Absence of Monotony and Strain Effects on Referees' Physical Performance During International Basketball Federation World Cup Basketball Competition

PURPOSE

The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of physical performance indicators and assess the levels of performance monotony and strain experienced by basketball referees.

METHODS

The study involved the participation of 12 basketball referees (mean age: 40.0 [4.9] y) affiliated with the International Basketball Federation. The investigation was carried out throughout 2 density tournaments, wherein the maximum heart rate, average heart rate, performance monotony, and performance strain were documented for 3 variables.

RESULTS

The findings indicated significant variations in the mean heart rate, maximum heart rate, total distance monotony, total distance strain, the total number of sprints monotony, the total number of sprints strain, calories monotony, and calories strain (P < .05). Decreasing the density of elite-level basketball competitions has been observed to reduce the monotony and strain experienced by referees. However, this action does not increase motion distance or speed zones.

CONCLUSIONS

The environmental stressors experienced by senior-level athletes (World Cup) differ from those encountered by younger athletes (World Cup Under 19). Further investigation is required to ascertain the potential effects of competition monotony and strain on decision-making processes and the overall quality of refereeing.

Comparative Effects of Two High-Intensity Intermittent Training Programs on Sub-Elite Male Basketball Referees' Fitness Levels

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week short-term training program, comprising repeated sprints or running-based high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), on the aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance of sub-elite basketball referees. Twenty male referees participated in supervised training sessions twice a week. They were randomly assigned to either the RSA-based group (RSAG) or the running-based HIIT group (HIITG). The RSAG conducted 3-4 sets of 8 × 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2-3 sets of 6 × 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30-15IFT, and an RSA test before and after the training program. Both groups showed significant improvement (~3%) in the fastest (22.6 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.7 and 22.0 ±1.9 vs. 22.4 ± 1.7 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) and mean (21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 22.4 ± 1.4 and 21.3 ± 1.8 vs. 21.7 ± 1.6 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) sprint velocity of the RSA test (p < 0.05). Moreover, positive changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the 30-15IFT maximal velocity (18.6 ± 1.1 vs. 19.3 ± 1.0 and 19.4 ± 0.9 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively). In conclusion, an 8-week training intervention using either RSA or running-based HIIT led to similar improvements in referees' RSA performance and specific aerobic fitness measures. These findings could assist in devising tailored training programs for basketball referees.

Do you even exercise, ref? Exploring habits of Spanish basketball referees during practice and matches

Background

Basketball referees are a vital part of the organised competition system, although they remain an "outgroup" in sport. While physical development and fitness programming are deemed necessary for basketball officiating excellence, there is a paucity of literature exploring strategies for physical fitness management in this population.

Methods

This research was a nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey conducted in 2021. A sample of 628 (531 males, 97 females) referees from 18 regional referee organisations in Spain provided individual responses to gather information on demographic details, level of participation in refereeing, physical fitness practices, and match-day exercise-based regimens. The data were described using summary statistics, and the associations of the assessed variables were subsequently calculated using contingency tables.

Results

Our findings reveal that a large fraction of the Spanish basketball referee population focuses on aerobic (83%) and strength (73.6%) activities, while less attention is paid to speed (36.9%) and flexibility (23.2%), and agility, coordination, and balance tasks are somewhat overlooked. No significant differences were observed among the referee categories regarding weekly training days or session duration, with most training for 15-60 min per session. Elite referees were more likely to hire personal trainers and engage in strength and flexibility exercises. Sub-elite referees showed a higher tendency to perform stretching and joint mobility activities post-match, while regional referees did so less frequently. Approximately 30.7% of referees across all competitive levels engaged in re-warm-up (RW-U) activities, with stretching and joint mobility being the most prevalent.

Conclusions

Spanish basketball referees participate in routine physical exercise and fitness practices, irrespective of their competition level. While warm-up activities are prevalent, some sub-elite and regional referees do not consistently perform them, and re-warm-up routines are not extensively embraced.

The discriminative, criterion, and longitudinal validity of small-sided games to assess physical fitness in female basketball players

The validity of small-sided games (SSG) for assessing physical fitness was evaluated in 21 female basketball players from senior (n = 8), under-18 years (n = 6), and under-16 years (n = 7) age categories. Players underwent fitness testing (countermovement jump [CMJ], agility T-test, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [YYIRT1]) and 3vs3-SSG before and after a 6-week preseason. Player demands were monitored during SSG using local positioning system and heart rate technology. Regarding discriminative validity, senior players produced better CMJ, agility T-test, and YYIRT1 performance (p  < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 1.72-2.25), and more distance and PlayerLoad (p  < 0.05, ES = 1.53-2.47) during SSG than under-18 players following the preseason. For criterion validity, total distance and distance completing high-intensity decelerations during SSG were significantly (p  < 0.05) correlated with CMJ (r = 0.44-0.66), YYIRT1 (r = 0.43-0.63), agility T-test (total distance only, r=-0.51), and RSA test performance (r=-0.49 to -0.52) among all players combined following the preseason. Regarding longitudinal validity, significantly better agility T-test and YYIRT1 performance (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.88-0.93) alongside lower heart rate during SSG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.88) were evident for all players combined following the preseason. These results partially support the validity of 3vs3-SSG to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

Physical Demands of Elite Male and Female 3 × 3 International Basketball Matches

ABSTRACT

Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Rucco, D, Alcaraz, PE, Vaquera, A, Romagnoli, M, and Rampinini, E. Physical demands of elite male and female 3×3 international basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e289-e296, 2023-This study aimed to (1) characterize the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games during live playing time and ball possession and (2) assess the differences in physical demands between male and female players. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games of the International Basketball Federation 3 × 3 World Cup 2019 were analyzed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players ( n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) resulting in a total of 216 (104 male and 112 female) individual game samples. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses determined the relative frequency (n·min -1 ) and duration (%) for several physical demands at different intensities, according to sex, during the live playing time and in ball possession phases. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size (ES) analyses revealed small non-significant differences in the intermittent profile of 3 × 3 basketball games according to sex (total movements per minute, male = 39.3 (38.6-40.1); female = 40.2 (39.5-41.0), estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals). Female competitions had significantly greater number of low-intensity activities (LIA, small ES) and high-intensity activities (HIA, small ES) performed per minute over longer games ( small ES), whereas male players had more recovery activities ( small ES). During ball possession, male players spent a larger amount of time performing LIA ( small ES) than female players, who displayed both the greatest number of HIA and the highest percentage of playing time performed at high intensity ( small ES). Overall, these findings suggest that basketball coaches should design sex-specific training sessions based on the specific match demands.

Effects of half-time re-warm-up implemented during a simulated match in U14 female basketball players

Re-warm-up activities are recommended in team sports due to loss of muscle temperature during half-time. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a half-time re-warm-up strategy on female basketball players. Ten players U14, separated into two teams of five players, performed either a passive rest condition or repeated sprints (5×14 m) plus 2 min of a shooting wheel (re-warm-up condition), during the half-time break (10 min) of a simulated basketball match, where only the first three quarters were played. The re-warm-up did not elicit significant effects on jump performance and locomotory responses during the match, except for the distance covered at a very light speed, which was significantly higher than in the passive rest condition (1767 ± 206 vs 1529 ± 142 m; p < 0.05). Mean heart rate (74 ± 4 vs 70 ± 5%) and rate of perceived exertion (4.5 ± 1.5 vs 3.1 ± 1.44 a.u.) were higher in the re-warm-up condition during half-time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performing re-warm-up activities based on sprints could be a valuable strategy to avoid the reduction of sport performance during prolonged breaks, but given the limitations of the study, these relationships need to be further explored in official competitions.

Technical-Tactical Demands of 3 × 3 International Basketball Games According to Game Outcome, Player Sex, and Competition Phase

ABSTRACT

Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Scanlan, AT, and Vaquera, A. Technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 international basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 403-412, 2023-Despite the popularity of 3 × 3 basketball rapidly growing on a global scale, a paucity of data exist on player demands during competition, particularly considering various factors. This study aimed to quantify the technical-tactical demands of international-level 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. Overall, 96 players from 24 national teams (48 players across 12 teams in each sex) competing at the 2019 European Basketball Cup 3 × 3 were included in this study. Technical-tactical demands during games including shooting, game-related, and possession-related statistics were retrospectively gathered from public sources or analyzed using video analyses. Linear mixed models and effect size analyses were used to determine differences in demands according to game outcome (wins vs. losses), player sex (males vs. females), and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Winning teams ( p < 0.05, small-large ) scored more shots, shot more efficiently, secured more rebounds, committed fewer turnovers and fouls, and drew more fouls to shoot free-throws. Differences between sexes ( p < 0.05, small-moderate ) showed male teams shot more efficiently, scored more 2-point shots, and scored more points, whereas female teams attempted more 1-point shots, committed more turnovers, and had more possessions. Considering the competition phase, more blocks were completed during group games, and more points per possession were achieved during finals games ( p < 0.05, small ). This study provides foundation normative values regarding the technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 game-play during an international competition, with reported data able to be used by practitioners in developing precise, sex-specific training and tactical strategies to optimize team success.

RELACIÓN ENTRE METODOLOGÍAS DE CONTROL DE LA CARGA EN EL BALONCESTO PROFESIONAL

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación existente entre diferentes metodologías de medición de la carga de entrenamiento en un equipo profesional de baloncesto. 12 jugadores de un mismo equipo fueron sometidos a estructuras de entrenamiento iguales en cuanto a diseño y fueron monitorizados diariamente con frecuencia cardiaca, GPS y percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo. Los resultados indicaron diferencias significativas entre todas las metodologías de control utilizadas. RPE (x2=12.4; P=.015), sRPE (x2=21.5; P<.001), TRIMP (x2=23.5; P<.001), SHRZ (x2=19.3; P<.001) y distancia (x2=21.7; P<.001). Se observó una correlación entre todas ellas exceptuando la variable distancia recorrida; Borg (p=.19; P=79), sRPE (p=.14; P=.299) y sHR-Z (p=.17; P=.197). Estos resultados sugieren que los diferentes métodos de evaluación utilizados para el control de la carga de entrenamiento determinan resultados variables en un equipo de baloncesto profesional. Se consideró que el ratio de esfuerzo percibido por sesión resulta el instrumento más eficaz para el control de la carga de entrenamiento.

RELACIÓN ENTRE LA CARGA INTERNA Y EXTERNA EN ÁRBITROS DE BALONCESTO

El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en analizar las relaciones existentes entre los parámetros de carga interna (objetiva y subjetiva) y externa. La muestra estuvo compuesta por un total de 15 partidos disputados en el Eurobasket femenino U-16, donde participaron un total de nueve árbitros (6 masculinos y 3 femeninos). Las variables analizadas de carga interna fueron la frecuencia cardiaca y la percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo. Las variables de carga externa se dividieron en cinemáticas y neuromusculares, medidas a través de dispositivos inerciales. Los resultados explican que existen relaciones entre los valores de carga interna objetiva y carga externa, así como entre las variables de carga externa. En cambio, no existen relaciones entre la carga interna subjetiva y las variables de carga interna y externa objetiva, exceptuando el PowerMetabolic. Estos resultados demuestran que la competición y el nivel de los árbitros influyen en gran medida en las variables subjetivas.

Impact of Match Type on Exercise Volume and Intensity of Semi-Professional Basketball Referees During a Competitive Season

Identification of the exercise volume and intensity of basketball referees, across competitive match types based on competition sex and level, would assist in developing appropriate training regimes. Purpose: The aims of this study were to quantify and compare the exercise volume and intensity encountered by semiprofessional basketball referees during different match types across a competitive season. Method: Sixteen referees participated and were monitored for absolute and relative PlayerLoad (PL) using microsensors during 25 semiprofessional matches (12 men's, 13 women's, 17 regular season, eight playoff). Comparisons between match types (men's vs. women's; regular season vs. playoff) were examined via independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and repeated measures ANOVA with the magnitude of differences calculated via effect size. Results: Referees experienced an absolute PL of ~365 arbitrary units (AU) per match that was similar for men's, women's, regular season, and playoff matches during a competitive season. Relative PL was significantly greater (5.35 ± 0.82 vs. 4.26 ± 0.59 AU.min^-1, p < .001, effect size = 1.57) during women's matches with a greater proportion of each quarter and match spent within PL band 2 compared to men's matches (11.6 ± 2.2 vs. 8.8 ± 1.4%, p < .001, effect size = 1.53), likely due to a reduced number of referees officiating. Minimal differences existed between the regular season and playoff matches for absolute PL, relative PL, and proportion of quarter/match time within PL bands. Conclusion: The current study confirmed that referees experienced considerable exercise volume and intensity per match during a competitive season with these influenced primarily by referee configuration. The current results provide crucial information to develop effective training regimes for referees during a competitive season.

The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes’ performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes’ conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclusions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions.

Power-Related Determinants of Modified Agility T-test Performance in Male Adolescent Basketball Players

ABSTRACT

Scanlan, AT, Wen, N, Pyne, DB, Stojanović, E, Milanović, Z, Conte, D, Vaquera, A, and Dalbo, VJ. Power-related determinants of Modified Agility T-test performance in male adolescent basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2248-2254, 2021-Although the Modified Agility T-test (MAT) has been advocated for assessing change-of-direction performance in basketball, the power-related attributes emphasized during the test are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the power-related determinants of the MAT in basketball players. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used whereby national- and state-level male adolescent basketball players (n = 24; 17.3 ± 0.5 years) completed a battery of power-related performance tests. The tests administered included the MAT, isometric midthigh pull, 10-m sprint, countermovement jump, 1-step vertical jump, standing long jump, and repeated lateral bound. Associations between performance during the MAT and other tests were quantified, and performance in each test was compared between faster (>50th percentile) and slower (<50th percentile) players in the MAT. The MAT exhibited large correlations (p < 0.05) with standing long jump distance (r = -0.67, R2 = 45%), countermovement jump relative peak force (r = -0.63, R2 = 39%), isometric midthigh pull relative peak force (r = -0.55, R2 = 30%), and 10-m sprint time (r = 0.53, R2 = 28%). The faster group performed better (p < 0.05) during the standing long jump (mean difference; ±90% confidence limits: 0.16; ±0.12 m) and produced greater (p < 0.05) relative peak force during the isometric midthigh pull (2.5; ±2.3 N·kg-1) and countermovement jump (2.1; ±1.8 N·kg-1) than the slower group. The MAT complements other power-related tests used in basketball and stresses basketball-specific, power-related attributes in various movement planes. These data can inform training and testing approaches to optimize change-of-direction performance in basketball.

Physiological stress of basketball referees during a national competition

abstract The aim of this study was to examine the physiological demands of seven referees during a national basketball competition. We recorded heart rate (HR), relative exercise intensity as a percentage of age – predicted maximum HR (HRmax), proportion of playing time within the exercise intensity categories defined by the ACSM during each of the tournament matches for each referee per period, as well as the entire game. None of the variables shows significant differences between periods. Based on a format of three referees per match, referees worked with an average HR of 150 bpm (range 110-181 bpm) for each quarter of the match, which equals a relative intensity> 70% of HRmax for most (∼76%) of each quarter. Other studies will assist in developing appropriate training programs for elite basketball referees to maintain and / or maximize performance.

Impact of contextual factors on match demands experienced by elite male referees during international basketball tournaments

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.

Analysis of aerobic testing in basketball referees and heart rate recovery time

Abstract The study analyzed the physical conditioning and the time of recovery of the maximum heart rate of 12 international referees being used the test of 20 meters with beep to evaluate the cardiorespiratory conditioning, with the frequency to control the recovery time of the maximum cardiac post test. The majority of the referees obtained a recovery of heart rate greater than 50% in 3 minutes, were those that reached the levels of good to excellent in the table of maximum Vo2. Even with some factors influencing their physical performance most of the referees were able to complete the aerobic test and obtained a good recovery of the heart rate, the others that failed to reach the test goal had the HR recovery in 3 minutes much lower than expected, thus highlighting the association of the maximum VO2 level between good and excellent with the recovery of the heart frequency.

Physiological Responses to and Athlete and Coach Perceptions of Exertion During Small-Sided Basketball Games

Vaquera, A, Suárez-Iglesias, D, Guiu, X, Barroso, R, Thomas, G, and Renfree, A. Physiological responses to and athlete and coach perceptions of exertion during small-sided basketball games. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2949-2953, 2018-This study describes heart rate (HR) responses during different small-sided games (SSGs) in junior basketball players and identifies the level of agreement between athlete and coach perceptions of internal training load calculated using the in-task rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method. Over a 6-week period, 12 male junior basketball players, who played in the Spanish national under-18 League, played 7 games of one-a-side (1v1), 6 games of 2-a-side (2v2), 8 games of 5-a-side (5v5), and 5 games of superiority (3v2) situations. During 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, and 3v2, peak HRs were 90.27 ± 3.37%, 92.68 ± 3.29%, 92.01 ± 3.48%, and 88.74 ± 5.77% of HRmax, respectively. These differences were statistically significant between 1v1 and 2v2 (p < 0.01), 1v1 and 5v5 (p ≤ 0.05), 2v2 and 3v2 (p < 0.001), and 5v5 and 3v2 (p < 0.001). Mean HR was 79.5 ± 4.4%, 83.1 ± 4.2%, 91.2 ± 4.7%, and 78.5 ± 7.5% of HRmax during 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, and 3v2, respectively, and differences were observed between 1v1 and 2v2 (p < 0.001), 2v2 and 3v2 (p < 0.001), and 5v5 and 3v2 (p ≤ 0.05). There were differences in athletes and coaches in-task RPE in all SSGs (all p < 0.0001 apart from 5 × 5 p = 0.0019). The 2v2 format elicited a higher mean in-task RPE in comparison with all other SSGs (p < 0.001), possibly because 2v2 imposes a greater cognitive load.

Key game indicators in NBA players’ performance profiles

The aim of the present study was to identify and describe players’ performances in NBA games using individual and team-based game variables. The sample was composed by 535 balanced games (score differences below or equal to eight points) from the regular season (n=502) and the playoffs (n=33). A total of 472 players were analysed. The individual-based variables were: minutes on court, effective field-goal percentage, free-throws/field-goals ratio, offensive rebound percentage, turnover percentage and playing position. The team-based variables were: team points minus opponent’s points (on and off court), NET score (player’s on values minus his/her off values), maximum negative and positive point difference, team’s winning percentage, game pace, defensive and offensive ratings. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify the player’s profiles during regular season and playoff games. The results identified five performance profiles during regular season games and four performance profiles during playoff games. The profiles identified were mainly characterized by the game quarter and the negative NET indicator (players’ performance on court minus their performance off court) in regular season games and the positive NET indicator during playoff games and second and third game-quarters. Coaching staffs can fine-tune these profiles to develop more team-specific models and, conversely, use the results to monitor and rebuild team formation under the constrained dynamics of the game and competition stages.

Sex differences in cardiovascular demands of refereeing during international basketball competition

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sex on cardiovascular responses of referees during elite international basketball competition.

METHODS

Twenty-seven elite referees (9 female; 18 male) officiated a random sample of 18 matches during the final round of the 2013 Women's Eurobasket Championship. Continuous recordings of referees' heart rate (HR) during matches were obtained and analyzed for average HR, relative exercise intensity (% maximum HR, HRmax) and proportion of time spent within different exercise-intensity categories.

RESULTS

During the championship, the average match HR was >150 bpm and approximated an exercise intensity of >85% HRmax for referees. Female referees exhibited lower average match HR (156.8 ± 10.2 vs. 163.6 ± 11.6 bpm, p<0.05) and exercise intensity (86.2 ± 5.5 vs. 89.5 ± 6.0% HRmax, p<0.05) compared to male referees. Referees spent most (>70%) of each match at a HR intensity of 70-89% HRmax with females experiencing more match time within the 55-69% HRmax category compared to males. Average HR and exercise intensity was greatest for all referees during the early part of the match (Quarter 1) that declined over the match.

CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated that sex significantly influences cardiovascular responses for elite basketball referees with lower responses for females potentially reflective of different movement patterns. Reductions in cardiovascular response noted during matches for all referees may reflect alterations in metabolism, match activities or induction of fatigue that should be considered in the development and training of elite referees for optimal match performance.

Evidence-based post-exercise recovery strategies in basketball

Basketball can be described as a moderate-to-long duration exercise including repeated bouts of high-intensity activity interspersed with periods of low to moderate active recovery or passive rest. A match is characterized by repeated explosive activities, such as sprints, jumps, shuffles and rapid changes in direction. In top-level modern basketball, players are frequently required to play consecutive matches with limited time to recover. To ensure adequate recovery after any basketball activity (i.e., match or training), it is necessary to know the type of fatigue induced and, if possible, its underlying mechanisms. Despite limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in facilitating optimal recovery, certain recovery strategies are commonly utilized in basketball. It is particularly important to optimize recovery because players spend a much greater proportion of their time recovering than they do in training. Therefore, the main aim of this report is to facilitate useful information that may lead to practical application, based on the scientific evidence and applied knowledge specifically in basketball.

Match intensity and heart rate predictors in top level basketball referees during men's Eurobasket

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to determine the heart rate (HR) response of referees during men's Eurobasket Championship and identify relationships body composition and other match variables as predictor of HR.

METHODS

Thirty-one elite basketball referees (REF, 40.4±4.3 years) were analyzed during a random sample of 38 matches in the 2013 men's Eurobasket Championship, one of the best basketball competitions in the World. The height, body mass, triceps, abdominal, supraspinale, subscapular, front thigh and medial calf skinfolds were measured.

RESULTS

The result was that out of all 4 quarters of every game (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4), HR (bpm and % HRmax) in Q1 (164.2±13.9 bpm; 90.5±7.1%) was the highest (P<0.05). Likewise, Q2 (162.5±15.7 bpm; 90.5±7.1%) values were higher (P<0.05) than Q3 (158.5±13.2 bpm; 88.2±7.3%) and Q4 (158.4±13.4 bpm; 88.2±7.5%). The study also showed that variables of triceps skinfold (β: 1.33; P<0.000), years of experience (β: -0.40; P<0.05) and fat mass (β: -2.51; P<0.000) were the variables that significantly predicted the physical performance.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the heart rate directly was associated with REF's anthropometric features and years of experience. However did not show any association with different match variables such as: total scores, differences scores among teams, duration of the match or ratio time/point ratio.

Cardiovascular and perceptual stress of female basketball referees during women's International matches

BACKGROUND

The current aims were to determine body composition (BC), and heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived effort (RPE) responses by female basketball referees during elite international competition.

METHODS

Pre-competition, BC via skinfolds was assessed in 10 referees (38 ± 3 yr) who officiated 11 matches. Referees' HR and exercise intensity (based upon maximum HR, HRmax) was recorded during each quarter of each match and RPE assessed post- match. Differences between quarters were examined via repeated measures ANOVA while correlations between RPE, HR, BC and experience were also considered.

RESULTS

The average match HR was 86.2±5.0 HRmax with this being significantly lower during the 4th quarter compared to the 1st (p = 0.18) and 2nd quarters (p = 0.001), and significantly lower during the 3rd compared to the 2nd quarter (p = 0.005). The average post-match RPE was 12.5 ± 1.6 with significant inverse correlations identified between post-match RPE and exercise intensity (average HR, %HRmax). Significant correlations were identified between the average match HR and BC (0.608, p = 0.016), and experience (-0.653, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The current investigation has demonstrated that elite female basketball referees experience significant cardiovascular and perceptual stress during international matches that may be influenced by referee experience and BC. These unique characteristics may aid in referee preparation for elite competition.

Effects of chronic administration of either ethanol or pentanol on rat duodenum morphology

The morphology of the rat duodenum after chronic treatment with 15% (v/v) ethanol and 4% (v/v) pentanol was studied. Male Wistar rats of experimental groups were given ethanol and pentanol for 15 weeks with food and fluid freely available. Ethanol-15% and 4% pentanol-fed rats showed a significantly reduced fluid and food intake as compared with control rats. The study of the mucosa indicated that the number of chronic inflammatory infiltrating (mononuclear cells) and goblet cells was higher in the groups of the ethanol- and pentanol-fed rats than in the control group. There was an increase in the thickness of the brush border in pentanol-fed rats. Intervillus adhesion was concurrently observed in the pentanol-fed rats but not in the control or ethanol-fed rats. After ethanol feeding many of the villi developed blebs at the apex of the villus or laterally on its upper half. These blebs generally remained intact. In contrast, after pentanol feeding no bleb formation was appreciated. The intake of ethanol and other short chain alcohols present in alcoholic beverages leads to mainfold disturbances on the rat duodenum. These findings suggest that the chronic ingestion of pentanol seems to promote cellular changes but less important than those observed after chronic ethanol ingestion.