Kinesiology, Vol. 58 No. 1, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.26582/k.58.1.5
Physical performance and injury occurrence in male basketball players: is there a relationship?
Yuxuan Wu
; Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University, Bangkok, Thailand
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Although evidence suggests that physical fitness level may play a contributing role in injury development in athletes, available literature yields conflicting results with positive, null or even negative associations between them. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine cross-sectional associations between baseline physical fitness and injury occurrence. In this study, participants were 60 male 1st Division basketball players (mean age: 22.1 ± 1.4 years, height: 193.3 ± 6.2, body mass: 89.3 ± 12.1 kg). Physical fitness was assessed through musculoskeletal (squat jump, countermovement jump, and countermovement jump with the arm swing) and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake). Injury registration included a question regarding any musculoskeletal complaint or injuries during the previous seven days with ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers. The least fit group of participants in squat jump (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.55, p<.001), countermovement jump (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.96, p=.036), and maximal oxygen uptake (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10, p<.001) exhibited the highest likelihood of injury occurrence, compared with the high fit group. The medium fit group in squat jump (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.05, p=.045) was at the significant and increased risk for injury occurrence comparing with the high fit group. This study indicates that lower levels of musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory physical fitness may lead to higher likelihood of injury occurrence in male basketball players. Thus, physical fitness may be considered as a protective factor against injuries incurred.
Keywords
injury; musculoskeletal fitness; cardiorespiratory fitness; associations; basketball
Hrčak ID:
348126
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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