Author(s): MCLEAN, B., MERCER, R., RUSSELL, J., STRACK, D., COUTTS, A., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY, Country: AUSTRALIA, Abstract-ID: 1768

INTRODUCTION:
High performance sport places substantial demands on staff who support athlete preparation and organisational functioning [1]. Despite their essential role, limited empirical evidence describes how these demands accumulate across a season or influence staff health. Conceptual models highlight how the interaction between job demands, recovery opportunities, and available resources shapes psychological, physiological, and behavioural outcomes [1]. However, empirical evidence capturing cumulative multisystem responses in NBA staff is limited. This study examined occupational demands and associated physiological, psychological, and behavioural responses in NBA staff across a competitive year.
METHODS:
A sequential multi-methods design was implemented during the 22‑23 season. Longitudinal data included work and travel hours; sleep metrics (Oura Ring); daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale); psychological distress (Outcome Questionnaire‑45.2); burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory); perceived social support (DRRI‑2 Social Support Scales); blood and salivary biomarkers; and body composition. Semi‑structured interviews explored lived experience, contextual influences, and perceptions of organisational support.
RESULTS:
Staff reported high and irregular workloads, frequent overnight travel, and limited recovery opportunities. During the competitive season, games occurred every 2.1±0.9 days, with a non-work day every 15.1±6.8 days. Mean weekly hours ranged from 44.2 to 62.9, with a maximum of 83 h; 46% of work occurred outside 09:00 to 17:00. Staff demonstrated chronic sleep restriction (6.4±1.3 h per night), with only 23% of nights meeting adult sleep guidelines. Moderate psychological distress was reported (OQ-45.2 = 38.9±21.5), with 16% of responses exceeding clinical thresholds. Interviews described cultural norms that normalised fatigue, emotional and relational pressures, and inconsistent engagement with organisational resources. Many staff also reported strong connection to their work, high engagement, and a deep sense of purpose, describing their roles as meaningful and closely aligned with their professional and personal identity.
CONCLUSION:
NBA staff experienced persistent, multisystemic occupational stress caused by heavy workloads, frequent travel, and limited chances for recovery. Social support served as an important protective factor, while structural and cultural factors can limit recovery. Staff also described meaningful relationships and strong personal value in their work, which may reflect both self‑selection into high performance environments and the unique sociocultural position of professional sport. Findings highlight the need for evidence‑informed organisational strategies to optimise scheduling, recovery opportunities, psychosocial support, and targeted health monitoring, while recognising that strong purpose and engagement can coexist with substantial occupational strain.

1) Mercer, et al (2025). Work Demands, Responses...Sports Medicine, 55(12).