Key result
COVID-19 infection significantly decreased the plus/minus performance (from 15.78 to 2.29, p=0.017) and free throw shooting percentage (from 80% to 74%, p=0.031) of elite NBA basketball players.
Why the study?
To investigate whether COVID-19 infection affects game performance among high-level basketball players in the NBA.
Does COVID-19 infection reduce game performance in elite NBA basketball players?
Observational (n=68)
Does COVID-19 infection reduce game performance in elite NBA basketball players?
Effect estimate: Z = -2.392
Absolute Event Rate: 2.29% vs 15.78%
p-value: p=0.017
COVID-19 infection is associated with a short-term decline in athletic performance among elite basketball players, particularly in free throw shooting and plus/minus metrics for centers.
Suggests a short-term decline in elite athletic performance following COVID-19 infection; leaves open.
Purpose To investigate the changes in the game performance of high-level basketball players in NBA league before and after the COVID-19 infection. Methods Athletic statistics were collected from official database for 68 players (19 forwards, 29 guards, 20 centers; mean age 27.14 ± 3.65 years) in the NBA league for 10 games before and after infection with COVID-19. We used a the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance to examine the impact caused by COVID-19. Results Among all 68 players, a statistically significant decrease in plus/minus (Z = −2.392, p = 0.017) and free throw shooting (FT% Z = −2.153, p = 0.031), occurred compared to the pre-infection with COVID-19. Among the interior players, we found a statistically significant decrease in free throw shooting FT% (Z = 2.674, p = 0.021), Plus/Minus (Z = −2.371, p = 0.018). Among centers and forwards, there was no statistically significant change. Conclusion The impact of COVID-19 on players’ fatigue and cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance may have contributed to the decline in performance, and the impact of detraining due to isolation should not be ignored.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Xiong et al. (2024) conducted an observational in COVID-19 infection (n=68). COVID-19 infection vs. Pre-infection performance was evaluated on Plus/minus (+/-) (Z = -2.392, p=0.017). COVID-19 infection significantly decreased the plus/minus performance (from 15.78 to 2.29, p=0.017) and free throw shooting percentage (from 80% to 74%, p=0.031) of elite NBA basketball players.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: