This study aims to evaluate the effects of interval exercise on metabolic and inflammatory responses, energy substrate utilization, and fatigue in trained female basketball players. High-intensity intermittent exercise is a key component of basketball performance and induces substantial metabolic and physiological stress. However, the acute relationships between exercise-induced metabolic changes, inflammatory responses, substrate utilization, and fatigue in female basketball players remain insufficiently understood.
In this prospective interventional study, eligible female basketball players will complete a standardized interval exercise protocol designed to replicate the physiological demands of competitive basketball. Physiological, biochemical, and perceptual measurements will be collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and during recovery. Primary outcomes include changes in metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, energy substrate utilization, and fatigue-related responses. Secondary outcomes include selected physiological and performance-related variables associated with recovery from high-intensity interval exercise.
The findings of this study will improve the understanding of the physiological responses to interval exercise in female basketball players and may contribute to the development of evidence-based training and recovery strategies aimed at optimizing performance and athlete health.
Female, aged 16-22 years.
Regular participation in organized basketball training.
Current medical clearance for sports participation.
No contraindications to high-intensity physical exercise.
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.
Single group
Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)
Other interventionThe intervention consists of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), a standardized maximal intermittent field exercise test designed to reproduce the physiological demands of intermittent team sports such as basketball. Participants perform repeated 20-meter shuttle runs at progressively increasing speeds, guided by audio signals, with 10-second active recovery periods between running bouts. The test continues until volitional exhaustion or until the participant is unable to maintain the required running pace according to the test protocol. The Yo-Yo IR1 is used to induce acute physiological stress for the assessment of metabolic, inflammatory, and fatigue-related responses.
Change in Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Concentration
Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration will be measured to assess the acute inflammatory response induced by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). The outcome will be expressed as the change in IL-6 concentration across the predefined assessment time points.
Change in Blood Lactate Concentration
Blood lactate concentration measured from capillary blood as an indicator of anaerobic metabolism following high-intensity intermittent exercise.
Change in reaction time
Visual reaction time will be assessed as an indicator of neuromotor performance and central fatigue.
Change in serum-free fatty acid concentration
Serum free fatty acid concentration will be measured from venous blood samples to evaluate exercise-induced lipid mobilization.
Change in blood glucose concentration
Blood glucose concentration will be measured using a portable glucometer with disposable test strips.
Change in serum insulin concentration
Serum insulin concentration will be measured to assess hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism.
Change in Rating of Perceived Exertion (Borg Scale)
Subjective perception of exercise intensity will be assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. Total scores range from 6 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater perceived exertion during exercise.
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