Changes in heart rate, blood pressure and O2 content of masters basketball player during training and competition

Compare training and competition intensity for masters basketball players by assessing their heart rate; to evaluate potential cardiovascular benefits and risks for this intensity; to assess usability of blood pressure and oxygen saturation changes in determining exercise intensity. 22 male masters basketball players from four teams participating in the MaxiBasket league were included in the study. Measurements were taken by the CONTECTM Pulse Oximeter CMS50D1 and Little Doctor® sphygmomanometer LD-71. Heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were measured before warming-up, three times during process (training/game) and after stretching.   The mean age of participants was 49 ± 6 years. The average heart rate (HR) during training was 136 ± 14 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 130-142], bpm but during game 148 ± 10 [CI = 144-152], bpm which showed statistically significant difference between both events (p = 0,001). There is statistically significant difference between systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during training (dT) and competition (dC): SBPdT 164 ± 21 [CI = 155-173], mmHg vs. SBPdC 181 ± 18 [CI = 173-188], mmHg; p = 0,01. DBPdT 83 ± 9 [CI = 79-87] vs. DBPdC 91 ± 8 [CI = 88-94], mmHg; p = 0,001. There is no statistically significant difference between mean systolic blood pressure after training 129 ± 11, mmHg and after competition 132 ± 12, mmHg; p = 0,220. Comparision between median (25; 75 percentile) oxygen saturation during training 96 (95; 97), % and during game 97 (96; 98), % shows the same trend (p = 0.06). Heart rate increase during competition is more pronounced than during training. Competition raises blood pressure more than training process. Oxygen saturation changes during training and competition is the same. Study shows that competition is greater load than in training, therefore medical examination are required before and during competition season.