Effects of Basketball-Specific Interval Exercise on Metabolic, Inflammatory, and Fatigue Responses in Female Basketball Players.

High-intensity intermittent exercise is a fundamental component of basketball and is characterized by repeated bouts of sprinting, jumping, rapid changes of direction, and brief recovery periods. This type of exercise places substantial demands on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems and induces complex metabolic and inflammatory responses. Although numerous studies have investigated the physiological effects of high-intensity exercise, the interactions among exercise-induced inflammation, metabolic regulation, energy substrate utilization, and fatigue in female basketball players remain insufficiently understood.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of basketball-specific interval exercise on metabolic and inflammatory responses, energy substrate utilization, and psychophysiological fatigue in trained female basketball players. The exercise stimulus will consist of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), a validated field test that closely simulates the intermittent high-intensity demands of competitive basketball by requiring shuttle runs interspersed with short active recovery periods.

Participants will attend a single experimental session consisting of baseline assessments, completion of a standardized interval exercise protocol, and follow-up assessments during the early recovery period. Biological samples, physiological measurements, and fatigue assessments will be obtained at predefined time points before exercise, immediately after exercise, and one hour after exercise. Laboratory analyses will evaluate selected inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers together with indicators of energy substrate utilization. In addition, subjective fatigue and neuromotor performance will be assessed to characterize both peripheral and central aspects of exercise-induced fatigue.

To minimize potential confounding factors, participants will follow standardized pre-test instructions regarding physical activity, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, and nutritional preparation before testing. Nutritional intake and anthropometric characteristics will also be documented to support the interpretation of physiological responses.

By integrating biochemical, metabolic, physiological, and psychophysiological measurements within a basketball-specific exercise model, this study aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying acute responses to high-intensity intermittent exercise in female athletes. The findings may contribute to evidence-based strategies for monitoring training load, optimizing recovery, and improving performance in women's basketball and other intermittent team sports.

Inclusion criteria

• Female, aged 16-22 years.
• Regular participation in organized basketball training.
• Current medical clearance for sports participation.
• No contraindications to high-intensity physical exercise.
• Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent (and parental/legal guardian consent where required for minors).
• Willingness to comply with all study procedures.
• Menstrual cycle phase will be recorded for all participants and considered as a potential covariate in the statistical analyses.

Exclusion criteria

• Current musculoskeletal injury or any condition preventing maximal exercise.
• Metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, or other chronic diseases affecting exercise capacity or study outcomes.
• Current use of anti-inflammatory medications.
• Use of supplements or substances that may influence the measured metabolic or inflammatory parameters.
• Refusal to undergo blood sampling.
• Failure to comply with pre-test instructions (e.g., dietary or exercise restrictions).