Effects of Direction-Specific Training Interventions on Physical Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetries

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Inter-limb asymmetries can negatively impact athletic performance and increase injury risk in basketball.
• Optimizing training programs to address these asymmetries is crucial for elite youth players.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of two distinct eccentric-overload training programs on functional performance and inter-limb asymmetries in elite youth basketball players.
• To investigate whether variable unilateral horizontal movements (VUH) or unilateral lateral movements (VUL) training yields superior outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four elite youth basketball players participated in a six-week eccentric-overload training (EOT) program.
• Players were randomly assigned to either VUH (n=12) or VUL (n=12) training groups.
• Functional performance was assessed using jump tests, sprint tests, and change of direction tests, with a focus on limb symmetry index.

Main Results:

• Both VUH and VUL groups demonstrated significant improvements in most functional tests and reduced jumping asymmetries.
• The VUH group showed potentially better outcomes in vertical jumping asymmetry and 5-meter sprint times.
• The VUL group exhibited significantly greater improvements in lateral jumping performance with both legs.

Conclusions:

• Specific force-vector training, including VUH and VUL, effectively enhances functional performance and corrects inter-limb asymmetries in young basketball players.
• The choice of training program may influence specific aspects of performance, with VUH favoring vertical and linear movements, and VUL favoring lateral movements.