Heart Rate Response in Spectators of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team

Abstract

BackgroundTo our knowledge, heart rate responses have not previously been assessed in hockey fans. We quantified heart rate increases in spectators of the Montreal Canadiens, compared televised with live games, explored features associated with peak heart rates, and assessed whether increases correlate with a fan passion score. MethodsHealthy adults were enrolled, with half attending live games and half viewing televised games. All subjects completed questionnaires and had continuous Holter monitoring. Intensity of the physical stress response was defined according to previously published heart rate index thresholds as mild (< 1.33), moderate (1.33-1.83), or vigorous (> 1.83). ResultsIn 20 participants, 35% women, age 46 ± 10 years, the heart rate increased by a median of 92% during the hockey game, from 60 (interquartile range, 54-65) beats per minute at rest to 114 (interquartile range, 103-129) beats per minute (P < 0.001). The heart rate increased by 110% vs 75% during live vs televised games (P < 0.001). Heart rate index (2.16 ± 0.27 vs 1.73 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) and percent maximum predicted heart rate attained (75% ± 8% vs 58% ± 7%; P < 0.001) were significantly higher during live vs televised games. Number of premature beats was nonsignificantly higher during live games (5 vs 1; P = 0.181). The fan passion score was not predictive of the heart rate response (P = 0.753). Peak heart rates most commonly occurred during overtime (40%) and scoring opportunities for (25%) and against (15%). ConclusionsIt is exciting to watch the Montreal Canadiens! Viewing a live hockey game is associated with a heart rate response equivalent to vigorous physical stress and a televised game to moderate physical stress.