Background: Respiratory muscle strength (RMS) is a critical factor influencing athletic performance, particularly in high-intensity or prolonged activities. RMS encompasses inspiratory (IMs) and expiratory muscles (EMs), which differ in anatomical structure, fiber composition, and responsiveness to training. Methods: This pilot interventional within-subject study investigated the effects of two resistive respiratory muscle training (RMT) protocols on RMS and small airway function in eight physically active adults (two females, six males). Maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), along with pulmonary function tests (PFTs), were measured using the Airofit PRO™ device and spirometry before and after two consecutive 7-day training protocols, with a 2-day break between interventions. The workload was progressively increased by lengthening the duration of forced inhalation and exhalation, while keeping the air resistance constant. Results: Results demonstrated significant improvements in MEP across both protocols and after a 10-day washout period (p < 0.001–0.03), whereas MIP showed no significant changes (p = 0.19–0.66). Moderate transient improvements were observed in small airway flow (MEF25%) following the first protocol (ES = 0.62), which regressed after the second. Conclusions: These outcomes suggest differential responsiveness of respiratory muscles to RMT; EMs, characterized by a higher proportion of fast-twitch type II fibers and a predominantly passive role in normal breathing, respond rapidly to short-duration, high-intensity forced expiration training through neuromuscular adaptations. Conversely, IMs, dominated by slow-twitch type I fibers, require longer-duration, higher-load training to elicit meaningful adaptations, explaining the limited changes in MIP. Small airway function appeared minimally trainable due to structural and physiological constraints, with short-term improvements likely reflecting effort-dependent factors rather than lasting adaptations. Finally, RMT can selectively enhance EM performance through appropriately designed short-duration, high-intensity interventions, while IMs may necessitate prolonged or higher-load stimuli. The findings highlight the importance of targeted training strategies, individualized to muscle fiber composition and functional demands, to optimize respiratory performance. Future research should investigate longer interventions, larger diverse cohorts, and precise measurement methods to further elucidate RMT’s effects on both respiratory muscles and small airway function.

Background: This study investigates the psychophysiological stress profiles of professional basketball players by simultaneously analyzing two distinct neuroendocrine pathways: the sympathetic–adrenal–medullary (SAM) system, via salivary alpha-amylase (AA), and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, via salivary cortisol (C). While competitive environments are known to elicit significant stress, the interaction between game-specific variables—such as playing time (PT) and tactical position—and those biomarkers remains insufficiently explored in real-time, official match settings. Methods: Twelve professional male basketball players were monitored across four official matches. Salivary samples were collected, and stress biomarkers (AA and C) were analyzed at three timepoints: pre-match, half-time, and post-match. Results: Results indicate that stress responses are non-uniform and highly context-dependent. A significant spike in AA was observed during the first match (p < 0.001; ES = 0.82; 95% CI −0.01–1.66), where concentrations rose from a pre-match mean of 247.9 ± 232.59 U/mL to a post-match peak of 674.39 ± 693.33 U/mL. Cortisol responses did not vary significantly across matches but exhibited a strong positive correlation with PT (p = 0.01; R = 0.76), identifying that C may serve as a primary marker of individual physical workload. Positional analysis revealed significant divergence in HPA activation; guards (0.55 ± 0.31 µg/dL) and centers (0.51 ± 0.22 µg/dL) exhibited higher cortisol levels compared to forwards (0.24 ± 0.18 µg/dL), reflecting the high cognitive/decision-making load of guards and the mechanical/physical contact load of centers. Conclusions: The observed differences in AA and C liberation suggest that stress responses during matches are influenced by a complex interaction of physiological and psychological stimuli characteristic of competitive basketball. Consequently, these findings indicate the importance and value of a dual-biomarker approach which might provide a framework for optimized training load management and recovery protocols in elite basketball.

Background: Handedness dominance can be observed in the tactical aspects of a handball match geometry. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the asymmetry between shooting velocity and distance in left- and right-handed handball players, and also to see if there is a difference between scored and missed shots. Methods: The data were obtained from players participating in the EHF European Championship 2024, held in Germany. Results: In this study, 238 players were analyzed during the whole championship. They were divided into two groups: left- (N = 112) and right-handed players (N = 126). A total of 5710 shots taken by the players were collected and analyzed. The results show that the left-handed players had a higher score percentage (63.08%) than the right-handed players (57.86%). The right-handed players shot at a higher velocity (101.38 ± 18.00 km/h) than the left-handed players (99.36 ± 18.89 km/h) (p < 0.001). A similar difference was observed in the distance of the shots (7.61 ± 2.23 m; and 7.42 ± 2.59 m, respectively) (p < 0.001). The distance of the shots differed between the scored and missed shots (right-handed, p < 0.001; left-handed, p < 0.04). Conclusions: These findings suggest that an asymmetry in left- and right-handed players is present for both parameters. Also, the higher efficiency of the right side of a handball team could lead to asymmetry in the geometry of a handball match.