Heart Rate Monitoring in Unified Basketball: Applications and Relevance for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

The aim of this pilot study is to explore the applications and relevance of heart rate (HR) monitoring in unified basketball during training and competition circumstances, focusing on athletes with intellectual disabilities. Six UB national team athletes were monitored using Polar Verity Sense heart rate monitors throughout training sessions and competitions. The data revealed considerable individual variability in HR responses among the athletes. These variations highlight the importance of personalized HR monitoring to accurately assess training loads and optimize performance. However, when applying HR monitoring, it is essential to account for factors that may affect data accuracy, including consistency in device placement and environmental stressors such as competition anxiety. Additionally, athletes with cardiovascular comorbidities may display atypical HR patterns, requiring cautious interpretation of HR thresholds. Although the small sample size limits the broader applicability of the findings, this study explores the application and relevance of HR monitoring, highlighting the need for future research to further validate its effectiveness.