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<p>This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the external (physical) and internal (physiological) demands of handball refereeing and to examine how key moderators (sex, competitive level, match context) influence these demands. In this context, a&#xa0;systematic search of relevant literature using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Eight observational cross-sectional studies involving 324 elite referees were identified and selected using a&#xa0;Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. The findings indicate that handball refereeing is characterized by a&#xa0;highly intermittent movement profile. In this context, referees run 4100–4600 m per match predominantly at low speeds but complete 60–70 high-intensity accelerations per match. Physiologically, they tend to function at 76 to 81% of their maximal heart rate during matchplay. This is further supported by mean VO<sub>2</sub>max values ranging from 45&#xa0;to 49 ml·kg⁻<sup>1</sup>min⁻<sup>1</sup> indicating a&#xa0;moderate-to-high aerobic capacity. Competitive levels of the sport have been related to better cardiogenic efficiency. Overall, handball refereeing imposes substantial cardiovascular stress combined with frequent acceleration ability, requiring a&#xa0;combination of aerobic fitness, repeated sprint ability, and neuromuscular capacity to maintain optimal positioning and decision-making performance.</p>

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Physical and physiological demands of handball refereeing: a systematic review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月1日

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  • João Francisco Ferreira,
  • Filipe Maia,
  • João Ribeiro

摘要

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the external (physical) and internal (physiological) demands of handball refereeing and to examine how key moderators (sex, competitive level, match context) influence these demands. In this context, a systematic search of relevant literature using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Eight observational cross-sectional studies involving 324 elite referees were identified and selected using a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. The findings indicate that handball refereeing is characterized by a highly intermittent movement profile. In this context, referees run 4100–4600 m per match predominantly at low speeds but complete 60–70 high-intensity accelerations per match. Physiologically, they tend to function at 76 to 81% of their maximal heart rate during matchplay. This is further supported by mean VO2max values ranging from 45 to 49 ml·kg⁻1min⁻1 indicating a moderate-to-high aerobic capacity. Competitive levels of the sport have been related to better cardiogenic efficiency. Overall, handball refereeing imposes substantial cardiovascular stress combined with frequent acceleration ability, requiring a combination of aerobic fitness, repeated sprint ability, and neuromuscular capacity to maintain optimal positioning and decision-making performance.