Position-Specific Lower Limb Performance and AI-Based Injury Risk Analysis in Young Male Basketball Players

Position-Specific Lower Extremity Performance and Artificial Intelligence-Based Injury Risk Analysis in Young Male Basketball Players

This observational study aims to evaluate lower extremity performance characteristics in young male basketball players according to their playing positions and to explore injury risk patterns using artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis. Basketball requires frequent jumping, sprinting, rapid changes of direction, acceleration, deceleration, and single-leg movements, all of which place significant demands on lower extremity function.

Participants will undergo a single assessment session including anthropometric measurements and performance tests such as countermovement jump, reactive strength testing, single-leg performance tests, and agility assessments. Information regarding previous lower extremity injuries, training history, and playing position will also be collected.

The study will compare performance characteristics among different basketball positions, including guards, forwards, and centers. In addition, AI and machine learning techniques will be used to analyze the collected performance data and identify patterns associated with injury risk. The purpose of the AI analysis is not to diagnose injuries but to investigate whether combinations of performance variables can help identify athletes who may demonstrate higher-risk movement or performance profiles.

The findings may contribute to the development of position-specific training strategies, individualized performance monitoring, and evidence-based injury prevention approaches in youth basketball players.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male basketball players aged 12 to 18 years.
• Registered youth basketball athletes.
• Participation in regular basketball training for at least 1 year.
• Participation in basketball training at least 3 times per week.
• No acute lower extremity injury affecting performance testing within the previous 6 months.
• Ability to understand and follow testing instructions.
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian and assent provided by the participant.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower extremity surgery within the previous 6 months.
• Acute musculoskeletal injury affecting test performance.
• Neurological, vestibular, or severe orthopedic conditions affecting balance, coordination, or motor performance.
• Pain, illness, fatigue, or any health condition that could affect performance on the assessment day.
• Cardiovascular or systemic conditions preventing completion of the testing protocol.
• Incomplete performance testing data or technically invalid measurements.