Effects of player rotation strategies on autonomic regulation, perceived exertion, and recovery in basketball

Basketball is a high-intensity intermittent sport in which player rotation and substitution strategies are essential for managing fatigue and sustaining performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of four distinct rotation strategies (1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-min work–rest intervals) on physiological, psychophysiological, and perceptual responses in basketball players. Fourteen professional male basketball players completed four randomized, counterbalanced, crossover 5v5 simulated game conditions. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), perceived exertion (RPE), session workload (sRPE), perceived fatigue, and exercise enjoyment were assessed across conditions. All rotation strategies elicited substantial cardiovascular stress compared with resting values, reflected by marked reductions in time domain HRV parameters, indicating sympathetic predominance during play. Maximal heart rate differed significantly between rotation conditions, suggesting cumulative cardiovascular stress with longer on-court durations. Shorter rotations were associated with better preservation of parasympathetic activity, as evidenced by higher RMSSD values, whereas longer rotations resulted in greater perceived exertion and internal load. Notably, exercise enjoyment remained stable across all rotation strategies. These findings demonstrate that rotation structure significantly influences autonomic regulation and perceptual responses in basketball. Shorter rotations may be advantageous for maintaining autonomic flexibility and supporting rapid recovery during high-intensity phases of play, while longer rotations may be useful for developing tolerance to competitive fatigue. Evidence based and individualized rotation strategies to optimize performance, manage fatigue, and support athlete wellbeing is essential in competitive basketball.