Quantifying Training and Game Demands of a National Basketball Association Season

Purpose: There are currently no data describing combined practice and game load demands throughout a National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The primary objective of this study was to integrate external load data garnered from all on-court activity throughout an NBA season, according to different activity and player characteristics.Methods: Data from 14 professional male basketball players (mean ± SD; age, 27.3 ± 4.8 years; height, 201.0 ± 7.2 cm; body mass, 104.9 ± 10.6 kg) playing for the same club during the 2017–2018 NBA season were retrospectively analyzed. Game and training data were integrated to create a consolidated external load measure, which was termed integrated load. Players were categorized by years of NBA experience (1-2y, 3-5y, 6-9y, and 10 + y), position (frontcourt and backcourt), and playing rotation status (starter, rotation, and bench).Results: Total weekly duration was significantly different (p < 0.001) between years of NBA playing experience, with duration highest in 3–5 year players, compared with 6–9 (d = 0.46) and 10+ (d = 0.78) year players. Starters experienced the highest integrated load, compared with bench (d = 0.77) players. There were no significant differences in integrated load or duration between positions.Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the seasonal training loads of NBA players for an entire season and shows that a most training load is accumulated in non-game activities. This study highlights the need for integrated and unobtrusive training load monitoring, with engagement of all stakeholders to develop well-informed individualized training prescription to optimize preparation of NBA players.

Assessment of OB/Gyn Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Skills Posttraining on a Computer-Based Simulator

Objective: This study sought to evaluate how a high-fidelity computer-based sonography simulator (FCBSS) can be used in training obstetrics and gynecology residents and evaluate efficacy of high-fidelity CBSS in enhancing resident’s sonographic knowledge, psychomotor skills, and level of confidence in performing sonographic fetal assessments. Materials and Methods: Eleven postgraduate year 1 residents (PGY1s) and ten PGY2s were assessed on sonographic performance by measuring psychomotor skills and evaluating the accuracy of the sonographic images. PGY2s received traditional sonography training while PGY1s received three individualized training sessions on a high-fidelity CBSS. At the conclusion, all residents received feedback and completed a survey to establish their current confidence level in performing and interpreting sonograms. Results: PGY2s scored a median of 33/66 points on the assessment, while PGY1s scored a median of 64/66 points. Statistical analysis performed from motion analysis metrics between cohorts revealed a statistically significant difference, with PGY1s demonstrating higher psychomotor skills. Interquartile ranges of PGY1s’ scores were smaller than PGY2s’, revealing consistency in knowledge and skills among the PGY1 cohort. Conclusion: Findings suggests that high-fidelity CBSS can be used effectively in training residents. It also demonstrates that implementation of formalized sonography training, using a high-fidelity CBSS, can be achieved and potentially expedite and enhance the learning of novice learners.

Research of the Photo-Optical Method Application for Measuring Selected Data on the Movement of a Parachute for Type M-282

Testing in the field of parachute technology provides space for the application of new and innovative methods of measuring operating and functional parameters. The main aim of the paper is to present the results of research for the verification of the photo-optical method of measuring the vertical speed of the M-282 parachutes, and for its use in testing, collecting, and investigating motion data in parachuting. As part of this measuring technology, twelve jumps were performed. It was verified that the experiment was completed for the M-282 parachute according to the regulation of SAE AS 8015B “Minimum Performance Standard Parachute Assemblies and Components”. An analysis of the influencing factors and quantification of their influence on the uncertainty of the measurement results was also performed. The results of the measurement achieved by using the photo-optical method were compared with the measurement with the electronic variometer FLYTEC 4030. The vertical speed of the M-282 parachute (4.655 m·s−1) defined by the photo-optical method is significantly similar to the vertical speed of the M-282 parachute (4.662 m·s−1) defined by FLYTEC 4030. We can state that the process of identifying the vertical speed of the parachute by the photo-optical method was correct. This is a suitable method of evaluating motion data in the operation of M-282 type parachutes. In the following research for generalization of the methodology, we assume the performance of more than 60 experimental jumps using different types of parachutes, digital sensors (cameras), and a photo-optical method to examine motion data and formulate recommendations for testing, investigative applications, individualized training programs, and aspects of parachuting injury prevention.

Training Strategies Maintain Performance Characteristics in Marines Selected for Marine Forces Special Operations Individualized Training Course

ABSTRACT Introduction Marines must complete an intensive Assessment and Selection (A&S) course before becoming a U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raider. Following selection, marines are given training recommendations designed to maintain performance characteristics deemed relevant to successfully complete a rigorous 9-month Individualized Training Course (ITC). However, training strategies are individually implemented by the marine, and the time between the two courses is highly irregular, ranging between 2 months and 24 months based on operational factors related to military occupational specialty (MOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in performance between the completion of A&S and the start of ITC and to examine if the duration between courses and previous MOS influenced changes in performance. Materials and Methods Body fat percentage (BF%), anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), aerobic capacity (VO2max), knee flexion (KF), knee extension (KE), trunk extension (TE), and trunk flexion (TF) isokinetic strength were collected on 38 marines (age: 25.1 ± 2.7 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m, mass: 83.2 ± 7.7 kg, Post-A&S to ITC start: 204.1 ± 68.4 days) following A&S and directly before ITC. Results Pre-ITC students had significantly greater mass (P = .002), BF% (P = .000), and AP (P = .039). There were no significant changes in AC (P = .170), VO2max (P = .259), KF (P = .400), KE (P = .320), TE (P = .178), and TF (P = .643). There was no significant relationship between performance outcomes and time between courses and previous MOS. Conclusion Current training strategies appear effective at addressing performance deficits that occur as a result of A&S, while maintaining high levels of KF, KE, TE, TF, AC, and VO2max. However, pre-ITC students still exhibited AP deficits compared to active marine raiders, so forthcoming programming may benefit from an increased emphasis on AP. Assessment of additional selectees at these timepoints, as well as students before A&S may provide valuable information to MARSOC human performance specialists to develop programing, ultimately leading to a higher ITC graduation rate, increased force readiness, and decreased financial burden forcewide.

Reliability of Sprint Force-Velocity-Power Profiles Obtained with KiSprint System

This study aimed to assess the within- and between-session reliability of the KiSprint system for determining force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling during sprint running. Thirty (23 males, 7 females; 18.7 ± 2.6 years;) young high-level sprinters performed maximal effort sprints in two sessions separated by one week. Split times (5, 10, 20 and 30 m), which were recorded with a laser distance meter (a component of the KiSprint system), were used to determine the horizontal FVP profile using the Samozino’s field-based method. This method assesses the FVP relationships through estimates of the step-averaged ground reaction forces in sagittal plane during sprint acceleration using only anthropometric and spatiotemporal (split times) data. We also calculated the maximal theoretical power, force and velocity capabilities and the slope of the FV relationship, the maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RF), and the decrease in the RF (DRF). Overall, the results showed moderate or good to excellent within- and between-session reliability for all variables (ICC > 0.75; CV < 10 %), with the exception of FV slope and DRF that showed low relative reliability (ICC = 0.47-0.48 within session, 0.31-0.33 between-session) and unacceptable between-session absolute reliability values (CV = 10.9-11.1 %). Future studies are needed to optimize the protocol in order to maximize the reliability of the FVP variables, especially when practitioners are interested in the FV slope and DRF. In summary, our results question the utility of the sprint-based FVP profiling for individualized training prescription, since the reliability of the FV slope and D RF variables is highly questionable.

EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING IN IMPROVING SWIMMING PERFORMANCE AMONG COLLEGIATE SWIMMERS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Previous researches have been conducted to determine the types of training to improve swimming performance. Nevertheless, no study has been done on the individualized training approach among swimmers. Hence, this study aimed (i) to examine the effects of respiratory muscle training on swimming performance (ii) to examine the effects of combined respiratory muscle training with individualized training on swimming performance, and (iii) to compare the differences between the isolated respiratory muscle training, combined intervention of respiratory muscle training with individualized training and usual training on swimming performance. For this, 45 collegiate swimmers with no previous injuries and swims regularly for at least 1 hour per week participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups; Group A: Respiratory muscle training and Individualized Training, Group B: Respiratory muscle training alone, and Group C: Usual training session. The difference within the groups after four weeks of the intervention was analyzed using Paired T-test, while the differences between intervention groups were analyzed using repeated measure two-way ANOVA. Both the intervention groups (Group A and B) showed significant improvement after four weeks of intervention, whereas in group comparison, Group A showed tremendous improvement in swimming performance (F (17,238) = 8.385, p<0.05, np2 = 0.375). Thus, the current study has proven that the combination of respiratory muscle training with individualized training could further enhance the swimming performance in terms of heart rate, Vo2 max, stroke volume, perceived exertion, and SWOLF score. Future studies on athletic swimmers with a larger sample size are recommended to further examine the individualized training approach.

Towards a common template for neural reinforcement of finger individuation

The inability to individuate finger movements is a common impairment following stroke. Conventional physical therapy ignores underlying neural changes with recovery, leaving it unclear why sensorimotor function often remains impaired. Functional MRI neurofeedback can monitor neural activity and reinforce it towards a healthy template to restore function. However, identifying an individualized training template may not be possible depending on the severity of impairment. In this study, we investigated the use of functional alignment of brain data across healthy participants to create an idealized neural template to be used as a training target for new participants. We employed multi-voxel pattern analyses to assess the prediction accuracy and robustness to missing data of pre-trained functional templates corresponding to individual finger presses. We found a significant improvement in classification accuracy (p < 0.001) of individual finger presses when group data was aligned based on function (88%) rather than anatomy (46%). Importantly, we found no significant drop in performance when aligning a new participant to a pre-established template as compared to including this new participant in the creation of a new template. These results indicate that functionally aligned templates could provide an effective surrogate training target for patients following neurological injury.

Supporting Innovative Activities of College Teachers

The article substantiates the urgency of supporting innovative activities development by secondary vocational education workers. The study is aimed at finding the causes of difficulties and justifying the support of innovative activities of teachers. Its purpose is also to determine the conditions and stages, and to identify the means of support. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that a complex of organizational and pedagogical conditions that provide support for innovative activities is highlighted. It also includes diagnostics of innovative activities development level, motivational support, differentiated and individualized training of teachers, and organization of teachers' joint innovation activities. Based on domestic research, the stages of teachers support are identified. They include preparatory, motivational, self-diagnostic, goal-setting, and planning. Self-realization and intensification of teachers practical activities, independent innovation and a reflective-analytical stage are also emphasized. The means of accompaniment at each stage are listed: direct participation in innovation, research, implementation of innovative projects, contextual training, methodological and psychological support, introspection, and reflection. The author describes the results of diagnostics of teachers in relation to innovations, carried out using a set of techniques aimed at identifying individual characteristics of the perception of innovations. The most numerous groups are distinguished: teachers with a negative attitude, teachers who are neutral in relation to innovations, and teachers with a positive attitude; ready to implement innovations and teachers who are at a creative level.