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

PMID: 38393271
Journal: Sports (Basel)
Published: 2024 Feb 2
Authors: 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.

## Population

- 20 sub-elite male basketball referees in Spain.
- Sample size: 20
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Trained and regularly active
- Health status: Apparently healthy

## Methodology

- Randomized longitudinal open-label experimental trial with two active training groups
- 8 weeks
- Supervised referee training sessions in Spain
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- 30-15 IFT-based HIIT.
- Modality: Shuttle running with directional changes.
- Work intervals: 20 s.
- Recovery: 20 s passive; 5 min between series.
- Sets or repetitions: 2-4 series across the program.
- Intensity: 90% 30-15 IFT velocity.
- Session duration: 13-31 min specific work plus warm-up/cool-down.
- Frequency: 2 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: 2 series week 1, 3 series weeks 2-5, 4 series weeks 6-8.
- Repeated-sprint ability training.
- Modality: 20 m all-out running sprints.
- Work intervals: 20 m sprint.
- Recovery: 30 s active jog-back; 2 min passive between series.
- Sets or repetitions: 8 reps per series; 3-5 series.
- Intensity: All-out sprinting.
- Session duration: 16-28 min specific work plus warm-up/cool-down.
- Frequency: 2 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: 3 series week 1, 4 series weeks 2-5, 5 series weeks 6-8.

## Outcomes

### VIFT
Status: improved
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.

### RSA
Status: improved
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.

### VO2max
Status: improved
HIIT showed the clearer aerobic capacity gain.

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

### Body composition
Status: no clear change
Body mass and body fat did not meaningfully change.

No significant changes reported.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

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

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393271/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12020051) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10892750/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.