Dec. 2021
Japanese Association for Human Auxology, Outstanding Paper Award for Young Scientist, Journal of Japanese Association for Human Auxology
Differences in anthropometric characteristics and athletic performance among young Japanese elite basketball players with varying levels of maturity
Yuta Sekine

Maturity-Associated Longitudinal Variations in Exercise-Induced Acute Hormonal Responses in Adolescent Male Athletes
Yuta Sekine
Pediatric Exercise Science, 01 Nov. 2025, [Reviewed]

Epidemiology of lateral ankle sprain focusing on indirect contact mechanism in male and female soccer players: An 18.5-month cohort study
Shinshiro Mineta; Takeshi Koyama; Shota Yamaguchi; Honoka Inagaki; Yuta Sekine
Injury, Jun. 2024, [Reviewed]

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lower Extremity Injuries in Japanese Collegiate Men's Basketball Players.
Yuta Sekine; Kotaro Kamada; Takeshi Koyama; Seigo Hoshikawa; Eri Ito; Sayuri Uchino; Takayuki Komatsu
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2023, [Reviewed]
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the lives of Japanese collegiate men's basketball players. PURPOSE: To describe the incidence of lower extremity injuries in Japanese collegiate men's basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the effects of the pandemic on injury patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: Using data from a surveillance project of the Department of Medicine and Science of the Kanto Collegiate Basketball Federation, the authors included data from 6 men's basketball teams during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons (11 team seasons). Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated according to injury type, location, and frequency. Injury burden was estimated by multiplying the injury rate by the mean days lost. Injuries from the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons were compared with those before the pandemic (2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons) using injury rate ratios (IRRs), with significant differences indicated when the 95% CI did not include 1.0. RESULTS: In total, 135 lower extremity injuries were reported during 27,249 AEs. The overall injury rate of the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons was significantly higher than that of the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.67). Lateral ankle sprains (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02-1.86), hamstring strains (IRR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.34-6.12), jumper's knee (IRR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.13-6.37), and stress fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal (IRR, 7.16; 95% CI, 1.31-39.08) were significantly higher during the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons compared with the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons. CONCLUSION: The rate of lower extremity injuries increased significantly in Japanese collegiate men's basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study emphasize the importance of optimal screening and specific loads for injury prevention when detraining periods are anticipated.

小学ハンドボール選手における外傷・障害発生の実態—Sports injuries in Japanese elementary school handball players
2023, [Reviewed]

The effects of calf muscle self-massage on ankle joint range of motion and tendon-muscle morphology.
Akane Yoshimura; Yuta Sekine; Atsuya Furusho; Kazuya Yamazaki; Norikazu Hirose
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, Oct. 2022, [Reviewed]
INTRODUCTION: Self-massage using a foam roller (foam rolling) has been used to improve joint range of motion (ROM). However, the effect of foam rolling on the morphology of a targeted muscle, tendon, and muscle-tendon unit (MTU) has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate extensibility changes in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM), MTU, and the Achilles tendon (AT) in terms of maximum ankle dorsiflexion (max-DF) following a foam rolling intervention. This was an interventional study with no controls. METHODS: Study participants comprised 10 male and female students (mean [standard deviation]: 22.7 [2.5] years; height, 164.2 [6.7] cm; weight, 57.9 [7.9] kg). The foam rolling intervention was performed on the right leg plantar flexor muscles for 3 min. The outcomes were max-DF with specified resistance values (ROM-SR) and non-specified resistance values (ROM-NSR) and GM, MTU, and AT extensibility. An ultrasound device was used to determine the rate of change by subtracting the value in a neutral ankle joint position (0°) from the ankle max-DF to identify GM, MTU, and AT extensibility. All outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The range of ankle joint dorsiflexion increased significantly following the foam rolling intervention (Δ: ROM-SR, +4.35 [5.79]; ROM-NSR, +4.18 [4.43]), whereas GM extensibility increased 4.0 mm, although no significant difference was observed pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Foam rolling was effective in increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion ROM. Moreover, it was suggested that the GM morphology might be affected by the intervention.

Effect of chicken extract intake on subjective fatigue and visual function in men's collegiate basketball players
BULLETIN OF DAITO BUNKA UNIVERSITY, 28 Feb. 2022, [Reviewed]

The Relationship between Motor Ability and Change-of-Direction Kinematics in Elite College Basketball Players
Sasabe Koki; Sekine Yuta; Hirose Norikazu
International Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2022, [Reviewed]
The change-of-direction speed is an essential physical component in basketball. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between change-of-direction kinematics and the related motor abilities in basketball players. Motor abilities, including squat, sprint speed, vertical jump, and horizontal jump, were measured in 14 male collegiate basketball players. Furthermore, the change-of-direction speed and kinematics during the change-of-direction task, including the trunk lean angle and center-of-gravity height, were evaluated. Correlations between change-of-direction time and kinematics were assessed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Once significant correlations were detected, correlations between motor abilities and change-of-direction kinematics variables related to change-of-direction time were assessed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. There were significant correlations between change-of-direction time and center-of-gravity height (r=0.54), and trunk lean angle (r=−0.74). Moreover, there was a strong correlation (r=−0.53) between the center-of-gravity height and lower body strength. Improving lower muscle strength and change-of-direction kinematics may be necessary to enhance the overall change-of-direction performance.

Descriptive epidemiology of injuries in Japanese collegiate men’s basketball: 2013/2014 to 2019/2020
Yuta Sekine; Kotaro Kamada; Takeshi Koyama; Seigo Hoshikawa; Sayuri Uchino; Takayuki Komatsu
Injury Epidemiology, Jan. 2022, [Reviewed]


Basketball is one of the most played sports in the world. However, only a few studies have examined the epidemiology of Japanese collegiate men’s basketball injuries. This study investigated the incidence of injury among Japanese collegiate men’s basketball from the 2013/2014 to the 2019/2020 seasons and identified unique patterns by comparing our data with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball data.




Data from Japanese collegiate basketball teams of the Kanto Collegiate Basketball Federation Division I League during the 2013/2014 to 2019/2020 academic years (23 team-seasons) were used in this study. Injury rates per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs), injury proportions, and the injury rate ratio (IRR) were calculated according to the events, injury types, body parts, and common injury mechanisms. Injury rates were then compared with that from the time-loss injury data of the NCAA’s previous reports.




In total, 480 injuries during 97,515 AEs were reported, leading to an injury rate of 4.92 per 1000 AEs (95% CI = 4.48–5.36). The overall injury rate was higher in Japan than in the NCAA ([2009/2010–2014/2015] IRR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.39–1.73; [2014/2015–2018/2019] IRR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.48–1.82). Lower extremity injuries occurred most frequently (73.5%). Ankle sprain was the most common injury in Japan, with higher injury rates than in the NCAA (IRR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.72–2.57). The injury rate of concussion was lower in Japan than in the NCAA (IRR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.14–0.55).




The rates of overall injury and ankle sprain were higher and that of concussion was lower in Japan than in the NCAA. These results suggested the existence of international differences in the pattern or features of injuries in basketball players.

Maturity-Associated Variations in Resistance Exercise-Induced Hormonal Responses in Young Male Athletes
Yuta Sekine; Norikazu Hirose
Pediatric Exercise Science, 11 Sep. 2021, [Reviewed]
Purpose: To examine differences in resistance exercise-induced hormonal responses among young athletes according to their maturity levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 collegiate and 32 junior high school male athletes were enrolled. The junior high school participants were divided into pre–peak height velocity (PHV) and post-PHV groups, according to their PHV ages. The salivary testosterone, cortisol, and human growth hormone levels were analyzed before (pre), immediately after (post), and at 15 minutes after performing body weight resistance exercise. Results: The testosterone levels were higher in the collegiate than in the junior high school group (P < .01) and increased after 15 minutes of exercise (P < .01). A significant decrease in the cortisol levels postexercise in the junior high school groups (P < .01) and an increase in the human growth hormone levels at 15 minutes after exercise in the post-PHV group were observed (P < .01). In the collegiate and post-PHV groups, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio increased post and at 15 minutes after exercise (P < .01). The testosterone-to-cortisol ratio values were higher in the collegiate than in the post-PHV (at preexercise and at 15 min after [P < .01]) and pre-PHV groups (at all times [P < .01]). Conclusion: Exercise-induced acute hormonal responses to resistance exercise may depend on individuals’ maturity levels, even in those having the same age.

THE ACUTE MECHANISM OF THE SELF-MASSAGE-INDUCED EFFECTS OF USING A FOAM ROLLER
Akane Yoshimura; Yuta Sekine; Robert Schleip; Atsuya Furusyo; Kazuya Yamazaki; Takayuki Inami; Mitsuyoshi Murayama; Norikazu Hirose
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Mar. 2021, [Reviewed]
INTRODUCTION: Maintaining flexibility, often defined as range of motion (ROM), is important. Recently, self-massage using a foam roller (FR) has been used in clinical and/or sports settings to effectively and immediately improve ROM. Many studies have found significant increases in ROM following the FR intervention; however, the mechanism of the effect is unclear. We aimed to clarify this mechanism regarding the ROM effects following the FR intervention by evaluating local tissue and autonomic nervous system responses. METHOD: The study employed a crossover design that included a comparison between non-intervention (CON trial: left leg) and intervention (FR trial: right leg) groups. Fourteen volunteers participated. Nine outcomes (passive maximum ankle ROM [ROM with a specified and non-specified passive strength], tissue hardness, skin temperature, water contents, circumference, blood flow velocity, pressure pain threshold, autonomic nervous system, and heart rate) were investigated before (PRE) and 0 min (POST0), 20 min (POST20), 40 min (POST40), and 60 min (POST60) post intervention. RESULTS: Skin temperature, impedance, and circumference changed significantly following the intervention, and increased ROM with non-specified strength was observed. DISCUSSION: Although we found that the FR intervention influenced skin temperature, impedance, circumference, and ROM, adaptability to the intervention may differ depending on an individual's characteristics. Females and/or individuals with a high body water content could obtain greater positive ROM effects than males and/or individuals with a low body water content. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the FR intervention may be an effective method to improve ROM, with alterations of skin temperature, impedance, and circumference.

異なる成熟度の日本人若年男子バスケットボール選手における形態および運動能力の差異
YUTA SEKINE
日本成長学会雑誌, Sep. 2020, [Reviewed]

Longitudinal Age-Related Morphological and Physiological Changes in Adolescent Male Basketball Players.
Yuta Sekine; Seigo Hoshikawa; Norikazu Hirose
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Dec. 2019, [Reviewed]
This study aimed to examine longitudinal age-related changes in muscle morphology and jump and sprint performances of youth athletes. The subjects of this longitudinal study were 41 youth male basketball players who were assigned to late, mid, and early groups based on differences regarding the estimated age at peak height velocity. The vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii thicknesses were assessed using ultrasonography. The subjects' anaerobic capacities were evaluated based on Abalakov jumps and 20-m sprint time. After 1 year, the vastus medialis and biceps brachii thicknesses increased significantly in all groups, and the rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis thicknesses increased significantly in the late and mid groups, but not in the early group. The Abalakov jumps and 20-m sprint time improved significantly in all groups. The early group's 10-m sprint time improved significantly. Cross-sectional comparisons showed that after 1 year, the early group's Abalakov jumps and 20-m sprint time at baseline, its Abalakov jumps, and 10-m and 20-m sprint times were significantly better than those in the mid and late groups. Hence, significant muscle growth occurred before the athletes reached the age at peak height velocity. During puberty, late maturers' sprint times and jump performances may not catch up with those of early maturers. The speed and tempo of the morphological growth and anaerobic ability of athletes in the same age category depend on athletes' biological maturity.

Cross-sectional comparison of age-related changes in the quadriceps femoris in Japanese basketball players
YUTA SEKINE
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 23 Nov. 2017, [Reviewed]



This study examines age-related changes in the quadriceps femoris (QF), subdivided into the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI) and vastus lateralis (VL) in basketball players.





Seventy male basketball players were divided into four groups according to age (12–13, 14–15, 16–17, and 18–20 years).





Ultrasonography was used to measure muscle architecture of the VMO, VM, RF, VI and VL. We created cubic approximate expressions and calculated inflexion points to evaluate peak growth age of each muscle head.





Significant interactions were observed for all QF parts (p < 0.01–0.001). Muscle thickness (MT) in all QF parts was significantly lower in 12–13-year olds than in 18–20-year olds (p < 0.01–0.001). Significant differences were recognised between 12–13 and 16–17-year olds in VM (p < 0.001), RF (p < 0.001) and VL (p = 0.007). MT was significantly lower in 14–15-year olds than in 16–17-year olds in the VM (p = 0.007) and RF (p = 0.026) and in 18–20 year olds in the VM (p < 0.001), RF (p = 0.036) and VI (p < 0.001). Peak growth age was estimated for each QF part (VMO, 155.0 months; VM, 187.8 months; RF, 212.2 months, VI, 188.9 months; VL, 181.1 months).





QF parts have different growth rates due to differing functions in each muscle head.

Relationship among quadriceps femoris muscle architecture, jump performance, and age in months in junior high school basketball players
Sekine Yuta; Hoshikawa Seigo; Okada Junichi
Japan Journal of Human Growth and Development Research, Nov. 2017, [Reviewed]
<p>This study aimed to investigate the relationship among quadriceps femoris muscle architecture, jump performance, and age in months in junior high school basketball players. Nineteen male junior high school basketball players (age, 13.7±0.7 years［168.1±9.5 months］；height, 166.3±10.3 cm；body mass, 54.3±12.6 kg；competitive career duration, 5.3±1.7 years) volunteered to participate in this study. We measured the vertical jump (VJ) and running jump heights using a single leg (RJS) or both legs (RJB). Quadriceps femoris (vastus medialis oblique［VMO］, vastus medialis［VM］, rectus femoris［RF］, vastus intermedius［VI］, vastus lateralis［VL］) muscle thickness (MT) was measured using real-time ultrasonography. The total MT of the VMO, VM, RF, VI, and VL was calculated (Total). Pennation angle (PA) was measured at the RF and VL. Images were analyzed by an image analysis software and fascicle length (FL) of the RF and VL were calculated by MT and PA. The ratio of MT to body mass^1/3（MT/BM^{1/ 3} ratio) was calculated to normalize the morphological differences. We observed a significant correlation between VJ and MT of the VMO (r＝0.558, p＝0.013), RJB and MT of the VMO, RF, Total (VMO, r＝0.538, p＝0.017；RF, r＝0.483, p＝0.036；Total, r＝0.539 p＝0.017), and between RJS and MT of the VL (r＝0.536, p＝0.018). We also observed a significant correlation between RJB and FL in VL (r＝0.569, p＝0.011). There were significant correlations between MT and MT/BM^{1/ 3} ratio in VMO and age in months (MT, r＝0.659, p＝0.002；MT/BM^{1/ 3} ratio, r＝0.511, p＝0.026). The results of the present study suggest that different parts of the quadriceps femoris muscle are related to jump performance in junior high school basketball players. When growth spurts occur during the age of junior high school student (12-15years old), VMO distal to the VM may increase specifically.</p>

Effects of Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance in High School Baseball Players
YUTA SEKINE
American Journal of Sports Science, Aug. 2016, [Reviewed]

The Relationship between sprint speed and ground reaction force in high school baseball player
関根 悠太; 岡田 純一
スポーツ科学研究, 2015, [Reviewed]

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Characteristics, Motor Abilities, and Game Performance in Youth Male Basketball Players Based on Biological Maturity　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Koyama T.; Yaguchi K.; Sekine Y.; Sasaki S.; Irino T.
The National Strength;Conditioning Associatio;National Conference, Jul. 2025, [Reviewed]

The differences of the dynamic postural control performance and motor control ability between Japanese junior high school and collegiate male basketball players
Sekine Y.; Hoshikawa S.; Uchino S.
European College of Sport Science 30th annual congress, Jul. 2025, [Reviewed]
Lead, Corresponding

ASSESSING DIFFERENCES IN DROP JUMP PERFORMANCE BETWEEN CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY AND HEALTHY ANKLE JOINTS
Kotaro Kamada; Yuta Sekine; Norikazu Hirose
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec. 2023, [Reviewed]
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

MATURITY-ASSOCIATED LONGITUDINAL VARIATIONS IN RESISTANCE EXERCISEINDUCED ACUTE HORMONAL RESPONSES IN YOUNG MALE ATHLETES
Yuta Sekine
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec. 2023, [Reviewed]
Lead, Corresponding, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

鶏肉抽出物イミダゾールジペプチドの摂取が男子大学バスケットボール選手の疲労および視覚機能に与える影響
Jan. 2023

関東大学バスケットボール連盟に所属する男子バスケットボール選手を対象にした慢性足関節不安定症の有病率の調査
Oct. 2022

関東大学バスケットボール連盟医科学部外傷・障害疫学調査プログラムによるコロナ禍(2020/21,2021/22シーズン)における下肢の外傷・障害報告
Oct. 2022

フォームローラーを用いたセルフマッサージが関節可動域および筋腱の伸張性に及ぼす影響
2021

コロナ禍における活動制限が大学男子バスケットボール選手の傷害発生に及ぼした影響
2021

本邦プロバスケットボール選手の大学在籍時における体格およびスプリント能力の特徴 ー15年間のフィジカル測定データによる観察研究ー
2021

コロナ禍における活動制限が大学男子バスケットボール選手の傷害発生に及ぼした影響
2021

フォームローラーを用いたセルフマッサージが関節可動域および筋腱の伸張性に及ぼす影響
2021

セルフマッサージ効果とその生体内メカニズムに関する検討
2020

大学バスケットボールにおける外傷・傷害発生率の現状
Nov. 2019

成長期における成熟度変化に基づく運動プログラムの構築 内分泌応答の成熟度変化に着目して　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Oct. 2019

イミダゾールジペプチド摂取がバスケットボール選手の疲労および球技パフォーマンスに与える影響　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
19 Sep. 2019

Age-dependent variation of exercise-induced hormonal responses in young athletes
Yuta Sekine; Norikazu Hirose
European College of Sport Science 24th annual congress, 05 Jul. 2019

大学バスケットボールリーグ戦におけるコンディション管理の実践報告　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
27 Jan. 2019

異なる年代および成熟度の男子アスリートにおけるホルモン濃度の比較
27 Jan. 2019

セルフマッサージによる関節可動域向上の機序解明
Nov. 2019

Longitudinal changes of the quadriceps muscle thickness and jump performance in Japanese adolescent boys.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Yuta Sekine; Norikazu Hirose
European College of Sport Science 23rd annual congress., 06 Jul. 2018

成長期男子における大腿四頭筋形態の縦断変化　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Sep. 2017

Differences of quadriceps muscle thickness in Japanese junior high school and collegiate elite basketball players.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Yuta Sekine; Seigo Hoshikawa; Junichi Okada
European College of Sport Science 21st annual congress, 04 Jul. 2016

中学生バスケットボール競技者における大腿四頭筋厚と跳躍能力の関係性
2016

加速局面における走速度，体幹の前傾角度， 床反力データの関係性について.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
11 Dec. 2011

そり牽引トレーニングが高校生野球選手の走パフォーマンスに及ぼす影響
2011

バスケットボール指導大全
Joint work
19 Jun. 2025
478162460X

公認アスレティックトレーナー専門科目テキスト 安全・健康管理およびスポーツ外傷・障害の予防
Contributor
Nov. 2022

公認アスレティックトレーナー専門科目テキスト コンディショニング
Nov. 2022

関東大学バスケットボール連盟による大学アスリートのトータルサポートの裏側　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
08 Apr. 2024, [Invited]

関東大学バスケットボール連盟における外傷・障害調査の取り組み
08 Nov. 2023, [Invited]

第30回よこはまスポーツ整形外科フォーラム準備委員会　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
04 Jun. 2023

Implementation Study for Developing Ankle Sprain Prevention Program for Youth Basketball Players
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
Teikyo Heisei University
Apr. 2023 - Mar. 2026

Biomechanical Characteristics Attributed to Morphological Traits in Tall Individuals　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Teikyo Heisei University
Oct. 2025

足関節捻挫予防介入に向けたアウトカム指標の構築〜大学生バスケットボール競技者の機能的・形態的特徴に関する観察研究〜
Apr. 2022

Maturity-based conditioning programs in youth athletes
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
Teikyo Heisei University
Apr. 2020 - Mar. 2022

Construction of the conditioning program based on the biological maturity in puberty 〜Focusing on the maturity-related change of endocrine response〜
2018

内分泌応答の変化からみた最大身長発育年齢に基づく筋力トレーニング至適時期の検討
Sep. 2017

特集1 効果的なクーリングダウン　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
contribution
30 Sep. 2023