PMID 38393271

Research
All papers

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

Suárez-Iglesias D, Rodríguez-Fernández A, Vaquera A, Villa-Vicente JG, Rodríguez-Marroyo JA

Question

Do two high-intensity intermittent running programs differ in their effects on aerobic and repeated-sprint fitness in sub-elite basketball referees?

Summary

In sub-elite male basketball referees, 8 weeks of supervised running HIIT or repeated-sprint training improved intermittent fitness and repeated-sprint performance. The HIIT group reported higher session exertion and showed the clearest VO2max gain, while body composition did not meaningfully change.

Methodology

  • 20 sub-elite male basketball referees in Spain.
  • 20 participants.
  • Shuttle running with directional changes.
  • Work intervals: 20 s.
  • Recovery: 20 s passive; 5 min between series.
  • Intensity: 90% 30-15 IFT velocity.
  • 13-31 min specific work plus warm-up/cool-down.
  • 2 sessions/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Randomized longitudinal open-label experimental trial with two active training groups
  • VO2max, VIFT, Repeated-sprint ability, and Body composition were tracked.

Outcomes

VIFT

Both RSAG and HIITG increased 30-15 IFT velocity.

RSAG 18.6 +/- 1.1 to 19.3 +/- 1.0 km/h; HIITG 19.4 +/- 0.9 to 20.5 +/- 0.9 km/h; both p<0.05.

Improved

RSA

Best and mean repeated-sprint times improved in both groups.

RSAG best +3.4% and mean +4.2%; HIITG best +1.8% and mean +1.9%; p<0.05.

Improved

VO2max

HIIT showed the clearer aerobic capacity gain.

HIITG +4.4 +/- 7.0% versus RSAG -1.1 +/- 2.1%; between-change p<0.05.

Improved

Body composition

Body mass and body fat did not meaningfully change.

No significant changes reported.

No clear change

Insights

  • Twenty-second running intervals can improve intermittent fitness in trained sport officials.
  • RPE monitoring helped show that the HIIT format imposed higher perceived load than repeated sprints.
  • Progressive series volume is relevant for app programming.

Limitations

  • Small sample.
  • No inactive control group.
  • Open-label design.
  • Male sub-elite referees only.
  • Diet not controlled.

Safety

  • PAR-Q and health/lifestyle screening were used.
  • The article did not provide a clear adverse-event table or injury report.