Key result
Elite basketball referees sustain moderate cardiovascular load reaching ~65% maximum heart rate during international matches.
Why the study?
The cardiovascular and locomotory demands on elite male basketball referees during international matches and the influence of contextual factors were not well characterized.
Cross-Sectional (n=123)
Yes
Elite international male basketball referees experience moderate cardiovascular load and intermittent locomotor activities, with demands varying by competition sex, level, and stage.
Moderate cardiovascular loads in elite basketball referees vary by match context; leaves open effects on long-term health or optimized preparation.
We aimed to assess the cardiovascular responses and locomotory demands of male referees during diverse elite, international, basketball matches, and to investigate the influence of moderating factors (competition sex, level and stage) on these demands. Cardiovascular and locomotory responses were monitored in 123 elite, male referees while officiating 283 basketball sessions (preparation until match end), during group and playoff stages, of women’s and men’s FIBA Continental and World Cups at senior and youth level. The total and average session distance and velocity were ~4740 m, 19.0 m·min −1 and 2 km·h −1. Referees experienced an average relative HR of 60–65% maximum HR with ~85% of each session spent within the very light to moderate HR categories. The average session relative HR was significantly greater for men compared to women competition, during senior compared to youth sessions, and for the group compared to the playoff stage sessions. Mean distance covered was significantly greater during senior and men compared with youth and women sessions. Elite, international male basketball referees experienced moderate cardiovascular load accompanied with intermittent locomotor activities during international sessions when accounting for all occupational activities. International competitions are more demanding for referees based upon competition sex, level and stage.
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Suárez-Iglesias et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (elite basketball referees) (n=123). Officiating elite international basketball matches vs. Comparisons between competition sex, level, and stage was evaluated on Cardiovascular responses (relative HR) and locomotory demands (total distance). Elite international male basketball referees experienced moderate cardiovascular load (60-65% maximum HR) and covered an average distance of ~4740 m per session, with demands significantly greater during men's and senior competitions.
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