Health problems of basketball referees: A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Basketball referees are the authorities responsible for ensuring that rules and regulations are followed and for making decisions. The ability of referees to respond to the physical and physiological demands imposed during the game is essential for good performance on the court. Objective: To understand the context in which health problems faced by basketball referees occur and to outline the epidemiological profile of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in which basketball referees were evaluated using a standardized form. The participants were monitored online weekly for 12 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire to assess health problems, such as diseases (affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive or neurological systems) or musculoskeletal injuries (acute or from overuse). Results: The study sample consisted of 78 referees with a mean age of 36.5 (±9.8) years. Most referees (97.4%) found it important to implement a preventive program. In relation to the health problems reported during follow-up, there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5-27.9) and the mean weekly prevalence of diseases was 3.2 (95% CI 0.4 – 6.0) and of injuries was 17.4 (95% CI 16.5 – 18.3). Conclusion: Through this study, it was possible to conclude that there was an incidence rate of 23.7 injuries per 1000 hours of play (95% CI 19.5-27.9) and a mean prevalence of diseases of 3.2 (95% CI 0.4-6.0) and musculoskeletal injuries of 17.4 (95% CI 16.5-18.3). The most common health problems that affected basketball referees were musculoskeletal overuse injuries of the lower limbs. Level of evidence I; Prospective cohort study.