Original articles  EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2007 March;47(1):46-50

Copyright © 2007 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Aerobic power and anthropometric characteristics of elite basketball referees

LEICHT A. S.

Institute of Sport and Exercise Science James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

Aim. The current study aimed to document the aerobic power and body composition of elite basketball referees.
Methods. Prior to the 2000/2001 Mens National Basketball League season, 25 male elite referees completed the Multistage Shuttle run test followed by body composition (body fat%) determination via bioelectrical impedance (BI) (Adult and Athlete modes) and a restricted anthropometric profile. Significant correlations between BI and anthropometric measures were examined via Pearson product correlation coefficients.
Pearson. Referees demonstrated a mean (SD) aerobic power of 50.8 (3.2) mL·kg-1·min-1 and body fat% of 23.8% (8.4%). Body fat% was similar for BI (Adult) and several anthropometric equations. Significant correlations were obtained between BI (Adult) and body fat%, and BI (Adult) and sum of skinfolds. Similar correlations were obtained for BI (Athlete) mode despite a significantly lower body fat%. Regression equations for the prediction of body fat% and sum of skinfolds from BI (Adult) were determined.
Conclusion. Elite basketball referees demonstrated significantly greater aerobic power and similar body composition to the general community. In the euhydrated state, BI (Adult) provided a valid measurement of body fat% in elite basketball referees.