Youth elite basketball game alters lower limb agility technique assessment

Fatigue appears to be task dependant, as there is conflicting evidence regarding the influence of fatigue on an athletes’ lower limb agility technique. This between-study disparity may reflect the different laboratory-based or game simulation fatigue protocols employed as surrogates for game play. No research exists on the impact game play has on agility mechanics. Analysis of an anticipated cut task post elite youth basketball games show athletes significantly decreased their hip flexion, increased their ankle dorsiflexion, forefoot abduction and knee external rotation, with no change in peak joint moments. Biomechanical analysis of athletes fatigued from game play demonstrate altered load absorption strategies.