Physiologic Evaluation Of A Collegiate Mascot During Football Games And Related Activities

Abstract

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to collect collegiate mascot pilot data to determine physiological HR responses during two football games and pregame-related activities. METHODS: A physiological tracking system was used to evaluate HR and movement from individuals (N=7 [1 female]; avg ht=1.82m, wt=75.6kg) who performed mascot activities “in suit” (weighing ~14kg) before and during two NCAA Division I University football games. Both games were played at night under moderate ambient conditions (temp=22-14 °C, rh=64%, wind speed=4 mph). Prior to the study, individuals’ HRmax values were determined during graded treadmill tests performed to volitional exhaustion. Variables analyzed during the games were time in suit, time in pre-established HR zones [including HRzone1 (50-59%HRmax), HRzone2 (60-69%HRmax), HRzone3 (70-79%HRmax), HRzone4 (80-90%HRmax), and HRzone5 (>90%HRmax)], and distance covered per minute. Differences in time per HRzone were evaluated using 95% confidence intervals. Differences in average HR between pre-game and game conditions were evaluated via a t-test. RESULTS: Sessions in suit lasted 43.5±10.5 min, and distance traveled was 47±22 m/min. HR averaged 82±8% of HRmax, with over half the time spent in HRzone4 (34±20%; p<0.05) and HRzone5 (23±27%), with only 2±2% spent in HRzone1. HR values were significantly lower during pregame (74±4%HRmax) compared to game (85±6%HRmax) activities (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mascot suit environment posed significant physiological strain on the wearer, despite relatively little activity or movement performed per session.