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OBJECTIVE: Basketball players often display poor balance and increased injury rates when compared to other athletic categories. Therefore, the relationship between postural control and injury risks in basketball athletes requires investigation. The purpose of this study was to: (a) establish a postural profile of elite women basketball players, (b) compare postural control of the different playing positions to detect the vulnerability of postural balance, and (c) attempt to understand the reasons underlying these differences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 elite female basketball players (aged 21.4±2.3 years) were assigned to three groups according to their playing positions (n=10 guards; n=10 forwards; n=10 centers). A one-way analysis of variance was performed to determine differences between balance test variables under three conditions (static, dynamic antero-posterior and medio-lateral). When a significant main effect was observed, Tukey’s post-hoc multiple comparisons tests were used to determine statistical significance. Associations between balance and morphological variables, muscle strength and power were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. RESULTS:RESULTS: Results reveal that basketball players had better postural control than previously studied handball players and non-athletes, but they are more dependent on vision than other categories. When comparing postural controls of playing position, centers show greater vulnerability [Y mean (OE)] than forwards: pp<0.001; or guards: pp<0.01), due to morphological factors (body mass r=-0.80, height r=-0.68, and lower limb length r=-0.63, and specific power r=-0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, coaches and strength and conditioning specialists should give specific focus to improving lower limb strength and power in centers and taller basketball players to mitigate against injury risks related to postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: End-of-life (EOL) care is a vulnerable period in an individual's life. Healthcare professionals (HPs) strive to balance the preservation of human life with respect for the patient's wishes. The aims of our study were to assess HPs' knowledge and perceptions of EOL care and to propose areas of improvement to improve the quality of care., Methods: We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study involving HPs from a university hospital who encountered EOL care situations. We used a questionnaire divided into four sections knowledge, practice, perception, and training. We calculated the rate of correct answers and the collective competence index., Results: Eighty-six questionnaires were analyzed, with 82.5% (71/86) completed by medical respondents and 17.5% (15/86) by paramedical respondents. Most of the respondents, 71.8% (51/71), were interns and residents. The study focused on palliative care, medical assistance in dying, aggressive medical treatment, and euthanasia, finding adequate knowledge in the first three areas. Respondents assigned to the intensive care unit and those with more than 8 years of experience had significantly higher correct answer rates than their counterparts. Seventy-five percent of respondents (65/86) reported feeling that they had little or no mastery of EOL care, primarily attributing this to insufficient training and the unavailability of trainers., Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, which we believe to be the first of its kind in Tunisia, we can conclude that HPs possess an acceptable level of knowledge regarding EOL care. However, they require more exposure and training to develop expertise in this area., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2024 by Korean Society for Hospice and Palliative Care.)

Background: Soccer players often wear light-weighted wearable resistance (WR) attached to different body parts during the warm-up period with the aim to improve measures of physical fitness. However, the effect of WR on physical performance is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of WR with different micro-loadings on repeated change-of-direction (RCoD) performance while executing small-sided soccer games (SSG)., Methods: Twenty male soccer players aged 16.0 ± 1.5 years (body mass 74.0 ± 7.4 kg, body-height 175.0 ± 10.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within-subject study design, players performed four specific warm-up protocols in randomized order with a rest of 72 h between protocols: (1) WR micro-loadings with 0.1% of body mass (WR0.1); (2) WR micro-loadings with 0.2% of body mass (WR0.2); (3) WR micro-loadings with 0.3% of body mass (WR0.3); (4) no WR (control = CONT). After the warm-up protocols, players performed 2 sets of 20-min SSG. The RCoD was collected at the 8th min of SSG (SSG 1-8 min), the 15th min of SSG1 (SSG1-15 min), and at the 15th min of SSG2 (SSG2-15 min). Outcomes included mean and total RCoD indices (i.e., mean time and total time for each condition)., Results: Based on the outcomes of a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), WR0.1 and WR0.2 were more effective than control in dampening the decrease of RCoD's total time during SSG1-8 min, and SSG2-15 min (small ES: 0.24-0.35; p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between WR0.3 and control. In addition, WR0.1 and WR0.2 significantly affected the decreases in RCoD's mean best time during SSG1 and SSG2 which was observed in the unloaded condition (CONT) and consequently displayed a lower rate of RCoD performance decrease., Conclusion: This study reports that wearing lower extremity WRs with micro-loads of 0.1% or 0.2% of body mass attenuates physical fatigue indicated in attenuated RCoD performance while executing SSG., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of 10 weeks of FIFA 11+ training on the physical performance of elite seven-a-side soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five seven-a-side soccer players were recruited from two senior national teams. The players completed the following protocols during 10 weeks of training: a) FIFA 11+: The FIFA group ( n = 13) underwent the FIFA 11+ program combined with regular soccer training; b) Dynamic conventional warm-up: The control group ( n = 12) underwent regular soccer training. Their ability was validated using a pre-test followed by a post-test to measure the sprint performance (5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints), a modified agility T-test (MAT), and a five-jump test (FJT). Results: A comparison of pre- and post-tests for physical performance in each group demonstrated that the FIFA 11+ warm-up significantly improved the 10-m sprinting performance ( p = 0.034; F = 5.04; η p 2 = 0.17) and reduced the time spent to perform the MAT ( p = 0.000; F = 23.16; η p 2 = 0.52) in the FIFA group compared with the control group; however, no significant changes were observed in the 5- and 20-m sprints and FJT. Conclusion: The main findings of this research showed that the 10-week FIFA 11+ program led to significant improvements in the 10-m sprint and MAT compared to regular training among elite seven-a-side soccer players. Given these positive outcomes, further studies on the practical implementation and optimization of the FIFA 11+ program are warranted to provide valuable guidance for coaches and athletes, seeking to maximize its benefits in real-world settings., Competing Interests: Author TB was employed by MVZ Sports Clinic Halle GmbH. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Foqha, Schwesig, Ltifi, Bartels, Hermassi and Aouadi.)

Background: The ability to rapidly change direction while sprinting is a desirable athletic skill in soccer. Enhancing change of direction (COD) performance depends almost exclusively on specific training, with stretching traditionally considered one such intervention. However, the comparative impact of diverse stretching methods on COD in soccer players remains an area of interest. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different stretching methods on COD ability in soccer players., Methods: Twelve male soccer players playing in the national championship football division II (age: 16.3 ± 0.3 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 67.7 ± 7.2 kg) were tested for COD performance (i.e., Illinois agility test) after (1) control condition (20 min general warm-up without stretching), (2) static stretching, (3) dynamic stretching, (4) combined static-dynamic stretching, and (5) combined dynamic-static stretching. The duration of stretching intervention was approximately 6 min for static and dynamic stretching and 12 min for both the combined stretching conditions. The experimental sessions were separated by 72 h., Results: COD improved after dynamic stretching when compared to any other condition ( p : 0.03-0.002; η p 2 : 0.56-0.73), except for the control condition ( p = 0.146; η p 2 = 0.18). In contrast, static stretching induced a detrimental effect on COD when compared only to the dynamic stretching condition ( p < 0.01; ES = 1.35)., Conclusion: Dynamic stretching exercises used by male soccer players in the warm-up improved COD. Other forms of stretching exercises, particularly static stretching, negatively impacted the COD performance. Therefore, coaches can consider integrating dynamic stretching protocols tailored to the athletes' specific needs. Moreover, extending the investigation to encompass a wider range of athletes, including different age groups and genders, would enhance the applicability and generalization of the findings.

This study compared the effects of varying aerobic training programs on pulmonary diffusing capacity (TL CO ), pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (TL NO ), lung capillary blood volume (Vc) and alveolar-capillary membrane diffusing capacity (DM) of gases at rest and just after maximal exercise in young athletes. Sixteen healthy young runners (16-18 years) were randomly assigned to an intense endurance training program (IET, n = 8) or to a moderate endurance training program (MET, n = 8). The training volume was similar in IET and MET but with different work intensities, and each lasted for 8 weeks. Participants performed a maximal graded cycle bicycle ergometer test to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) and maximal aerobic power (MAP) before and after the training programs. Moreover, TL CO , TL NO and Vc were measured during a single breath maneuver. After eight weeks of training, all pulmonary parameters with the exception of alveolar volume (VA) and inspiratory volume (VI) (0.104 < p < 0889; 0.001 < ES < 0.091), measured at rest and at the end of maximal exercise, showed significant group × time interactions ( p < 0.05, 0.2 < ES < 4.0). Post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-to-post decreases for maximal heart rates ( p < 0.0001, ES = 3.1) and improvements for VO 2 max ( p = 0.006, ES = 2.22) in the IET group. Moreover, post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-to-post improvements in the IET for DM, TL NO , TL CO and Vc (0.001 < p < 0.0022; 2.68 < ES < 6.45). In addition, there were increases in Vc at rest, VO 2 max, TL NO and DM in the IET but not in the MET participants after eight weeks of training with varying exercise intensities. Our findings suggest that the intensity of training may represent the most important factor in increasing pulmonary vascular function in young athletes.

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of two differing plyometric training programs (loaded plyometrics (with 2.5% of body mass placed above the ankle joint) vs. unloaded plyometrics), performed biweekly for 10 weeks, on the physical fitness of elite junior male soccer players. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned between unloaded plyometrics (UP; n = 12), loaded plyometrics (LP; n = 14) and control (C; n = 12) groups. Two-way analyses of performance (group x time) were assessed by 40-m sprint times; 9-3-6-3-9 m sprints with 180° turns (S180°); 9-3-6-3-9 m sprints with backward and forward running (SBF); and 4 × 5 m sprints (S4 × 5 m); four jump tests; measures of static and dynamic balance; repeated change of direction tests and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. Both LP and UP enhanced sprinting performance relative to C ( p < 0.05) but performance increased more in LP relative to UP ( p < 0.05) in all sprints except 40 m. Change of direction times were also significantly shortened by LP relative to UP ( p < 0.05) and C ( p < 0.01) in all tests, with no significant differences between UP and C. Jumps heights increased similarly in both LP and UP relative to C ( p < 0.05), with no significance between LP and UP. LP and UP also enhanced repeated change of direction scores relative to C ( p < 0.01) with greater changes in LP than in UP ( p < 0.01). Finally, LP enhanced some balance scores relative to UP ( p < 0.05) and C ( p < 0.05). We conclude that the introduction of 10 weeks of in-season loaded plyometrics into the regimen of U17 male soccer players yields gains in several physical performance scores relative to either unloaded plyometrics or the control training regimen.

Background: The effects of 7 weeks plyometric training on a stable surface and on sand were compared in junior male handball players., Methods: A team of experienced players was divided randomly between three groups, undertaking a standard in-season regimen (C, n  = 10), or supplementing this regimen by plyometric training on sand (PS, n  = 11) or a stable surface (P, n = 10) for 7 weeks. Assessments included 20 m sprint times, change of direction tests (Modified change-of-direction T-test and Modified Illinois test), a repeated sprint T-test, jumping ability (squat, countermovement and five jump tests), and static and dynamic balance., Results: After the intervention, PS showed significant increases of sprint speed relative to P and C. Change of direction scores were also improved for PS relative to P and C. Both PS and P increased vertical jump performance (squat jump, p  = 0.005; ES = 0.170; counter-movement jump p  < 0.001; ES = 0.247). Repeated sprint T-test scores improved in PS and P relative to C, with best times of PS > P ( p  < 0.05). Both plyometric groups improved their dynamic balance (p < 0.05), with three parameters of PS and only one of P being significantly greater than C. Static balance was also enhanced in both experimental groups (PS > P)., Conclusions: We conclude that for reasons that remain to be clarified, several performance measures in adolescent male handball players were increased more by 7 weeks of PS than by P., Competing Interests: Competing interestsNone., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

Hammami, M, Negra, Y, Aouadi, R, Shephard, RJ, and Chelly, MS. Effects of an in-season plyometric training program on repeated change of direction and sprint performance in the junior soccer player. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3312-3320, 2016-We aimed to determine the gains in explosive movements of male junior soccer players induced by incorporating an 8-week plyometric training program (PTP) into a standard soccer conditioning regimen 5 months after the beginning of the competitive season. Our hypothesis was that PTP would enhance explosive movements, and thus sprint running, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), agility and the ability to make repeated changes of direction (RCOD). A group of junior soccer players were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (E, n = 15, age 15.7 ± 0.2 years) and a control group (C, n = 13, age 15.8 ± 0.2 years). The participants in E and C performed training exercises and matches together, but for an 8-week period in the latter part of the season, the experimental group replaced a part of the normal regimen (the tactical session) by a biweekly course of PTP (hurdle and drop jumps). Two familiarization sessions were held 2 weeks before definitive testing. The ability of the players was assessed by 3 agility tests (a sprint test with 180° turns, a 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with backward and forward running, and a four 5-m sprint test with turns); 2 repeated sprint tests (RSSA and RCOD); and running times over 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-m distances. Participants in E showed gains relative to C in sprint times (p ≤ 0.05 for 5, 10, and 20 m), and 2 of 3 the RCOD parameters (RCOD best, p ≤ 0.001; RCOD total, p ≤ 0.05). However, with the pattern of plyometric training that we adopted, and perhaps because participants were in good initial physical condition, the agility and RSSA test scores remained unchanged. Nevertheless, we conclude that our PTP can be commended to junior soccer players as a means of improving important components of their physical performance.

The aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between a performance index derived from the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and other measures of physical performance and skill in handball players. The other measures considered included peak muscular power of the lower limbs (Wpeak), jumping ability (squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ, CMJ), a handball skill test and the average sprinting velocities over the first step (VS) and the first 5 m (V5m). Test scores for 25 male national-level adolescent players (age: 17.2 ± 0.7 years) averaged 4.83 ± 0.34 m·s(-1) (maximal velocity reached at the Yo-Yo IR1); 917 ± 105 Watt, 12.7 ± 3 W·kg(-1) (Wpeak); 3.41 ± 0.5 m·s(-1) and 6.03 ± 0.6 m·s(-1) (sprint velocities for Vs and V5m respectively) and 10.3 ± 1 s (handball skill test). Yo-Yo IR1 test scores showed statistically significant correlations with all of the variables examined: Wpeak (W and W·kg(-1)) r = 0.80 and 0.65, respectively, p≤0.001); sprinting velocities (r = 0.73 and 0.71 for VS and V5m respectively; p≤0.001); jumping performance (SJ: r = 0.60, p≤0.001; CMJ: r= 0.66, p≤0.001) and the handball skill test (r = 0.71; p≤0.001). We concluded that the Yo-Yo test score showed a sufficient correlation with other potential means of assessing handball players, and that intra-individual changes of Yo-Yo IR1 score could provide a useful composite index of the response to training or rehabilitation, although correlations lack sufficient precision to help in players' selection.

We hypothesized that replacement of a part of the normal in-season regimen of top-level adolescent handball players by an 8-week biweekly course of lower and upper limb plyometric training would enhance characteristics important to competition, including peak power output (Wpeak), jump performance, muscle volume, and ball throwing velocity. Study participants (23 men, age: 17.4 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 79.9 ± 11.5 kg, height: 1.79 ± 6.19 m, body fat: 13.8 ± 2.1%) were randomly assigned between controls (C; n = 11) and an experimental group (E, n = 12). Measures preintervention and postintervention included force-velocity ergometer tests for upper (Wupper peak) and lower limbs (Wlower peak), force platform determinations of squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) characteristics (jump height, maximal force, initial velocity, and average power), video filming of sprint velocities (first step [V1S], first 5 m [V5m], and 25-30 m [Vmax]), and anthropometric estimates of leg muscle volume. E showed gains relative to C in Wupper peak and Wlower peak (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), SJ (height p < 0.01; force p ≤ 0.05), CMJ (height p < 0.01; force p < 0.01 and relative power p ≤ 0.05), and sprint velocities (p < 0.001 for V1S, V5m, and Vmax). E also showed increases in leg and thigh muscle volumes (p < 0.001), but arm muscle volumes did not differ from control. We conclude that introduction of biweekly plyometric training into the standard regimen improved components important to handball performance, particularly explosive actions, such as sprinting, jumping, and ball throwing velocity.

Background: Agility is a determinant component in soccer performance. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of a "Modified Illinois change of direction test" (MICODT) in ninety-five U-14 soccer players., Methods: A total of 95 U-14 soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 13.61 ± 1.04 years; body mass: 30.52 ± 4.54 kg; height: 1.57 ± 0.1 m) from a professional and semi-professional soccer academy, participated to this study. Sixty of them took part in reliability analysis and thirty-two in sensitivity analysis., Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) that aims to assess relative reliability of the MICODT was of 0.99, and its standard error of measurement (SEM) for absolute reliability was <5% (1.24%). The MICODT's capacity to detect change is "good", it's SEM (0.10 s) was ≤ SWC (0.33 s). The MICODT is significantly correlated to the Illinois change of direction speed test (ICODT) (r = 0.77; p<0.0001). The ICODT's MDC95 (0.64 s) was twice about the MICODT's MDC95 (0.28 s), indicating that MICODT presents better ability to detect true changes than ICODT. The MICODT provided good sensitivity since elite U-14 soccer players were better than non-elite one on MICODT (p = 0.005; dz = 1.01 [large]). This was supported by an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (CI 95%, 0.59 to 0.89, p<0.0008). The difference observed in these two groups in ICODT was not statistically significant (p = 0.14; dz = 0.51 [small]), showing poor discriminant ability., Conclusion: MICODT can be considered as more suitable protocol for assessing agility performance level than ICODT in U-14 soccer players.

The present paper investigated the effects of a shoot training programme with a reduced hoop diameter (0.35 m) rim on kinematics and performance of basketball free-throws. Eighteen young male basketball players were divided into control (CG, n = 9) and experimental (EG, n = 9) groups. Both groups undertook a 10-week training programme comprising two training sessions per week. Under fatigued conditions, each participant shot 150 free-throws in each training session, with the CG using a standard rim, and the EG a smaller rim. All other training was identical between groups. Ball release parameters, player's kinematics and mean of successful free-throws (out of 150 attempts) were determined for each participant, before and after completion of the training programme. Following training, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in ball release angle, speed and height and in shoulder joint angle at release (P < 0.01) was observed for the EG. Both the CG (P < 0.001) and the EG (P < 0.0001) showed an increase in the number of successful free throws, although the increase was greater (P < 0.05) for the EG (22.7 ± 6.4 free throws) than for the CG (14.6 ± 7.8 free throws). We conclude that training with a reduced rim significantly improves free-throw performance in young basketball players.

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the association between physical and anthropometric profiles and vertical jump performance in elite volleyball players., Methods: Thirty-three elite male volleyball players (21±1 y, 76.9±5.2 kg, 186.5±5 cm) were studied. Several anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature, body mass index, lower limb length and sitting height) together with jumping height anaerobic power of counter movement jump with arm swing (CMJarm) were obtained from all subjects. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine if any of the anthropometric parameters were predictive of CMJarm., Results: Anaerobic power was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the tallest players relative to their shorter counterparts. A significant relationship was observed between CMJarm and lower limb length (r2=0.69; P<0.001) and between the lower limb length and anaerobic power obtained with CMJarm (r2=0.57; P<0.01). While significantly correlated (P≤0.05) with CMJarm performance, stature, lower limb length/stature and sitting height/stature ratios were not significant (P>0.05) predictors of CMJarm performance., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that lower limb length is correlated with CMJarm in elite male volleyball players. The players with longer lower limbs have the better vertical jump performances and their anaerobic power is higher. These results could be of importance for trained athletes in sports relying on jumping performance, such as basketball, handball or volleyball. Thus, the measurement of anthropometric characteristics, such as stature and lower limb length may assist coaches in the early phases of talent identification in volleyball.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an aerobic training on glycemic control and lipid profile in diabetic children., Methods: Thirty-three children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) were equally divided in three groups. The control group (CG) did not perform any training intervention during the period of the investigation and the subjects were instructed to continue with their daily lifestyle patterns. The second group (G1) and the third group (G2) completed a six-month aerobic training programs. During the period of the investigation, G1 participated in one daily session (~60 min) of aerobic exercise twice weekly, while G2 performed in the form of daily session four times a week (~60 min). HbA1c and lipid profile were measured before training intervention, then after three and six months., Results: The three-month periods was without significant changes of HbA1c in the two groups but significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in G1 (P<0.05). In G2, an increase of HDL-C was accompanied by a decrease of serum triglyceride (TG) (P<0.05). After six months, only HDL-C and TG levels were significantly lower in G1 (P<0.01), while in G2 HDL-C increased (68.8±5.7 mg/dL vs. 56.7 ±7.2 mg/dL; P<0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (69.2±8.5 mg/dL vs. 81.6±11.8 mg/dL; P<0.01), TG concentrations decreased (60.7±6.9 mg/dL vs. 77.4±9.3 mg/dL; P<0.01) and HbA1c was significantly lower (6.8±1.1% vs. 8.2±1.5%; P<0.05), comparatively to those before training., Conclusion: However, the six-month periods showed that children exercising more than two times weekly significantly improved HbA1c and lipid profile. These results must encourage children with T1DM to regularly practice sporty activities for long periods.

The purposes of this study were to examine the activity profile of elite adolescent players during regular team handball games and to compare the physical and motor performance of players between the first and second halves of a match. Activity patterns (video analysis) and heart-rate (HR) responses (telemetry) were monitored in top national-division adolescent players (18 men, aged 15.1 ± 0.6 years) throughout 6 regulation games (25-minute halves with a 10-minute interval). The total distance covered averaged 1,777 ± 264 m per game (7.4% less in the second than in the first half, p > 0.05). Players ran 170 ± 24 m at high intensity and 86 ± 12 m at maximal speed, with 32 ± 6 bouts of running (duration 2.3 ± 0.3 seconds) at speeds > 18 km·h(-1); they stood still for 16% of the playing time. The mean HR during play was 172 ± 2 b·min(-1) (82 ± 3% of maximal HR). Blood lactate concentrations at the end of the first and second halves were 9.7 ± 1.1 and 8.3 ± 0.9 mmol·L(-1), respectively (difference p < 0.05). We conclude that adolescent handball players cover less distance and engage in fewer technical actions in the second half of a match. This indicates that team handball is physiologically very demanding. The practical implication is that coaches should seek to sustain performance in the second period of a game by modifying playing tactics and maximizing both aerobic and anaerobic fitness during training sessions.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of a standard plyometric training protocol with or without added load in improving vertical jumping ability in male basketball players. Twenty-seven players were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (no plyometric training), plyometric training group (PG), and loaded plyometric group (LPG, weighted vests 10-11% body mass). Before and after the 10-week training program, all the players were tested for the 5-jump test (5JT), the squat jump (SJ), and the countermovement jump (CMJ). The PG and LPG groups performed 2 and 3 training sessions per week, during the first 3 and the last 7 weeks, respectively. The results showed that SJ, CMJ, and 5JT were significantly improved only in the PG and LPG groups. The best effects for jumps were observed in LPG (p < 0.01), which showed significantly higher gains than the PG (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that loads added to standard plyometric training program may result in greater vertical and horizontal-jump performances in basketball players.

Background: The malnutrition of the infants could be explained by a delay of the growth and the perturbation of biological parameters., Aim: To establish the nutritional profile of the Tunisian infant of less than two years. To specify the principal deficiencies and the possible origins of these deficiencies., Methods: In our transverse exploratory study, carried out in period of 9 month. This study was conducted in two groups of Tunisian young children less than two years old: a control group and a malnourished group (Z score < or = 2SD)., Results: Our data consolidate the important impact of pregnant women nutritional state and of breastfeeding on the foetus ant infant growth.Compared to control infants, the malnourished young showed a significant alteration of different biologic parameters. This alteration appeared positively linked to the gravity of malnutrition as indicated by the positive relation obtained between the weight/height ratio and many studied parameters. The malnourished infants showed, notably, a significant reduction of the average values of Chol-HDL, apo AI, Vit E, TSH and TF4 levels and Chol-HDL/Chol LDL ratio. Chol-HDL, apo AI and HDL/Chol-LDL are found positively and significantly correlated with TF4. So, their reduction in ill children would be, at least in part, a side effect of the thyroid function reduction., Conclusion: Our results confirm the existence of an important change of biological profile in malnourished young children. Besides, they emphasize that studies about young children could be helpful, notably, in the prevention and the fight against atherosclerosis.