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Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses of Parents Watching Their Child Compete: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Investigation

Background: Researchers have extensively documented the cardiovascular and metabolic demands for sports participation. To date, researchers have ignored the same requirements of competitor’s parents. Hence, our purpose was to document parent cardiovascular and metabolic responses to watching their child compete while also paying particular attention to their thoughts before and after the competition. Methods: Parents wore a device, made by Firstbeat Technologies, which continuously monitored heart rate. The parents wore the device the night before, to get acclimated to the device, and during the event until later in the day. Parents also completed two open-ended questions, one before the competition and one after the contest. Results: Before the contest, the dad’s expectation was that his son won the event (Croatian National Championships for juniors). Whereas, the mother’s expectations centered more on enjoyment and her son competing to the best of his abilities. Parents had differing cardiovascular and metabolic responses to watching their son compete. Also, post competition reflections differed as the father expressed disappointment whereas the mother expressed sadness. Conclusion: The data presented are unique and a first in the sports literature. The parents differed in the intensity of their cardiovascular responses and calories burned while watching their son compete. The father’s cardiovascular response over the course of watching was that of an aerobic workout. Whether this pattern is unique or universal are an important research question. Last, achievement goal theory appears relevant when assessing the parent’s expectations.

achievement goal theory, qualitative research, heart rate monitoring, youth sport

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