RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rule change incidence on physiological characteristics of elite basketball players: a 10-year-period investigation
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 25
OP 30
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2006.033316
VO 42
IS 1
A1 B Cormery
A1 M Marcil
A1 M Bouvard
YR 2008
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/42/1/25.abstract
AB Objective: To evaluate, by examining data collected on professional basketball players during a 10-year period, the differences in aerobic capacity in function of the playing position and the impact on these parameters of the change in time regulation of 2000, which shortened the time allowed to attempt a field goal by 6 s and divided the duration of play in four quarters.Methods: Twice a year between 1994 and 2004, professional basketball players (n = 68) were studied for anthropometric characteristics and were submitted to an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Statistical analyses were carried out to determine the interaction between the playing position and the effect of the change in time regulation on the physiological characteristics of the players.Results: Anthropometric measurements were different in function of the playing position, the centres being taller and heavier than the forwards and the guards. Guards exhibited the highest V̇o2max (54.0 (SE 1.6) ml/min/kg) and were the most affected by the change in time regulation of 2000 with a 19.5% increase. Significant main effects of “before” versus “after” rule changes were found for maximal and submaximal O2 consumption, which were increased by 12.8% at ventilatory threshold, 7.3% at respiratory compensation point and 7.8% at V̇o2max.Conclusion: While anthropometric characteristics remained constant during the last decade, the change in rule of 2000 may have contributed in modifying the physiological profile of basketball players, by generally increasing their level of fitness.