Heart rate response differs between elite and non- elite Czech female basketball matches

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze heart rate (HR) response to Czech female basketball matches played at a different competitive level. Additionally, the influence of a game position was evaluated. Heart rate (HR) was monitored in eight official matches in elite: first league (N=8, age= 22,7 ± 1,9 years) and national (non- elite: second league) (N=9, age= 24,1 ± 2,3 years) female players. The average HR in matches was 91.9 ± 5.3 % of HRmax at elite level and 88.8 % ± 4.2 % of HRmax at national level (P < .001; d = 0.58). This difference was more pronounced in forwards (P < .001, d = 1.2) than centers (P < .001, d = 0.41) and guards (P < .001, d = 0.18). In conclusion, these results allow improving game understanding and helping coaches to prescribe accurate practice sessions based on individual requirements.