Match-related fatigue in basketball: A systematic review

This study aimed to systematically review fatigue responses following basketball match-play and during congested match schedules, considering performance, physiological, athlete-reported, and sleep-related outcomes. Relevant articles published until 23 January 2024 were searched using Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. After screening, 44 studies were included in the systematic review. The main findings indicate that, in most cases, vertical jumping and linear sprinting showed significant decrements at match-end (<1 hour post-match) compared to pre-match [small-to-very large effect sizes (ES)], with persistent (≥1 hour post-match) impairments lasting 24-48 hours in jumping (only in males, small-to-very large ES) and linear sprinting (moderate-to-very large ES). Physiological changes generally included significant increases (moderate-to-very large ES) in cortisol and nutrient metabolism markers at match-end, alongside persistent increases in muscle damage (mainly at 13-72 hours post-match) and inflammation (13-48 hours). Finally, match-play generally increased muscle soreness (mainly at 24-48 hours, moderate-to-very large ES) and perceived fatigue (mainly at match-end), with unclear effects on mood, and no apparent impact on sleep-related outcomes. Research assessing congested match schedules is limited, although possible worsening in muscle damage, inflammation, perceived fatigue and well-being were observed in male players. Overall, these findings indicate an impairment in some of the reviewed performance, physiological, and athlete-reported outcomes.