Parenting, Child Maltreatment, and Social Disadvantage: A Population-Based Implementation and Evaluation of the Triple P System of Evidence-Based Parenting Support.

Child Maltreatment (CM) is a widespread public health problem, with adverse outcomes for children, families, and communities. Evidence-based parenting support delivered via a public health approach may be an effective means to prevent CM. The Every Family 2 population trial applied a public health approach to delivering evidence-based parenting support to prevent CM in disadvantaged communities. Using a quasi-experimental design, 64 matched low socioeconomic communities in the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales received either the full multi-level Triple P system (TPS) of parenting support, or Care as Usual (CAU). Two population indicators of CM, the number of substantiated cases of CM, and the number of notifications of CM to protective services were compared using Welch's t-test to evaluate intervention effectiveness. After two years of intervention, medium to large effect sizes favoring TPS communities were found for substantiations (d = 0.57, p < .05) and notifications (d = 1.86, p < .001). These findings show the value of the TPS, deployed using a public health approach, in efforts to prevent CM in socially disadvantaged communities. A number of uncontrolled contextual factors are described that may have contributed to some of the differences detected between TPS and CAU communities.

Long-Term Trends in Shooting Performance in the NBA: An Analysis of Two- and Three-Point Shooting across 40 Consecutive Seasons.

This study aims to depict two-point and three-point shooting trends and explore their influence on game outcomes in the NBA across 40 consecutive seasons. Therefore, the following game-related statistics were considered: total points per game (PPG), games played (GP), field goals made (FGM), field goal attempts (FGA), field goal percentage (FG%), two-point field goals made (2PM), two-point field goal attempts (2PA), two-point field goal percentage (2P%), three-point field goals made (3PM), three-point field goal attempts (3PA), three-point field goal percentage (3P%), and a three-point field goal to two-point field goal ratio (3P/2P). The fixed-base indexes and inter-decade ANOVAs or Friedman tests were used as the main statistical tools. The number of 3PA significantly increased over time, while the number of 2PA decreased. A significant increase in 3P% was also observed, whereas 2P% remained relatively stable over the analyzed period. This study also revealed a higher number of ball possessions and more points scored per game, especially in the last decade of NBA competition.

Actual status and future directions of cardiac telerehabilitation.

Telerehabilitation (TR) was developed to achieve the same results as would be achieved by the standard rehabilitation process and to overcome potential geographical barriers and staff deficiencies. This is especially relevant in periodic crisis situations, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Proper execution of TR strategy requires both well-educated staff and dedicated equipment. Various studies have shown that TR may have similar effects to traditional rehabilitation in terms of clinical outcomes and may also reduce total healthcare costs per participant, including rehospitalization costs. However, as with any method, TR has its advantages and disadvantages, including a lack of direct contact or prerequisite, rudimentary ability of the patients to handle mobile devices, among other competencies. Herein, is a discussion of the current status of TR, focusing primarily on cardiac TR, describing some technical/organizational and legal aspects, highlighting the indications, examining cost-effectiveness, as well as outlining possible future directions.

Combined Pseudo-Random Sequence Generator for Cybersecurity.

Random and pseudo-random number and bit sequence generators with a uniform distribution law are the most widespread and in demand in the market of pseudo-random generators. Depending on the specific field of application, the requirements for their implementation and the quality of the generator's output sequence change. In this article, we have optimized the structures of the classical additive Fibonacci generator and the modified additive Fibonacci generator when they work together. The ranges of initial settings of structural elements (seed) of these generators have been determined, which guarantee acceptable statistical characteristics of the output pseudo-random sequence, significantly expanding the scope of their possible application, including cybersecurity. When studying the statistical characteristics of the modified additive Fibonacci generator, it was found that they significantly depend on the signal from the output of the logic circuit entering the structure. It is proved that acceptable statistical characteristics of the modified additive Fibonacci generator, and the combined generator realized on its basis, are provided at odd values of the module of the recurrent equation describing the work of such generator. The output signal of the combined generator has acceptable characteristics for a wide range of values of the initial settings for the modified additive Fibonacci generator and the classic additive Fibonacci generator. Regarding the use of information security, it is worth noting the fact that for modern encryption and security programs, generators of random numbers and bit sequences and approaches to their construction are crucial and critical.

Uneven impacts of COVID-19 on the attendance rates of secondary school students from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Australia: A quasi-experimental analysis of administrative data.

This paper contributes to the growing body of research that demonstrates uneven impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational outcomes of students from different socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. We evaluate the early impacts of COVID-19 on student attendance in secondary school and show how these impacts depend on students' SES. We employ a quasi-experimental design, using difference-in-differences (DiD) estimation extended to incorporate third-order differences over time between low-SES and other students, and pre- versus during-COVID-19, leveraging robust administrative data extracted from the registers of the Tasmanian Department of Education. Using data from multiple cohorts of secondary school students in government schools in Tasmania (N = 14,135), we find that while the attendance rates were similar pre- and during-COVID-19 for high-SES students, there was a significant drop in attendance rates during COVID-19 among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, demonstrating the more pronounced impacts of COVID-19 for these students. The findings demonstrate that even "relatively short" lockdowns, as those in Tasmania in 2020 (30-40 days of home learning), can significantly affect the learning experiences of students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. We discuss the implications of this for future pandemic planning in educational policy and practice and how this needs to be addressed in Australia's COVID-19 recovery.

The Relationship Among Acceleration, Deceleration and Changes of Direction in Repeated Small Sided Games.

The change of direction (COD) ability is perhaps the most significant fitness component in team sport games. One of the best ways to develop COD as well as other components of the game in soccer is the regular inclusion of small sided games (SSGs) in the training process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine changes in physiological and kinematic variables in repeated SSGs in youth soccer players. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between selected IMA variables such as acceleration, deceleration and changes of direction. Participants included sixteen U17 soccer players from a 2nd league professional team with a high aerobic capacity. The study design involved six 3-min 4 × 4 SSGs with goalkeepers and with a 3-min rest interval between games, during two training sessions played on a field of 25 x 35 m. The results showed that the intervention protocol consisting of repeated SSGs generated an intensity below the anaerobic threshold. This allowed for the maintenance of all variables (Heart Rate, Total Distance Covered, Velocity, Acceleration, Deceleration, Change of Direction) at a similar level throughout the subsequent six SSGs. The analysis revealed that in the six SSGs, players performed the most Acc and Dec, then COD Right and the least COD Left. From the third game on, a decrease in the number of COD Right was noticed. We hypothesized that progressive neuromuscular fatigue on the dominant side caused a more symmetrical trend in COD.

Effects of Co-Ingestion of ß-Hydroxy-ß-Methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-Ketoglutarate on Jump Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of simultaneous supplementation of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate on lower limb power and muscle damage in medium distance runners aged 15.3 (±0.9) years old. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 volunteers aged 14-17 years practicing medium distance running for at least two years. The study lasted 12 days and followed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design. All subjects attended a familiarization session on day 0 before the test. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: supplements and placebo group. The same training cycle protocol was used in both groups during the 12-day training period. Morning warm-up involved 10 min jogging at 60-75% of maximal heart rate and countermovement jump height measurement. Main training units were carried out for both groups with the same volume. Training load assessment (the daily session Rating of Perceived Exertion (s-RPE) method) method takes into consideration the intensity and the duration of the training session to calculate the "training load" (TL). RESULTS: At the end of the training cycle, a significant (p = 0.002) decrease in the countermovement jump (CMJ) height was found in the placebo group when compared to the baseline. In the supplement group, there was no decrease in the countermovement jump height. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase concentration increased during the training days similarly in both groups and decreased on rest days. There were no differences between groups in enzymes concentration. The research results indicate that the supplement combination used in the supplements group prevented a reduction in the CMJ values. In contrast to the supplements group, in the placebo group, the CMJ changes were statistically significant: a noticeable (p = 0.002) decrease in CMJ was noted between the baseline measurement and the 6th measurement. The well-being of the subjects from both groups changed significantly during the training period, and the intergroup differences in the mood level were similar and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the daily co-supplementation with calcium salt of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (7.5 g) and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate (10 g) during training might help to prevent decline in jump performance. No influence on muscle damage markers or mood was shown.

Late Pleistocene Expansion of Small Murid Rodents across the Palearctic in Relation to the Past Environmental Changes.

We investigated the evolutionary history of the striped field mouse to identify factors that initiated its past demographic changes and to shed light on the causes of its current genetic structure and trans-Eurasian distribution. We sequenced mitochondrial cyt b from 184 individuals, obtained from 35 sites in central Europe and eastern Mongolia. We compared genetic analyses with previously published historical distribution models and data on environmental and climatic changes. The past demographic changes displayed similar population trends in the case of recently expanded clades C1 and C3, with the glacial (MIS 3-4) expansion and postglacial bottleneck preceding the recent expansion initiated in the late Holocene and were related to environmental changes during the upper Pleistocene and Holocene. The past demographic trends of the eastern Asian clade C3 were correlated with changes in sea level and the formation of new land bridges formed by the exposed sea shelf during the glaciations. These data were supported by reconstructed historical distribution models. The results of our genetic analyses, supported by the reconstruction of the historical spatial distributions of the distinct clades, confirm that over time the local populations mixed as a consequence of environmental and climatic changes resulting from cyclical glaciation and the interglacial period during the Pleistocene.

Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to investigate the acute effects of a pre-workout supplement on anaerobic performance in resistance-trained men. METHODS: Twenty-three men underwent three randomized, double-blind testing sessions separated by a seven-day break. The participants performed three tests: isokinetic strength, three repetition maximum (3-RM) strength and Wingate. Statistical analysis was conducted in R environment. Linear mixed models were estimated via R package lme4. RESULTS: Mean T@0.2 s was significantly greater in supplemented condition for right and left knee flexors (PL: 103.2 ± 37.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 131.8 ± 29.3 Nm (p = 0.001)), and PL: 103.7 ± 39.3; supplemented condition: 129.4 ± 28.4 (p = 0.001)). T@0.2 s for right and left knee extensors (PL: 202.6 ± 58.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 237.2 ± 54.7 Nm (p = 0.001); PL: 203.3 ± 63.2 Nm, supplemented condition: 229.8 ± 50.8 Nm (p = 0.002)). Significant difference was in mean anaerobic power between supplemented and PL condition for right and left knee flexors (p = 0.002, p = 0.005) and for right and left knee extensors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002). TTP was significantly shorter in supplemented condition for both sides knee flexors (p = 0.002). There was a significant difference for mean power in the Wingate test (placebo: 8.5 ± 0.6 W/kg; supplemented condition: 8.7 ± 0.5 W/kg (p = 0.038)). Mean 3-RM was significantly greater in supplemented condition (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The supplement significantly improves upper and lower body strength and power output in resistance-trained men.

The Use of Different Modes of Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) for Enhancing Speed of the Slide-Step in Basketball Players.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether 5% of body mass-resisted or assisted conditioning activity (CA) can enhance 5 m slide-step movement performance. Methods: Sixteen division I basketball players participated in this study (23.6 ± 4.4 years; 86.3 ± 5.9 kg; 192.3 ± 6.2 cm; training experience 6.7 ± 2.6 years). The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed two different exercise protocols-assisted and resisted CA each consisting of four sets of 10 m slide-step movement with 5% of body mass external load and 1 min rest intervals between. To assess the differences between baseline and post-assisted, as well as post-resisted CA, the participants performed a 2 × 5 m slide-step movement 6 min after each CA protocol. The differences in time between baseline, post-assisted and post-resisted CA were examined using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between baseline and post-assisted postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) (p = 0.011). There were no significant intragroup differences between baseline and post-resisted CA (p = 0.230). Conclusion: Findings of the study show that a light load assisted CA (5% of body mass) effectively elicits a potentiation response among basketball players.

Hormonal Response to Incremental and Continuous Exercise in Cyclists with Left Ventricle Hypertrophy.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of incremental and continuous exercise on the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), and cortisol (C), as well as to investigate whether increased cardiac dimensions in cyclists were related to changes in these hormones and cardiac biomarkers. The study included 30 elite cyclists divided into two groups, i.e., athletes with left ventricle hypertrophy (a LVH group), and a control group (CG) without LVH. The study protocol included performance of a standard incremental exercise (IncEx) test to measure athletes' maximum power (Pmax), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and lactate threshold (LAT). The IncEx test results were then used to determine the intensity of the continuous exercise (ConEx) test which was performed after the 1-week washout period. Cyclists with LVH and without LVH did not differ in resting hormone concentrations and cardiac biomarkers levels. There was a significant effect of exercise on serum IGF-1 levels (p < 0.05) in the LVH group and a combined effect of the type of exercise and LVH on IGF-1 (p < 0.05). Cyclists with LVH demonstrated higher post exercise T levels recorded in response to exercise compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Significantly higher serum T levels were observed in response to ConEx compared to IncEx in the LVH group and the CG (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). In the LVH group, a significant positive correlation between the post-exercise T/C ratio and left ventricular mass index was observed (r = 0.98, p < 0.01). There were no effects of heart hypertrophy on cardiac standard biomarkers. Incremental and continuous exercise caused a marked increase in steroid hormone concentrations and moderate strengthening of insulin growth factors effects. Regular incremental exercise seems to induce beneficial cardiac adaptations via significant increases in the concentration of anabolic factors compared to the same training mode yet with constant exercise intensity.

Evolution of technical activity in various playing positions, in relation to match outcomes in professional soccer.

The study presented below aimed to examine the position-specific evolution of technical activity among soccer players and how it is related to match outcomes over three consecutive domestic seasons in Germany's Bundesliga. The research was based on a sample of 13,032 individual match observations of 556 soccer players during the 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons. These players were classified into five positional roles: central defenders (CD), full-backs (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM) and forwards (F). The activity of the players was analysed using the Impire AG motion analysis system. Our study indicates that over the course of the three seasons: 1) the total numbers of shots by CMs decreased in the case of won or drawn matches; 2) the number of passes by CD players increased in matches won, and by CM and WM players in matches won, drawn and lost, whereas percentage pass accuracy increased at the CM position in won and drawn matches; 3) players at each position engaged in a substantially smaller number of duels, no matter what the match outcome, while the percentage of encounters won in subsequent seasons decreased among CD, and increased among WM in matches won and at F positions in both won and drawn matches. This research clearly shows that the evolution of technique among professional soccer players is heading in the direction of increased accuracy, with a simultaneous stabilisation of, or even a decline in, the number of activities engaged in.

A New Approach to the Analysis of Pitch-Positions in Professional Soccer.

The purpose of the study was to examine how various playing positions affected the number of (and percentage breakdowns for) physical and technical activities of soccer players in the Germany's Bundesliga. A further objective was to identify and present features distinguishing between the activities of players within the Defender, Midfielder and Forward formations. The study sample comprised 4426 individual match observations of 473 soccer players competing in the Bundesliga during the 2016/2017 domestic season. Data from the Impire AG motion analysis system, and the so-called "heat maps" it supplies, revealed areas in which players spent most time during a match, with 22 different playing positions on the pitch identified in consequence. Players in the formation comprising Defenders did not differ significantly in relation to the number of accelerations, the number of shots or the percentage of duels won. Furthermore, there were no significant differences among Midfielders in regard to total distance covered, mean running speed, the number of accelerations, the number of duels and the percentage of duels won. Likewise, Forwards did not differ in distances covered at ≥24 km/h, average running speed, the number of sprints, the number of shots, the proportion of on-target passes, the number of duels, or the percentage share of duels won. Irrespective of the formation or position on the pitch, today's game of soccer also pays great importance to the number of accelerations, as well as the number of duels engaged in, and their effectiveness.

Differences in motivation during the bench press movement with progressive loads using EEG analysis.

Considering our preliminary research with EEG analysis of the bench press in experienced powerlifters, we hypothesized that there would be significant differences in motivation between novice and elite powerlifters. Therefore the main objective of this study was to identify patterns of frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) of the prime movers by alpha frequency band analysis (named as alpha motivation values) for each 35-100% one-repetition maximum (1RM) during the flat bench press. Ten novice powerlifters with no more than 2.5 years of resistance training experience and ten elite powerlifters with at least 7.5 years of training experience participated in the study. All participants were required to squat, bench press, and deadlift 100, 125, and 150% of their body mass, respectively. The athletes constituted a homogeneous group with respect to age (mean 22.3 ± 0.5 years). The EEG recordings were conducted using automatic headcups with 19 electrodes that were placed according to the International 10-20 Electrode Placement System. Signals from 8-12 Hz considering points F3 and F4 were analyzed. Furthermore, electromyographic (EMG) signals from the trapezius muscle were recorded. Before testing, moods and emotions of subjects were assessed to eliminate subjects with intense emotions. The results showed brain activity before, during and after cognitive and motor performance using electroencephalography (EEG). However, considering the still existing problems of movement artefacts during EEG measurements, eligible sports and exercises are limited to those that are relatively motionless during execution. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Match outcome and running performance in different intensity ranges among elite soccer players.

The monitoring of players' work-rate profiles during competition is now feasible through computer-aided motion analysis. The aim of the present study was to examine how various playing positions and match outcomes (i.e. won, drawn, lost) affect the total distance, and the distances covered at different intensities, by soccer players in Germany's Bundesliga. Match performance data were collected for 556 soccer players competing in the Bundesliga during the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17 domestic seasons. A total of 13 039 individual match observations were made of outfield players (goalkeepers excluded). The analysis was carried out using an IMPIRE AG motion analysis system, with records of all players' movements in all the 918 matches. The recorded variables included total distance covered [km] and distance covered at intensities in the ranges below 11 km/h, 11-14 km/h, 14-17 km/h, 17-21 km/h, 21-24 km/h, and above 24 km/h. In won matches, as opposed to drawn and lost matches, the wide midfielders and forwards ran a significantly longer distance, primarily covered at intensities of 21-23.99 and above 24 km/h (p ≤ 0.05). The analysis of full-backs, central defenders and central midfielders in won matches - as opposed to drawn and lost matches - in turn reveals that players ran a significantly shorter distance, most likely to be covered at intensities of 17-20.99 and 21-23.99 km/h (p ≤ 0.05). The results of the present study emphasise the importance of match outcome and playing positions during the assessment of physical aspects of soccer performance.

The effect of mineral-based alkaline water on hydration status and the metabolic response to short-term anaerobic exercise.

Previously it was demonstrated that mineralization and alkalization properties of mineral water are important factors influencing acid-base balance and hydration in athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of drinking different types of water on urine pH, specific urine gravity, and post-exercise lactate utilization in response to strenuous exercise. Thirty-six male soccer players were divided into three intervention groups, consuming around 4.0 l/day of different types of water for 7 days: HM (n=12; highly mineralized water), LM (n=12; low mineralized water), and CON (n=12; table water). The athletes performed an exercise protocol on two occasions (before and after intervention). The exercise protocol consisted of 5 bouts of intensive 60-s (120% VO2max) cycling separated by 60 s of passive rest. Body composition, urinalysis and lactate concentration were evaluated - before (t0), immediately after (t1), 5' (t2), and 30' (t3) after exercise. Total body water and its active transport (TBW - total body water / ICW - intracellular water / ECW - extracellular water) showed no significant differences in all groups, at both occasions. In the post-hydration state we found a significant decrease of specific urine gravity in HM (1021±4.2 vs 1015±3.8 g/L) and LM (1022±3.1 vs 1008±4.2 g/L). We also found a significant increase of pH and lactate utilization rate in LM. In conclusion, the athletes hydrated with alkaline, low mineralized water demonstrated favourable changes in hydration status in response to high-intensity interval exercise with a significant decrease of specific urine gravity, increased urine pH and more efficient utilization of lactate after supramaximal exercise.

The Impact of the Progressive Efficiency Test on a Rowing Ergometer on White Blood Cells Distribution and Clinical Chemistry Changes in Paralympic Rowers During the Preparatory Stage Before the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 - A Case Report.

There is a large gap in knowledge regarding research on post-exercise blood changes in disabled athletes. There are relatively few data on adaptive mechanisms to exercise in disabled athletes, including disabled rowers. Two rowers from a Polish adaptive rowing settle TAMix2x that qualified for the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 took part in this study. They performed a progressive test on a rowing ergometer until exhaustion. The cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, white blood cells' distribution and 30 clinical chemistry variables describing laboratory diagnostic profiles and general health were determined. The extreme effort induced changes in all studied metabolites (glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total and direct bilirubin), albumin, total protein levels in both participants. Furthermore, a post-exercise increase in aspartate transaminase activity, yet a 2-fold decrease during the recovery time in both rowers were found. White blood cell count increased 2-fold after the test. The percentages of natural killer cells were higher and total T lymphocytes were lower after the exercise protocol. There were higher percentages of suppressor/cytotoxic and lower percentages of helper/inducer T lymphocyte subsets in both studied rowers. No changes in B lymphocytes distribution were observed. Lack of inflammatory symptoms during the experiment suggests a high level of rowers' biological adaptation to the physical effort. The different changes in physiological, biochemical and immunological variables are related to the adaptive mechanism to physical exercise allowing for improvement of performance.

Game Indicators Determining Sports Performance in the NBA.

The main goal of the present study was to identify basketball game performance indicators which best determine sports level in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league. The research material consisted of all NBA game statistics at the turn of eight seasons (2003-11) and included 52 performance variables. Through detailed analysis the variables with high influence on game effectiveness were selected for final procedures. It has been proven that a limited number of factors, mostly offensive, determines sports performance in the NBA. The most critical indicators are: Win%, Offensive EFF, 3rd Quarter PPG, Win% CG, Avg Fauls and Avg Steals. In practical applications these results connected with top teams and elite players may help coaches to design better training programs.

The effects of high intensity interval training in normobaric hypoxia on aerobic capacity in basketball players.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3-week high intensity interval training in normobaric hypoxia (IHT) on aerobic capacity in basketball players. Twelve male well trained basketball players, randomly divided into a hypoxia (H) group (n=6; age: 22±1.6 years; VO2max: 52.6±3.9 ml/kg/min; body height - BH: 188.8±6.1 cm; body mass - BM: 83.9±7.2 kg; % of body fat - FAT%: 11.2±3.1%), and a control (C) group (n=6; age: 22±2.4 years; VO2max: 53.0±5.2 ml/kg/min; BH: 194.3 ± 6.6 cm; BM: 99.9±11.1 kg; FAT% 11.0±2.8 %) took part in the study. The training program applied during the study was the same for both groups, but with different environmental conditions during the selected interval training sessions. For 3 weeks, all subjects performed three high intensity interval training sessions per week. During the interval training sessions, the H group trained in a normobaric hypoxic chamber at a simulated altitude of 2500 m, while the group C performed interval training sessions under normoxia conditions also inside the chamber. Each interval running training sessions consisted of four to five 4 min bouts at 90% of VO2max velocity determined in hypoxia (vVO2max-hyp) for the H group and 90% of velocity at VO2max determined in normoxia for the group C. The statistical post-hoc analysis showed that the training in hypoxia caused a significant (p<0.001) increase (10%) in total distance during the ramp test protocol (the speed was increased linearly by 1 km/h per 1min until volitional exhaustion), as well as increased (p<0.01) absolute (4.5%) and relative (6.2%) maximal workload (WRmax). Also, the absolute and relative values of VO2max in this group increased significantly (p<0.001) by 6.5% and 7.8%. Significant, yet minor changes were also observed in the group C, where training in normoxia caused an increase (p<0.05) in relative values of WRmax by 2.8%, as well as an increase (p<0.05) in the absolute (1.3%) and relative (2.1%) values of VO2max. This data suggest that an intermittent hypoxic training protocol with high intensity intervals (4 to 5 × 4 min bouts at 90% of vVO2max-hyp) is an effective training means for improving aerobic capacity at sea level in basketball players.