Effectiveness of an Individualized Training Based on Dynamic Strength Index on Sprinting, Jumping and Change of Direction Performance in Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The dynamic strength index (DSI) is calculated as the ratio between countermovement jump (CMJ) peak force and isometric mid -thigh pull (IMTP) peak force and is said to inform whether ballistic or strength training is warranted for a given athlete. This study assessed the impact of an individualized in -season resistance training program, guided by DSI on basketball players' physical performance. Forty-three elite players (19.4 +/- 2.9 years; 1.97 +/- 0.08 cm; 89.1 +/- 9.5 kg) were divided into an intervention group (IG) (27 players) and a control group (CG) (16 players). The IG was further split based on DSI into a ballistic group (DSI <= 0.90, 11 players) and a strength group (DSI > 0.90, 16 players). Over five weeks, participants underwent two weekly resistance sessions, with the IG following a DSI-based program and the CG a standard program. Performance was measured pre- and postintervention through 20-m sprints, 505 change of direction test, CMJ, and IMTP. There were statistically significant improvements in the IG, notably in sprint times (eta 2 = 0.12-0.21, p < 0.05) and 505 test (eta 2 = 0.15 - 0.16, p < 0.05), predominantly in the strength group. The CG's performance was either unchanged or declined for different variables. Our results suggest that DSIguided training effectively enhances basketball players' physical performance within a competitive season.