Heart Responses In Elite Women Basketball Referees During The 2013 Eurobasket Championship

Abstract

PURPOSE: This investigation analyzed the cardiovascular characteristics in a group of experienced elite women basketball referee during Eurobasket 2013. Leitch et al. (2004, 2008) have published various papers regarding heart rate (HR) responses among referees at various levels of play. However, to author’s knowledge, no studies have investigated data among women referees in elite competition. METHODS: Nine elite female basketball referees (38 ± 3 years) were analyzed with a random sample of 11 matches during the 2013 women´s Eurobasket Championship. The height, body mass and ∑ 6 skinfolds were measured. Body Fat was calculated by Carter equation. Cardiovascular response was determined by HR recordings from immediately prior to the start of each Quarter, during the match and until immediately following the Quarter, including all rest breaks. RESULTS: In our study, the average HR was 156.8±9.3 p/min, 86.2±5.0% of maximum HR, and the majority of the match time was spent at a more strenuous exercise intensity (70-89% HRmax) greater than the 70% HRmax previously reported. In addition, significant decreases in HR response were seen when comparing the fourth quarter of the match to the second quarter and to the first quarter (P<0.05) as well as when comparing the third quarter to the second quarter (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Similar relative exercise intensity was demonstrated regardless of player gender or officiating scheme (2-referee or 3-referee plans. Further study is needed to document the the physiological characteristics of elite female basketball referees over an entire season.