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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND INTENSITY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SOCCER REFEREES DURING MATCH-PLAY |
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Alberto Inácio da Silva1  ,
Luiz Cláudio Fernandes2 and Ricardo Fernandez2 |
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1Physical Education Department, State University of Ponta Grossa, UEPG, Paraná, Brasil. 2Physiology Department, Biological Science Building, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Paraná, Brasil |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 327 - 334 Search Google Scholar for Citing Articles |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| The aim of this study was to determine the caloric expenditure
and the intensity of physical activities performed by official soccer referees
during a match expressed in Metabolic Equivalent (METs). The physical activity
of referees accredited by CBF (Brazilian Confederation of Soccer) was video-recorded
during twenty-nine official games of Paraná Championship (Brasil), Series
A and B of the 2005/2006. Computerized video analysis was used to determine
the time spent in 6 locomotor activities (standing still, walking, jogging,
backwards running, running and sprint). The frequency and duration of each
activity were recorded and these data were utilized to calculate the distance
covered by the referee. Energy expenditure values were estimated, utilizing
specific equations, from the time players spent in each motor activity.
The referees observed in this study had a mean age of 38.9 ± 3.8 years,
body mass of 86.1 ± 7.1 kg, stature of 1.80 ± 0.07 m and a body mass index
of 26.5 ± 0.6 kg·m-2. During match-play, referees covered an
average distance of 9155.4 ± 70.3 meters (8411 - 9765), with a mean energy
expenditure of 734.7 ± 65 kcal. This energy expenditure was significantly
reduced in the second half: 359.9 ± 6.3 vs 374.7 ± 6.6 kcal (p = 0.006),
and averaged to be moderate energy intensity (5 METs) with predominant utilization
of the aerobic energy system. In total, during 67% of match-play the intensity
was equal or lower than 3.8 METs and in 33% it was higher than 9.8 METs.
The pattern of movement observed in the present study confirms that soccer
refereeing may be considered as a highly intermittent exercise mode. The
high to low-intensity activity ratio may be defined as 1:7.1. In conclusion,
referees officiating in professional soccer matches in Brazil should perform
a physical conditioning regime that provides the stamina required at this
level and consume appropriate and adequate nutrition to meet the energetic
demands for match-play.
Key words: Motion-analysis, referee, football, METs, oxygen consumption. |
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