PHYSIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS AND PHYSICAL MATCH ACTIVITIES IN BASKETBALL

Introduction: Players’ anthropometrical and physiological characteristics play a key role for basketball success. Despite several studies investigating the physical profile of basketball players of different competitive levels, geographical locations, gender and ages, the studies comparing anthropometrical and physiological characteristics, and their seasonal changes, among male adult players competing at different playing levels are still limited. In addition, data regarding activity demands of European adult basketball competitions at various competitive levels is yet unknown. The aims of this thesis are 1) to describe the physical profile of Italian adult male basketball players of different competitive levels across an entire basketball season and 2) to examine the differences in the activity demands of basketball games between different competitive levels. Study 1: This investigation examined the anthropometrical and physiological differences in adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) and playing roles (Guards, Forwards and Centres) during the competitive phase of the season. Results revealed that a high force and power production and the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent exercises should be considered as important characteristics for success in basketball and to compete at higher level. In addition, this study provided normative data of anthropometric and physiological characteristics of basketball players according to their playing positions. Study 2: This study compared the training load indices and the changes in physical fitness between professional and semi-professional adult male basketball players during the preparation period. In addition, the relationships between training load indices and changes in physical fitness level were investigated. Professional players underwent a greater training load compared to semi-professional players, however, in some extent, similar physical fitness improvements were observed between the two groups. The results raise doubts on the effectiveness of using high training load and training volume during the preparation period to improve the physical fitness level of players. Study 3: This study investigated the changes induced by the preparation period on selected neuromuscular variables (i.e. vertical jump and change of direction (COD) ability) among professional and semi-professional adult male basketball players. In addition, this research investigated the relationships between training load indices and changes in neuromuscular physical performance during the preparation period. The preparation period induced minimal changes in the CMJ, while the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts was improved. Reaching high training loads might partially and negatively affect the ability to produce strength and power. Study 4: This investigation examined the differences among adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) and the changes over an entire basketball season of peripheral neuromuscular functions (PNF) of knee extensor muscles (KE) measured following a standardized repeated CODs exercises. Results demonstrate how elite and professional basketball players are characterized by better PNF and by less fatigue levels following repeated CODs runs compared to lower level counterparts. The majority of changes in PNF following CODs exercises occurs after the preparation period, when the KEs appear to be less fatigable. Study 5: This study examined the changes in several physical fitness parameters of adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (from elite to semi-professional) over an entire basketball season. In general, the preparation period appears to minimally affect variables measured during vertical jump test but enhance the aerobic fitness and the ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent exercise. The changes in physical performance during the competitive phase of the season seem to be affected by the competitive level of play. Study 6: This investigation examined the differences in the activity demands of official basketball games between different competitive levels (from elite to amateur) among a large sample of adult male players. The main results demonstrated different intermittent profiles among competitive levels, with elite players performing at increased high and moderate intensities and amateur players utilising longer recovery periods during competition. The game activity demands of professional and semi-professional players were similar. This study provided normative match activity data for Italian basketball tournaments. Conclusion: This thesis provides insight into the activity demands of Italian basketball tournaments and the anthropometrical and physiological characteristics of basketball players across an entire basketball season, highlighting the differences among the various competitive levels of play. In addition, this thesis provides novel insight into the relationships between training load and changes in physical fitness in basketball.