquetebol

ABSTRACT The development of tracking technology caused a exponentially grow-up of research into this topic. The use of standardized methodologies is useful to contrast data of different studies. On the other hand, a low-cost reference system is needed. For this reason, the main aim of the present research is the description of a specific protocol to accuracy assessment of tracking location in indoor conditions in basketball. It can resume in three steps with detailed and easily procedures in the method section. The accuracy analysis method presented can report the centimeter of accuracy in each coordinate that the tracking system measure. A standardized protocol to evaluate the location on indoor conditions in basketball will provide to the sport science professionals a useful tool to analyze the accuracy and reliability of all tracking system, being the results can compare both within and between-court.

RESUMO O desenvolvimento da tecnologia de rastreamento causou um crescimento exponencial das pesquisas sobre esse tópico. O uso de metodologias padronizadas é útil para contrastar dados de diferentes estudos. Por outro lado, é necessário um sistema de referência de baixo custo. Por este motivo, o principal objetivo da presente pesquisa é a descrição de um protocolo específico para avaliação da acurácia do rastreamento de localização em condições internas no basquete. Pode retomar em três etapas com procedimentos detalhados e fáceis na seção do método. O método de análise de precisão apresentado pode relatar o centímetro de precisão em cada coordenada medida pelo sistema de rastreamento. Um protocolo padronizado para avaliar a localização em condições internas no basquetebol fornecerá aos profissionais de ciências do esporte uma ferramenta útil para analisar a precisão e a confiabilidade de todo o sistema de rastreamento, sendo que os resultados podem ser comparados dentro e entre as quadras.

The effect of plyometric training on vertical jump performance in young basketball athletes / O efeito do treinamento pliométrico no desempenho do salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump in young basketball athletes. A total of 39 athletes were divided into two experimental groups (male - MEG and female - FEG) and two control groups (male - MCG and female - FCG). The My Jump app quantified jump height from flight time. Data analysis relied on repeated measures ANOVA, Cohen's effect size (ES) and magnitude-based inference, with a level of significance of p≤ 0.05. Results showed that the MEG and the MCG obtained significant improvements in the countermovement jump (CMJ) and in the squat jump (SJ). The FEG and the FCG presented significant differences in the SJ, with interaction effect; as for the CMJ, only the FEG showed improvements with interaction effect. Concerning ES, the MEG showed greater effects in the CMJ and in the SJ compared to the MCG; within the FEG, the ES was greater only for the CMJ in comparison with the FCG. Qualitative responses showed that PT is likely beneficial for the MEG, whereas for the FEG it is likely beneficial in the SJ, and very likely beneficial in the CMJ. It is concluded that PT brought about positive effects on the MEG and on the FEG, both in the CMJ and in the SJ. In the control groups, both obtained significant improvements in the SJ, but only the MCG showed an improvement in the CMJ. Furthermore, results were better in the MEG and in the FEG compared to the MGC and to the FCG. Thus, PT is suitable for vertical jump enhancement in young basketball athletes.

RESUMO Este estudo investigou o efeito do treinamento pliométrico (TP) no salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete. Participaram 39 atletas, divididos em dois grupos experimentais (masculino - GEM e feminino - GEF) e dois grupos controle (masculino - GCM e feminino - GCF). O aplicativo My Jump quantificou a altura do salto a partir do tempo de voo. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se anova de medidas repetidas, tamanho de efeito de Cohen (TE) e a inferência baseada na magnitude, com nível de significância (p≤ 0,05). Os resultados indicam que o GEM e GCM apresentaram melhoras significativas no countermovement jump (CMJ) e squart jump (SJ). O GEF e GCF apresentaram diferenças significativas no SJ com efeito de interação, no CMJ apenas o GEF apresentou melhoras com efeito de interação. No TE, o GEM apresentou maiores efeitos no CMJ e SJ quando comparado ao GCM, no GEF, o TE foi maior somente no CMJ em relação ao GCF. As respostas qualitativas mostraram que o TP é provavelmente benéfico no GEM, já no GEF, mostrou que é provavelmente benéfico no SJ e muito provavelmente benéfico no CMJ. Conclui-se que o TP promoveu efeitos positivos no GEM e GEF, tanto no CMJ quanto no SJ. Nos grupos controles, ambos obtiveram melhorias significativas no SJ, porém no CMJ, somente o GCM apresentou aumento. Ademais, os resultados foram maiores no GEM e GEF em comparação com o GCM e GCF. Assim, o TP é indicado para potencializar o salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete.

What really matters to reach the highest level: an approach to the relative age effects on brazilian basketball players / O que realmente importa para chegar ao alto nível: uma abordagem do efeito da idade relativa no basquetebol brasileiro

ABSTRACT The relative age effect (RAE) is a phenomenon that provides participation and performance advantages to athletes born in the first months of the year compared to other athletes within the same age category. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of relative age in the in the major leagues of Brazilian basketball: Liga de Desevolvimento do Basquete (LDB), Liga de Basquetebol Feminino (LBF) and the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) considering the geographic region, the final classification of the teams, and the career period. The sample consisted of 831 athletes from the main leagues of Brazilian basketball during the 2014-2015 season. Information for the survey was obtained from the Brazilian Basketball Confederation website (www.cbb.com.br) and the National Basketball League website (www.lnb.com.br). The RAE was found in the Southeast and South LDB teams and in the Southeast NBB teams, and was not related to the teams' final classification. In addition, the RAE was reversed in the career consolidation phases of NBB athletes. We conclude that the RAE is present in LDB and NBB basketball players. An inverse RAE is observed in athletes aged 25-34 years, and there is an absence of this phenomenon in athletes who are at the final phase of their career.

RESUMO O efeito da idade relativa (EIR) refere-se a um fenômeno que proporciona vantagens de participação e desempenho aos atletas nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano, em relação aos demais atletas dentro de uma mesma categoria etária. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito da idade relativa na Liga de Desenvolvimento do Basquete (LDB), Liga de Basquete Feminino (LBF) e Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), considerando a região geográfica, a classificação final das equipes e o período da carreira. A amostra foi constituída por 831 atletas das principais ligas do basquetebol brasileiro, temporada 2014-2015. As informações para a pesquisa foram obtidas através do site da Confederação Brasileira de Basketball (www.cbb.com.br) e do site da Liga Nacional de Basquete (www.lnb.com.br). O EIR foi encontrado nas equipes das regiões Sudeste e Sul da LDB, nas equipes do Sudeste do NBB e não apresentou relação com a classificação final das equipes. Além disso, o EIR mostrou-se invertido nas fases de consolidação da carreira nos atletas do NBB. Conclui-se que o EIR está presente nos basquetebolistas da LDB e NBB, sendo observado um EIR inverso nos atletas de 25 a 34 anos e ausência deste fenômeno naqueles que se encontram na fase final da carreira.

Technical Indicators registered as a function of the playing time in Brazilian basketball / Indicadores de desempenho registrados em função do tempo no basquetebol brasileiro

Abstract Basketball performance analysis using technical indicators dissociated from the moment they occurred in the game seems to no longer respond to emerging issues of the game as it does not identify the periods when a team's offensive efficiency has increased or decreased. The aim was to characterize and compare the technical indicators in the positive and negative periods and in the whole game of winning and losing teams in men's professional basketball. Fourteen games of professional men's teams of the "Novo Basquete Brasil" Championship in the regular 2011/2012 season were filmed and analyzed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify data normality. The independent T test was used for variables with normal distribution and the Mann-Whitney test for variables that did not present normal distribution, in order to compare teams' performance. Analysis in the whole game showed that winning teams had significantly higher averages in successful 3-point field goals but in the positive periods, they showed higher averages for successful free throws, successful layups, defensive rebounds and defensive fouls, and in negative periods, losing teams made more defensive and offensive fouls. The teams' performance in the whole game may not elucidate the determinant indicators for building the difference in the scoreboard. It is suggested that coaches should identify the periods of best and worst teams' performance in the game and the indicators involved, preparing teams to overcome the negative periods and obtain more positive periods in the game.

Resumo A análise de desempenho no basquetebol a partir de indicadores técnicos dissociados do momento em que ocorreram no jogo parece não mais responder às questões emergentes do jogo, pois não se identificam os períodos em que a eficiência ofensiva de uma equipe aumentou ou diminuiu. O objetivo foi caracterizar e comparar os indicadores técnicos nos períodos positivos, negativos e no jogo todo, entre equipes vencedoras e perdedoras no basquetebol profissional masculino. Foram filmados e analisados 14 jogos de equipes profissionais masculinas do Novo Basquete Brasil, na temporada regular de 2011/2012. Recorreu-se ao teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para verificar a normalidade dos dados. Para as variáveis com distribuição normal recorreu-se ao teste T de amostras independentes e para as variáveis que não apresentaram distribuição normal ao teste de Mann-Whitney, a fim de comparar o desempenho das equipes. A análise no jogo todo mostrou que as equipes vencedoras tiveram médias significativamente maiores em arremessos de três pontos certos, já nos períodos positivos tiveram em lances livres certos, bandejas certas, rebotes defensivos e faltas defensivas. Nos períodos negativos as equipes perdedoras fizeram mais faltas defensivas e ofensivas. O desempenho das equipes no jogo todo pode não elucidar os indicadores determinantes para a construção da diferença no placar. Sugere-se que os treinadores identifiquem os períodos de melhor e pior desempenho das equipes no jogo e os indicadores neles envolvidos, para preparar as equipes para superar os períodos negativos e obter maior número de períodos positivos no jogo.

Age and sex differences in game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in elite basketball games

AIMS: To advance knowledge of long-term development of basketball players, this study investigated age and sex differences in game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in World Basketball Championships held after the 2010 rule change. METHODS: A total of 935 games from six categories (under-17, under-19 and open age for both men and women) were analyzed. All games were classified into three types (balanced, unbalanced and very unbalanced) according to point differential by a k-means cluster analysis. A discriminant analysis was performed to identify game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in each game type. An absolute value of a structural coefficient (SC) equal to or above 0.30 was considered relevant for the discrimination. RESULTS: In balanced games, assists discriminated winners from losers in open games (men, -SC- = 0.32; women, -SC- = 0.34), whereas successful free throws did so in under-17 games (men, -SC- = 0.30; women, -SC- = 0.31). Successful 2-point field goals discriminated winners from losers only in women's games (under-19, -SC- = 0.38; open, -SC- = 0.36). CONCLUSION: There were three novel findings in balanced games: 1) successful free throws but not assists discriminated winners from losers in under-17 games; 2) successful 2-point field goals discriminated winners from losers in women's games but not in men's games; and 3) discriminating power of successful 3-point field goals was extremely small in women's games. These results may be related to the new rules for the shot clock and the 3-point distance.(AU)

Are regional differences in basketball already established in under-18 games?

To identify regional differences in basketball games for under-age categories, this study analyzed game-related statistics of four continental championships for under-18 (U18) men. Methods: A total of 149 games from each continental championship for U18 men held in 2016 were analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to assess differences in game-related statistics between the continents (Europe, Africa, America, Asia). A discriminant analysis was performed to identify game-related statistics which discriminate among the continents. Results: The U18 African championship, which was characterized by a high number of free throws, was clearly discriminated from any other U18 continental championship. Among the other U18 continental championships excluding the African championship, the biggest difference was observed between the European and the Asian championships. The U18 European championship was characterized by a low number of possessions and a high number of assists, whereas the U18 Asian championship was characterized by a high number of possessions and a low number of assists. Both possessions and assists showed high numbers in the U18 American championship. Conclusion: This study identified regional differences in basketball games among four continental championships for U18 men held in 2016. It is suggested that basketball games for under-age categories are played in a different manner in each region of the world. The information derived from this study will help players and coaches of under-age national teams prepare for international competitions.(AU)

Relationship between physical fitness and game-related statistics in elite professional basketball players: Regular season vs. playoffs

AIMS This study aimed to verify th erelation ship between of anthropometric and physical performance variables with game-related statistics in professional elite basketball players during a competition. METHODS Eleven male basketball players were evaluated during 10 weeks in two distinct moments (regular season and playoffs). Overall, 11 variables of physical fitness and 13 variables of game-related statistics were analysed. RESULTS The following significant Pearson's correlations were found in regular season: percentage of fat mass with assists (r = -0.62) and steals (r = -0.63); height (r = 0.68), lean mass (r = 0.64), and maximum strength (r = 0.67) with blocks; squat jump with steals (r = 0.63); and time in the T-test with success ful two-point field-goals (r = -0.65), success ful free-throws (r = -0.61), and steals (r = -0.62). However, in playoffs, only stature and lean mass maintained these correlations (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The anthropometric and physical characteristics of the players showed few correlations with the game-related statistics in regular season, and these correlations are even lower in the playoff games of a professional elite Champion ship, wherefore, not being good predictors of technical performance.(AU)

Evaluacion cinematica de la biomecanica de rodilla en los gestos de lanzamiento en jugadores de basquet / Biomechanical analysis of knee during shooting gestures in basketball players

Introduccion: En este trabajo se estudia las relaciones entre el varo/valgo, flexion/extensión y rotación interna/externa de rodilla en los a jugadores de básquet durante movimientos de lanzamiento. Material y Método: Se realizó el registro de siete sujetos masculinos, jugadores amateur de básquet. Cada uno ejecutó cinco lanzamientos de tiro simple y en carrera. Se evaluó la influencia en el movimiento varo/valgo de estos gestos. Resultados: Se encontró que en ambos casos existe una mayor tendencia al valgo, con un 69% para el lanzamiento simple y un 80% para el lanzamiento simple con carrera. Se registró para la pierna izquierda mayor movimiento de valgo de rodilla que para la pierna derecha. Se encontró que el 78% de los registros en lanzamiento simple y el 93 % lanzamiento con carrera realizan un movimiento de valgo para la rodilla izquierda. Conclusión: Al comparar los ángulos máximos de flexión/extensión y de rotación interna/externa con los ángulos máximos varo/valgo se encontró una débil correlación entre el ángulo varo/valgo y el ángulo de rotación interna/externa, como así también entre el ángulo varo/valgo y el ángulo de flexión/extensión en rodilla, para los dos gestos de lanzamiento analizados. Nivel de evidencia: IV

Background: The relationship between knee varus-valgus, flexion-extension and internal-external rotation in basketball players and their shot movements is studied in this paper. Methods: Seven male amateur players without injury antecedents were recorded with tridimensional motion capture system for biomechanical analysis. Each volunteer executed/performed 5 free shots and 5 jump shots. Results:The relationship between this gestures and varus-valgus movement was assessed. In both types of shooting, there is a valgus trend, with 69% in free shot and 80% in jump shot. In all cases, registered volunteers presented right limb dominance. In left limb assessment, a greater valgus knee movement was found. In 78% of free shot and 93% of jump shots, amateur players achieved valgus knee movement with their left limb. Conclusion:Achieving a data comparison of maximum angles corresponding to flexion-extension, internal-external rotation and varus-valgus position, it was found a weak correlation between knee varus-valgus angles and knee internal-external rotation angles, and so between knee varus-valgus angles and knee flexion-extension angles for both types of shooting gestures acquired. Level of evidence: IV

Análise das estatísticas relacionadas ao jogo que discriminam as equipes vencedoras das perdedoras no basquetebol profissional brasileiro / Analysis of game-related statistics which discriminate between winning and losing in Brazilian professional basketball

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar quais estatísticas relacionadas ao jogo são capazes de discriminar as equipes vencedoras das perdedoras nos jogos do Novo Basquete Brasil, campeonato brasileiro profissional masculino, em função da fase do campeonato (temporada regular e "playoff") e das diferenças de placar (placares equilibrados e não equilibrados). A amostra consistiu nos 316 jogos disputados durante a temporada 2013/2014. As variáveis analisadas foram: arremessos de dois pontos convertidos e não convertidos, arremessos de três pontos convertidos e não convertidos, lances livres convertidos e não convertidos, rebotes defensivos e ofensivos, assistências, tocos, faltas pessoais, roubos de bola e erros. Para a divisão entre placares equilibrados e não equilibrados foi realizada a análise de "cluster" de k médias. Quando a diferença de pontuação do time vencedor pela do time perdedor ficou entre um e 15 pontos, o placar foi considerado equilibrado e quando a diferença foi de 16 a 47 pontos, o placar foi não equilibrado. A análise discriminante permitiu concluir que arremessos convertidos de três pontos e rebotes defensivos foram capazes de discriminar os vencedores nos jogos de temporada regular, seja com placar equilibrado ou não equilibrado, e nos jogos de "playoff" com o placar equilibrado. As assistências contribuíram para discriminar entre os jogos de temporada regular com placar não equilibrado, enquanto os lances livres fizeram o mesmo nos jogos de temporada regular que terminaram com placares equilibrados. Nenhuma estatística relacionada ao jogo conseguiu discriminar as equipes nos jogos de "playoff" com placares não equilibrados. Este estudo mostrou que diferentes estatísticas relacionadas ao jogo discriminam entre vencedores e perdedores, dependendo da fase do campeonato e as diferenças de placar.

The aim of this study was to identify which game-related statistics are capable of discriminating between winning and losing teams from Novo Basquete Brasil games, Brazilian men's professional basketball, according to championship phase (regular season or playoff) and scoring differences (balanced games or unbalanced games). The sample used corresponded to all 316 games from the 2013/2014 season. The game-related statistics analyzed were: 2 and 3 points fi eld-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), offensive and defensive rebounds, assists, blocks, personal fouls, steals and turnovers. To split between balanced and unbalanced games, a k-means cluster analysis was performed. When scoring difference fell between 1 and 15 points, the score was balanced and when the difference was from 16 to 47 points, the score was unbalanced. The discriminant analysis allowed to conclude that successful 3 points fi eld-goals and defensive rebounds discriminated winning teams in regular season games, whatever balanced or unbalanced, and in playoff balanced games. Assists were important to discriminate teams in regular season unbalanced games, while successful free-throws discriminated winners and losers in regular season balanced games. No game-related statistics were able to discriminate the teams in playoff unbalanced games. This study showed that different game-related statistics discriminate between winning and losing teams depending on the championship phase and the scoring differences.

Análise estatística no basquetebol de base: perfil do Campeonato Paranaense de Basquetebol masculino Sub-17 / Statistical analysis of base basketball: Under-17 Parana men Basketball Championship profile

Tem-se como objetivo geral, descrever como se dá a dinâmica de jogos de basquetebol de base. Especificamente, buscou-se entender quais os indicadores estatísticos significativos para a conquista da vitória no jogo e na competição de uma maneira geral e em jogos equilibrados, normais e desequilibrados; qual a influência do indicador "eficiência" individual e coletiva para o resultado final de jogo e competição; e qual a relação do momentum do jogo com os mesmos resultados. Como metodologia, utilizou-se a pesquisa descritiva quantitativa, tendo como instrumento, planilha de análise estatística construída especificamente para a pesquisa. O tratamento dos dados se deu através de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados encontrados: arremessos de dois pontos tentados, arremessos de dois pontos convertidos, porcentagem de acerto de dois pontos, total de pontos feitos, porcentagem de acerto total, rebotes defensivos, rebotes totais e assistências foram considerados significativos para obtenção da vitória no jogo. Os mesmos indicadores, acrescidos de "lances livres tentados" foram coincidentes em jogos equilibrados, normais e desequilibrados. Arremessos de dois pontos tentados, arremessos de dois dois pontos convertidos, porcentual de acerto de dois pontos, porcentagem de acerto total e rebotes ofensivos foram significativos para obtenção de vitória na competição. Equipes que venceram o jogo e competição apresentaram eficiência coletiva superior às demais. Uma média de quatro jogadores por equipe apresentou eficiência individual superior à média de eficiência individual da equipe e da competição. O segundo e último quartos apresentaram-se mais relevantes para obtenção da vitória no jogo e na competição. Como conclusão, entende-se que a análise estatística é uma fonte importante de informações sobre um jogo de basquetebol, podendo oferecer subsídios relevantes a pesquisadores e comissões técnicas

It has as its general objective, describe how is the logic of dynamic from base basketball games. Specifically, it sought to understand which are the statistical indicators meaningful to claim victory in the game and competition in general and in balanced, normal and unbalanced games; which is the influence of the indicator "efficiency" individual and collective for the end result of game and competition; and which is the relationships between the momentum of the game with the same results. The methodology used the descriptive quantitative research, with a statistical analysis spreadsheet built specifically for research as an instrument. The data processing was through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: 2 points attempts, 2 points converted, 2 points percentage, total points made, overall hit percentage, defensive rebounds, total rebounds and assists were considered significant for obtaining victory in the game. The same indicators, plus "free throws attempted" were coincident in balanced, normal and unbalanced games. 2 points attempts, 2 points converted, 2 points percentage, overall hit percentage and offensive rebounds were significant for achievement of victory in the competition. Teams that won the game and competition presented collective efficiency superior to others. An average of 4 players per team presented individual efficiency higher than the average of individual efficiency of the team and competition. The second and last quarters were even more relevant for obtaining the victory in the game and the competition. In conclusion, it is understood that the statistical analysis is a relevant source of information on a basketball game, and can provide relevant insights for researches and technical committees

Hepatitis C among former athletes: association with the use of injectable stimulants in the past

This study was performed with the purpose of testing the hypothesis that the high prevalence of hepatitis C among former athletes is associated with their past use of injectable stimulants. The study involved the participation of 208 former professional and amateur soccer and basketball players from the region of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, who answered a questionnaire regarding their exposure to risk factors, including the use of injectable stimulants in the time they were engaged in sporting activities. ELISA tests were used to detect infection by the hepatitis C virus, and confirmed with PCR and genotyping for the positive cases. It was observed that the former use of injectable stimulants was a practice disseminated among the participants (24.5 percent), reaching 50.8 percent in the professionals. The overall prevalence for hepatitis C was 7.2 percent, with values of 11 percent among professionals and 5.5 percent among amateurs. In both categories, the presence of infection was markedly higher among those who admitted past use of injectable stimulants when compared to those who denied such practice (36 percent and 0.8 percent among amateurs; 21.9 percent and 0 percent among professionals, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the use of those substances was the only variable associated with the risk of hepatitis C. This confirms previous observations, performed with reduced sample sizes and without comparison groups, which indicated that the use of injectable vitamins was a risk factor of hepatitis C among former athletes.