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The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie match-play between positions and halves of play. Data were collected from 28 players during 18 competitive games using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). The study demonstrated that intercounty camogie players covered a total distance (TD) (m ± SD) of 6,040 ± 628 m, relative distance (RD) of 83 ± 13 m⋅min-1, and maximum speed of 25 ± 1 km⋅h-1. Furthermore, the players covered a mean sprint distance of 214 ± 112 m and 14 ± 6 sprints. Players' mean heart rate (HRmean) and HRmaxwas 138 ± 23 b⋅min-1 and 164 ± 20 b⋅min-1, respectively. There were decrements between halves in TD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), RD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), maximum speed (p < 0.05, ES 5 -0.18), HRmax(p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), running (p < 0.01, ES = -0.34), high-speed running (p < 0.01, ES = 0.34), sprinting (p < 0.01, ES 5 -0.10), HRmax(p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), and HRmax % (p < 0.05, ES = -0.24). Midfielders covered a greater TD compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES 5 -0.38) and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES 5 -0.38). Full-backs covered a significantly lower RD than midfielders (p < 0.05, ES 5 -1.2), half-backs compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES 5 1.14), and half-forwards compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES 5 1.15). Full-forwards covered significantly less RD when compared with half-backs (p < 0.05, ES 5 -1.14), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES 5 -1.47), and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES 5 -1.15). The findings provide physical and physiological values on the match demands of intercounty camogie match-play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McGuinness, A, Passmore, D, Malone, S, and Collins, K. Peak running intensity of elite female field hockey players during competitive match play. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1064-1070, 2022-In recent years, backroom coaching staff have relied heavily on the global demands of competitive match-play to monitor running performance within training and match environments. Although, these figures help prepare players for the demands of match-play, they do not account for the physical and physiological stress of the most intense periods of competition. The aim of the current study was to quantify the duration and position-specific maximal running performance during match-play using a 1-10-minute moving average epoch methodology. Twenty-six (n = 26) elite international female field hockey players (23 +/- 3 years; 162.6 +/- 13 cm; 66 +/- 6 kg) participated in the current observational study. Data were collected during 22 international games, resulting in over 360 individual samples (n = 368) being obtained for analysis. Players were categorized based on their positional lines of play (defenders, midfielders, and forwards). Variables of interest included relative total (m[middle dot]min-1), high-speed (>16 km[middle dot]h-1; m[middle dot]min-1) and sprint distance (>20 km[middle dot]h-1; m[middle dot]min-1). Regardless of position, varying differences were observed between 10-minute rolling average for relative total (mod - large), high-speed (mod-large), and sprint (mod - large) distance respectively. Furthermore, as the duration of the rolling average increased, so did the observed differences (small). The forwards (119.3 +/- 19.7 m[middle dot]min-1) were reported to have the highest peak output during minute one for relative high-speed distance when compared with the defenders (100.7 +/- 19.7, effect size [ES] 0.9, large) and the midfield (106.8 +/- 23.4 m[middle dot]min-1, ES 0.5, moderate). The results of the current study show that the running performance of field hockey players alters during match-play irrespective of moving average. Finally, the data will aid practitioners in the development of sport-specific drills to adequately prepare hockey players for the maximal intensity periods of elite hockey match-play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to describe the duration-specific running intensities of elite hurling players during competition with respect to position using a rolling average method. Global positioning systems (10-Hz Viper; STATSport, Viper, Newry, Northern Ireland) were used to collect data from 36 elite hurling players across 2 seasons. Players were categorized according to playing positions (full-backs, half-backs, midfielders, half-forwards, and full-forwards). A total of 230 full match samples were obtained from 22 competitive games for analysis. The velocity-time curve was analyzed using a rolling average method, in which the maximum relative total distance (TD; m⋅min-1), high-speed running distance (HSR; m⋅min-1), and sprint distance (SD; m⋅min-1) intensities were calculated across 10 different rolling time durations (1-10 minutes) within each game. There were large to very large (effect sizes [ES] = 0.66-4.33) differences between 1 minute rolling averages and all other durations for TD, HSR, and SD. However, pairwise comparisons between 6 and 10 minutes for TD, HSR, and SD were smaller and more variable (ES = 0.07, trivial to ES = 0.85, moderate). Half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards achieved a higher maximal relative TD and HSR in all duration-specific fields when compared with full-backs and full-forwards. No positional difference was observed in 1- and 2-minute durations for SD. Because the rolling average duration increased the maximum TD, HSR and SD running intensities decreased across all positions. These data provide knowledge of the peak running intensities of elite hurling competition and can be used to design training activities to sufficiently prepare players for these "worst-case scenarios." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current observational study quantified players' activity profiles during a major international female field hockey tournament and determined whether an association exists between well-being measures and running performance within elite female hockey players. Elite female field hockey players (23 6 3 years; 162.6 x 13 cm; and 66 x 6 kg) participated in the study. Participants running performance was monitored using global positioning system technology (S5; Catapult Innovations, Scoresby, Victoria, Australia), with daily well-being questionnaires used to quantify player responses during the tournament. Thresholds for the magnitude of the observed change for each variable were determined using the Hopkins Spreadsheets for analysis of controlled trials. Relative distance (m•min-1) was likely lower when compared with game 1 in game 7. Relative high speed (m•min-1 >16 km•h-1) was likely lower in games 5, 6, and 7 when compared with game 1. Subjective load was very likely higher in game 2 and very likely lower in game 3 when compared with game 1. Mood and sleep quality were likely lower in game 1 when compared with game 4 and game 7. Muscle soreness was likely higher when compared with game 1 in game 7. During the tournament, it was observed that a decrease in players' daily well-being was accompanied by changes in running performance. Furthermore, changes to players' muscle soreness and sleep quality result in decreased players' high-speed running performance during match-play. Therefore, to prevent the observed effects, coaches should adopt strategies to enhance sleep quality and incorporate specific recovery modalities to reduce musculoskeletal soreness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey match play across halves of play. Thirty-eight participants (24 ± 5 years; 173 ± 5 cm; 72 ± 5 kg) took part in 19 competitive matches during the 2014-2015 season. Participants were monitored with global positioning system technology and heart rate monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total (m), high-speed running distance (m; >16 km·h-1 ), and relative distance (RD) (m·min-1 ) due to the use of rolling substitutions. Heart rate was classified based on the percentage of players' individual peak heart rate (HRpeak) determined by a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 44 ± 7 minutes in match play. The total distance (TD) covered was 5,558 ± 527 m (125 ± 23 m·min-1 ) with 589 ± 160 m (13 ± 4 m·min-1 ) completed at high speed. Defenders covered a greater TD compared with other positions of play ( p ≤ 0.001). Midfield players covered a greater distance at high speed ( p ≤ 0.001) with the forwards having a higher relative distance ( p ≤ 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 199 ± 1 b·min-1 with a mean exercise intensity of 86 ± 7.8% of HRpeak. The time spent >85% HRpeak decreased significantly across the halves ( p = 0.04, η 2 = 0.09, small). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRpeak when compared with forwards ( p ≤ 0.001). The current investigation provides normative data that coaches should consider when constructing training regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey across the quarters of match-play. Twenty-seven elite international female field hockey outfield players (23 ± 3 years; 162.6 ± 13.0 cm; 66.0 ± 6.0 kg) participated in the current observational study during the 2016-2017 season. Participants were monitored using global positioning system technology and HR monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total distance (in meters), relative total distance (m⋅min-1), low-, moderate-, and high-intensity distance (m), maximum velocity (km⋅h-1), and percentage maximal velocity (%). Physiological demands were quantified through players peak heart rate (HRPeak), which was classified based on the player's individual HRmax determined using a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 38 ± 8 minutes in match play. The total distance covered was 4,847 ± 583 m (127.6 ± 15.6 m⋅min-1). Defenders covered a greater total distance across all 3 positions (p = ≤ 0.05). The midfielders covered a greater moderate-intensity distance (p ≤ 0.001), whereas the forwards covered more high-intensity distance (p ≤ 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 198 ± 4 b⋅min-1 with a mean exercise intensity of 95 ± 1% HRmax. The time spent >70% HRmax decreased significantly across the quarters (p = 0.01, η² = 0.03). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRmax when compared with other positions (p ≤ 0.001, η² = 0.28). The current study provides normative data that coaches should consider when developing training drills to better optimize the positional physical and physiological activity profiles that best replicate match play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time of season influences performance in many team sports; however, the anomaly has not yet been examined with regards to elite Gaelic football. Global positioning systems (4 Hz; VX Sport, Lower Hutt, New Zealand) were used to monitor 5 elite Gaelic football teams over a period of 5 years (2012-2016). In total, 95 matches equated to 780 full player data sets. Running performance was characterized by total distance (m) and high-speed distance (≥17 km⋅h-1; m). High-speed distance was further categorized into 4 match quarters. Time of season was determined by month of the year. Time of season had a significant effect on total distance (p ≤ 0.001 partial η² = 0.148) and high-speed distance (p ≤ 0.001 partial η² = 0.105). August and September were significantly different from every other month for total distance (p ≤ 0.001) and high-speed distance (p ≤ 0.002). Month of season and match quarter had a significant interaction with high-speed distance (p ≤ 0.001 partial η² = 0.106). High-speed distances run in the fourth quarter in August (478 ± 237 m) and in September (500 ± 219 m) were higher than any other quarter in any other month. This is the first study to show that time of season influences running performance in Gaelic football. The findings have major implications for training practices in Gaelic football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malone, S, Hughes, B, and Collins, K. Effect of training load distribution on aerobic fitness measures in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 825-830, 2019-The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the training intensity distribution of hurling players and their association with changes in aerobic fitness measures within hurling players. Thirty hurling players (n = 30; age 26.5 ± 3.2 years; height 178.9 ± 3.2 cm; body mass 81.5 ± 4.5 kg) were observed during the prechampionship training period (12 weeks). Aerobic fitness measures (...o2max), peak treadmill velocity (km⋅h-1), heart rates (HRs) at 2 and 4 mmol⋅L-1 blood lactate concentrations, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance (Yo-YolR1) were assessed before and after the training period. Training intensities were categorized using 3 individualized HR zones based on the following criteria: low intensity (≤HR 2 mmol⋅L-1), moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol≤L-1), and high intensity (≤HR 4 mmol⋅L-1). Analysis of 1,025 individual training sessions showed that players spent 58.1 ± 2.5%, 24.3 ± 2.9%, and 17.6 ± 1.3% of time in the low-, moderate-, and high-intensity zones, respectively. The training time spent at high intensity (Zone 3) showed moderate-to-large associations with improvements in S2 (r = 0.80; p = 0.04) and S4 (r = 0.58; p = 0.03). Similar trends were observed for time spent in high intensity and improvements in Vo2max (r= 0.77; p = 0.001) and Y0-Y0IRI performance (r= 0.65; p = 0.05). Hurling players have been shown to spend the majority of training time in low (≤ HR 2 mmol⋅L-1) to moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol⋅L-1) training. However, only the time spent at high intensity (≤90% of maximal HR) was related to changes in aerobic fitness. These results support the usefulness of the quantification of aerobic training load using HR. The study also supports the efficacy of spending elements of training time within the high-intensity zone to increase hurling player's aerobic fitness characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current investigation was to understand the impact of pretraining neuromuscular performance and creatine kinase (CK) status on subsequent training performance in elite soccer players. Thirty soccer players (age: 25.3 ± 3.1 years; height: 183 ± 7 cm; mass: 72 ± 7 kg) were involved in this observational study. Each morning before training, players completed assessments for neuromuscular performance (countermovement jump; CMJ) and CK levels. Global positioning technology provided external load: total distance, high-speed distance, sprint distance, accelerations, decelerations, average metabolic power, explosive distance, and high metabolic power distance (.25.5⋅kg-1). Mixed-effect linear models revealed significant effects for CK and CMJ Z-score on total high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, accelerations, decelerations, explosive distance, and maximal velocity. Effects are reported with 90% confidence limits. A CK Z-score of +1 corresponded to a 25.5 ± 1.1, 23.9 ± 0.5, 24.3 6 2.9%, 24.1 ± 2.9%, 23.1 ± 2.9%, and 24.6 ± 1.9%, reduction in total high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, accelerations, decelerations, explosive distance, and maximal velocity, respectively. Countermovement jump Z-score of 21 corresponded to a 23.5 ± 1.1, 22.9 ± 0.5, 22.1 ± 1.4, 25.3 6 2.9%, 23.8 ± 2.9%, 21.1 ± 2.9%, and 25.6 ± 1.2% reduction in these external load measures. Magnitude-based analysis revealed that the practical size of the effect of a pretraining CMJ Z-score of 21 and CK Z-score of +1 would have on total high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, high metabolic power distance (.25.5 ⋅kg-1), accelerations, decelerations, explosive distance, and maximal velocity was likely negative. The results of this study suggest that systematic pretraining monitoring of neuromuscular and muscle stress within soccer cohorts can provide coaches with information about the training output that can be expected from individual players during a training session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined how the impact of pitch dimensions influences physiological and running performance during 4-minute small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four (n = 24) hurling players were monitored with global positioning system and heart rate monitors during the in-season training period. Total distance (in meters), high-speed running distance (in meters) (≥17 km⋅h-1), very high-speed running distance (≥22 km⋅h-1) (in meters), total accelerations (n), acceleration distance (in meters), and peak and mean velocity (in kilometers per hour) were calculated. Additionally, SSGs rate of perceived exertion (RPESSG; AU), % maximum heart rate, and individualized training impulse (iTRIMP; AU) were collected. The current results show that the manipulation of SSGs pitch size has an impact on the running performance and physiological responses. The data showed that SSGs played on large pitches (SSG80 x 20 m) had greater running demands than medium (SSG60 x 20 m) or small (SSG40 x 20 m) pitches, with significantly more distance covered in all movement categories. Total distance covered at high speed was 354 ± 111 m on a large pitch, 254 ± 72 m on a medium pitch, and 198 ± 62 m on a small pitch. Large pitch dimensions resulted in greater physiological and perceptual demands on players (higher %HRmax, iTRIMP [AU], and RPESSG [AU]) compared with medium and small pitches. The current data help applied practitioners to understand further how modifying different aspects of SSGs can alter the running and physiological responses of players. Moreover, applied practitioners now have consistent information to design and optimize their training time in mixing the physical, technical, and tactical elements within specific SSGs pitch dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the effect that game design modification, goal type, and player numbers on the running performance and physiological demands of small-sided hurling games (SSG). Forty-eight hurling players (age, 25.5 ± 3.2 years; height, 178.9 ± 3.2 cm; body mass, 78.5 ± 4.5 kg) performed 4 types of SSG (possession [P], normal play [NP], regular goals [RG] and small goals [SG]) in 4-a-side, 5-a-side, and 6-a-side formats. Heart rate (Polar Electro Oy) and global positioning system technology (VX Sport, 4-Hz, Lower Hutt) were used to analyze the physical and physiological differences between SSG. Total distance (m), high-speed running distance (m) (≥17 km⋅h-1), very--high speed running distance (≥22 km⋅h-1) (m), peak and mean velocity (km⋅h-1) were analyzed as an indicator of the physical demands of play. The 4-a-side SSG independent of game design and goal type resulted in a significantly higher relative exercise intensity compared with 5-a-side (mean change: 6 ± 2%; p = 0.001; d = 1.9 ± 0.2; large) and 6-a-side SSG independent of game design or goal type (mean change: 12 ± 2%; p = 0.001; d = 2.9 ± 0.8; very large). The 4-a-side SG (619 ± 106-m [419-735-m]) resulted in the highest distance when compared with all PP (mean change: 141 ± 9 m; p = 0.05; d = 1.9 ± 0.3; moderate) and RG (mean change: 119 ± 39 m; p = 0.004; d = 2.1 ± 0.8; large). Similar trends were observed for 5-a-side and 6-a-side games with SG resulting in increased total running performance. In conclusion, the current observations reveal that 4-a-side NP, SG, and RG have the highest physiological demands with 4-a-side SG having increased running performance in contrast to other game design and goal-type games. Furthermore, independent of game design and goal type, 4-a-side SSG show increased relative intensity compared with 5-a-side and 6-a-side SSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined (a) the match running performance of Gaelic football and (b) the decrement in match running performance with respect to position. Global positioning satellite system technologies (4-Hz; VX Sport) were used with 3 elite intercounty teams across 3 full seasons with 250 full game data sets collected. Game movements were classified according to game actions and distance covered across speed zone thresholds (total distance [TD], high-speed running distance [HSRD; ≥17 km⋅h-1], sprint distance [SD; ≥22 km⋅h-1]; accelerations [n]; peak speed [km⋅h-1]). The influence of running performance in each quarter on the subsequent quarter was analyzed across all positional roles. The mean (±SD) TD and HSRD covered during the game were 8,889 ± 1,448 m and 1,596 ± 594 m, respectively. Results show a temporal profile for TD with reductions in the second (-4.1%), third (-5.9%) and fourth (-3.8%) quarters, respectively. There was a significant reduction in HSRD in the second (-8.8%), third (-15.9%), and fourth (-19.8%) quarters when compared to the first quarter (p < 0.001). Positional differences were observed for distance-based measures with the middle 3 positions (half-back, midfield, and half-forward) completing the highest running performances. These positions also showed increased decrements in TD and HSRD and SD across quarters. The current data indicate a reduction in exercise intensity over the duration of elite Gaelic football match-play. It is unclear if this reduction is because of fatigue, pacing, contextual factors, or nutritional strategies employed by players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]