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 x 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2-3 sets of 6 x 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15(IFT)). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30-15(IFT), 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<middle dot>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<middle dot>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 30-15(IFT) maximal velocity (18.6 +/- 1.1 vs. 19.3 +/- 1.0 and 19.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 20.5 +/- 0.9 km<middle dot>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.