Proprioception, Physical Performance, and Passing Accuracy in Adolescent Basketball Players

A measure of proprioception, using a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2-hoggan Health Industries Inc.), in a sitting position in a standardized position of the elbow joint of the dominant upper extremity (90 degree of flexion). Measurement of the elbow joint flexion force sense will be expressed as percentages. Each of the targeted trials will be calculated as a percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) reference measure. The difference between the targeted and the actual percentage of MVC for each of the trials will be then calculated as a percentage of the targeted MVC, to reflect the proportion of error.

A measure of proprioception, using a smart phone goniometer (Android Clinometer) application, in a sitting position in a standardized position of the elbow joint of the dominant upper extremity. Measurement of the elbow joint position reproduction will be expressed as degrees of reproduced angle. Absolute Error (AE) score will be calculated by the absolute value of the difference in degrees of the angle reproduced after subtracting the angle targeted.

A measure of upper limb physical performance, using 2-kg medicine ball and a standardized protocol, throwing distance expressed in meters.

A measure of upper limb physical performance, using body weight and a standardized protocol, touches between hands expressed in number of touches.

A measure of the basketball passing skills, passing of The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) test battery will be used in a standardized protocol. Accurate passes will be expressed in points.