The study aim was to compare the effects of a 7-week plyometric, strength and change of direction (COD) training program on basketball-specific performance measures in high-school players. Forty male players were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: plyometric (PG, n = 10), strength (SG, n = 10), COD (CODG, n = 10), and control group training (CG, n = 10). Two training sessions were performed at weekly intervals before basketball training. Performance of the counter movement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (ABKJ), 10 m zig-zag sprint, 20 m in line sprint (measurements at 10 and 20 m), and sit and reach flexibility test (SRFT) was assessed before and after the intervention. A 4 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVA) was conducted for each variable. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used when the interaction was significant. Significant (all p < 0.05) time x group interaction was noted for SRFT, CMJ, ABK, sprint, and zig-zag 10 m, in favor of the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, improvements in physical fitness were similar between the three experimental groups. In conclusion, 7 weeks of specific plyometric, strength and COD training produced similar medium to large improvements in physical fitness of high-school basketball players.

Excessive sun exposure is the main avoidable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports performed without adequate photoprotection are risky practices in this respect. This study examines whether elite athletes in water sports (specifically surfing, windsurfing, and sailing) take appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun, and whether there are differences in this respect according to age, gender, or sports discipline. This study is based on a questionnaire-based health survey. World championship competitors completed a self-administered questionnaire on their sun protection and exposure habits, as well as sunburns during the last sports season. In total, 246 participants, with an age range of 16–30 years, completed the questionnaire. Of these, 49.6% used inadequate sun protection. Those who protected their skin appropriately tended to be older than those who did not (average age = 23.28 and 20.69 years, respectively; p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in sun protection habits between male and female athletes. The rate of sunburn was very high (76.7%). A high proportion (22.5%) of participants never used sunscreen. Elite athletes in water sports are at real risk of skin lesions from overexposure to the sun, associated with inadequate photoprotection practices. Campaigns to raise awareness and to promote the early detection of skin cancer should target these risk groups.

Background: Outdoor sports are a risk activity for skin cancer, especially if adequate sun protection measures are not used. The aim of this study is to examine the photoprotection habits of outdoor (beach) handball players, and to determine the relation between duration of sports practice, photoprotection behaviour and sun-related damage to the skin. Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on a health survey of sun exposure and protection habits and practices conducted among beach handball players in southern Spain. This survey provided data for a descriptive and comparative analysis, by groups and gender, of photoprotection and skin self-examination practices. Results: Among the whole sample, 76.9% had suffered at least one sunburn event during the last year. By groups, 73.97% of the older participants (Group I, University students) and 81.25% of the younger ones (Group II, youngers players) reported this outcome, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). With respect to photoprotection, 68.5% of the players in group I and 66.7% of those in group II used sun cream with a protection factor of 30 or higher, although 52.1% of group I and 35.4% of group II did not reapply it. As concerns self-examination, 94.5% of group I and 87.5% of group II had not examined their body for skin damage during the previous year. Medical examination revealed the presence of lentigines and freckles among many players, with no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: Beach handball players are highly exposed to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and often take insufficient measures of sun protection. Programmes should be designed and implemented to raise awareness among adolescent and young adult sport competitors of the risks of skin cancer associated with their sports activity and to encourage them to improve their photoprotection and skin monitoring practices.