An Analysis of Repeated High Intensity Efforts (RHIE) across Different Competition Levels in Elite Rugby Union.

The current investigation aimed to understand the differing positional demands across two elite rugby union competitions, with special reference to high-intensity effort (HIE) and repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity. Four hundred and forty-one (n = 441) individual game files from thirty-five competitive games from the European Rugby Champions Cup (tier 1; n = 8) and PRO12 League (tier 2; n = 24) were analysed. Players' locomotor profiles were recorded using wearable global positioning system microtechnology (10 Hz Catapult S5, Catapult Innovations, Australia). Locomotor activities were classified as running (≥4.4 m∙s-1), high-speed running (≥5.5 m∙s-1), accelerations (≥2 m∙s-2) and decelerations (≤-2 m∙s-2). Data was gathered on collisions (≥4 g-1), high-intensity efforts (HIE), repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE), average number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n) and maximal number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n). Overall locomotor differences between competitions were trivial to small in nature, with tier 1 competition associated with a larger number of RHIE bouts (6.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.7 ± 1.5, effect size, ES = 0.55) and efforts per bout (3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, ES = 0.52). Collisions comprised a greater proportion of total HIE for forwards within tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. The hooker (mean difference: 4 [-10 to 14]; ES = 0.30, small), lock (mean difference: 5 [-12 to 23]; ES = 0.36, small) and backrow (mean difference: 8 [-10 to 15]; ES = 0.54, small) positions engaged in more collisions during tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. These findings can be used by athletic performance staff to design game-specific drills and recovery strategies during different competition weeks to ensure players are appropriately prepared for the differing demands of elite rugby competition.

Science and Hurling: A Review.

Hurling is one of the world's fastest field sports. Since the last review of science and Gaelic sports in 2008, there has been an increase in sports science provisions across elite and sub-elite cohorts, resulting in increased hurling-specific literature equating to an additional 111 research investigations into the game across all sports science disciplines. The present review aims to provide an updated analysis of the current research on the game and propose recommendations for future research. Overall, intermittent aerobic fitness remains an important physical quality during competition, with a focus on games-based training methodologies within the literature. Within the current review, we provide updated normative data on the running demands, physiological responses, and anthropometric and performance profiles of hurling players. The increased literature across the sport has led to the development of a hurling-specific simulation, that can now be utilised practically in training and research processes for hurling cohorts. Furthermore, the monitoring of internal and external training loads across training and match environments, in addition to response variables such as well-being, appears to have become more prominent, allowing practitioners to design training regimes to achieve optimal dose and response characteristics. Analysing the game from a scientific perspective can allow for more efficient preparatory practices, to meet the specific requirements of players at all age levels. Collaborative research among the various sports science disciplines, is required to identify strategies to reduce the incidence of injury and enhance performance in hurling. The current review provides updated information to coaches and practitioners regarding position-specific physical qualities, and match-play demands that can concurrently support the training process within hurling.

Peak Running Intensity of Elite Female Field Hockey Players During Competitive Match Play.

ABSTRACT: 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·min-1), high-speed (>16 km·h-1; m·min-1) and sprint distance (>20 km·h-1; m·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·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·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.

The Between-Competition Running Demands of Elite Hurling Match-Play.

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in running demands between the National Hurling League (NHL) and the Championship, and within playing positions. GPS (10 Hz, STATSports Apex GNSS) were used to analyse the running demands during 34 games (2017-2020 seasons) of the Championship and the NHL. The running demands (total-, relative-, high-speed- [>17 km·h-1] and sprint [≥22 km·h-1] distance, number and length of sprints, and peak speed) were compared between competitions. Greater total- [ES = 0.32], relative- [ES = 0.26], and sprint-distance [ES = 0.41], and number of sprints [ES = 1.29] were completed in the Championship. The high-speed distance was similar between competitions. Half-backs and half-forwards covered greater total- (ES = 0.91 and 0.21, respectively), relative- (ES = 1.14 and 0.68, respectively), high-speed- (ES = 0.69 and 0.44, respectively), and sprint-distance (ES = 0.50 and 1.26, respectively), number of sprints (ES = 2.66 and 1.73, respectively), and peak speed (ES = 1.09 and 1.32, respectively) in the Championship. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in the sprint distance covered between positions in the Championship. The results showed that the Championship is more physically demanding. The findings present key implications for the transition between competitions.

Case Study: Transition to a Vegan Diet in an Elite Male Gaelic Football Player.

Vegan diets are increasingly of interest to athletes, but require a well-planned approach in order to mitigate the risk of potential adverse effects on nutrient intakes, and consequently performance. This case study reports the process of an elite male Gaelic football player (age 25 years; height, 1.88 m; body mass, 87.8 kg; lean body mass, 73.26 kg; body fat, 11.3%) transitioning from an omnivorous diet to a vegan diet at the beginning of a competitive season. The report encompasses key considerations in the planning and provision of nutrition support in this context, in addition to iterations needed based on challenges presented by the athlete. Analysis of nutrient intake (Nutritics Dietary Analysis Software), body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry; Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare), and running performance during match-play (global positioning system-based tracking; STATSports Apex) each indicated that with adequate knowledge and education, and appropriate planning, commitment and iterative feedback, the athlete was able to meet nutrition targets on a vegan diet without compromising key performance indicators compared to the omnivorous diet of the previous season. We anticipate that this case study will assist practitioners to recognize the key considerations to address when working with athletes transitioning to a vegan diet.

Understanding the association between external training load measures and injury risk in Elite Gaelic football.

BACKGROUND: The current investigation examined the association between external training load variables and injury risk within elite Gaelic football. METHODS: Workload and injury variables were collected from thirty-seven elite Gaelic footballers (mean±SD age of 24.2±2.9 years) from one elite squad across a two-season observational period. External training load variables included total distance (m), High speed running (m; ≥17.1 km·h-1), Sprint distance (m; 22 km·h-1), Accelerations (n), Average metabolic power (W·kg-1), high-power distance (m; ≥25 W·kg-1). Cumulative 1- weekly, 2-weekly, 3-weekly and 4-weekly training loads; acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was analysed across specific distributions of low, moderate and high loading with respect to a reference group of the measure quantified. General estimating equations were utilized to understand the association of these variables with injury risk. RESULTS: Strong associations (AUC>0.50) were observed amongst models developed for one weekly loading for relative distance, average metabolic power and high-power indices with similar trends observed for two, three and four weekly which showed a strong positive association within injury risk for all external loading metrics (AUC>0.50), with average metabolic power, and high-power distance showing the strongest association across the three-four week loading scales (AUC>0.60). When the ACWR was considered for external load measures these showed a positive linear association with injury risk (AUC>0.50). When intensity measures were considered relative distance showed an associated risk for injury across one and two-weekly models but not three and four weekly models. When odds risk association was considered a consistent trend towards moderate loading across external loading measures was apparent within the observed cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The current investigation reports for the first time the injury association for external loading measures within elite Gaelic football. Data show that a range of measures are associated with increased or decreased injury risk depending on the loading scheme applied by coaches within elite Gaelic football.

The Performance Effect of Scheduled Carbohydrate and Caffeine Intake during Simulated Team Sport Match-Play.

The aim of the current investigation was to identify the effects of scheduled carbohydrate (CHO) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation on simulated team sport match-play performance. Ten male hurling players completed three hurling match-play simulation protocols (HSP) performed 7 days apart in a double-blind, randomized design. Supplementation included CHO, CHO + CAF, and placebo (PLA). In a randomized order, participants ingested either a 6% CHO solution, a PLA solution of similar taste, or a combined intake of 6% CHO solution + 200 mg CAF capsule. At specific time points (Pre-0 min; half time (HT)-30 min; full time (FT)-60 min), participants completed a repeated sprint protocol (RAST; 12 × 20 m). Physiological [% maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max), % mean oxygen uptake (%VO2mean), % maximal heart rate (%HRmax), % mean heart rate (%HRmean), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BLa)] and performance [(best sprint time (RSAbest), mean sprint time (RSAmean), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE)] variables were monitored throughout each simulation. Non-significant differences were observed between supplement trials (CHO, CHO + CAF, and PLA) for BLa (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2max (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2mean (η2 = 0.004, small), %HRmax (η2 = 0.007, small), %HRmean (η2 = 0.018, small), RER (η2 = 0.007, small), RPE (η2 = 0.007, small), and RSAbest (η2 = 0.050, small). RSAmean performance significantly improved in CHO + CAF trials compared to PLA, with sprint times significantly improved from Pre to FT also (η2 = 0.135, medium). A significant difference was observed in BLa between time points (Pre, HT, and FT) (η2 = 0.884, large) in % HRmax (η2 = 0.202, medium), %HRmean (η2 = 0.477, large), and RER (η2 = 0.554, large) across halves and in RPE across time points (η2 = 0.670, large). Our data provide novel data regarding the effects of CHO and CAF supplementation on team sport performance, with co-ingestion of CHO + CAF reducing the decrement in repeated sprint performance compared to PLA.

Factors that Influence Session-Rating of Perceived Exertion in Elite Gaelic Football.

Malone, S, Hughes, B, Roe, M, Mangan, S, and Collins, K. Factors that influence session-rating of perceived exertion in elite Gaelic football. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1176-1183, 2020-The current investigation examined the relationships between external training load (TL) measures and the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) within Gaelic football players. Furthermore, we examined the effect that player experience, playing position, and 1-km time trial (TT) performance had on perception of TL. Physical performance (total distance, high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, max velocity, total accelerations, and maximal velocity exposures) and perceived TL (s-RPE) data were collected from 45 elite intercounty Gaelic football players (mean ± SD age of 24.2 ± 2.9 years; height: 180 ± 7 cm; mass: 81 ± 7 kg) over a 1-year period this resulted in 4,095 individual training session data being collected. There were moderate to very large associations between s-RPE and distance measures. Post hoc analysis revealed that the 0-1-year group had a higher s-RPE TL than the 2-3-year (d = 0.84 ± 0.33, small), 4-6-year (d = 0.91 ± 0.30, small), and 7+ year (d = 0.81 ± 0.30, small) groups. Midfielders reported higher s-RPE when compared with all positions (d = 1.21 ± 0.21, moderate). Half-backs (d = 0.81 ± 0.30, small), and half-forwards (d = 0.84 ± 0.31, small) had a higher s-RPE TL than the full-backs and full-forwards when external TL was accounted for (d = 1.21 ± 0.58, moderate). When aerobic fitness was considered, a 1.2% AU increase in s-RPE TL per 1 second increase in TT time (90% confidence limits: 1.07-2.64) when external TL was held constant was observed. The current investigation has shown moderate to very large associations between s-RPE and distance measures. When experience and fitness were considered as potential moderators of TL, it was observed that a given external TL may result in different internal responses between athletes. This potentially leaves individuals at risk of overtraining or failing to elicit positive adaptation. It is therefore vital that coaches and trainers give consideration to these mediators of s-RPE TL.

The Use of Small-Sided Games as an Aerobic Fitness Assessment Supplement Within Elite Level Professional Soccer.

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the association between 5 vs. 5 small sided games (SSG) running performance and physiological performance during the Yo-YoIR1 test to ascertain the utility of SSGs as a potential fitness test modality within elite professional soccer players. Twenty-three (n = 23) elite male professional soccer players (mean ± SD age 25.3 ± 3.1 yrs, mass: 76 ± 9 kg, height: 176 ± 9 cm) were assessed. Players completed an intermittent aerobic fitness test (Yo-YoIR1) and a 5 vs. 5 SSGs protocol for the purpose of the study. During all SSGs players wore GPS (Statsports 10-Hz, Viper Pod, Newry, Northern Ireland) and HR monitors (Polar, Oy Kemple, Finland) with these measures related to Yo-YoIR1 running performance. Results revealed SSGs running performance (TD; m) and physiological performance (HR) showed the lowest CV% (< 5%), with high speed movements, accelerations and decelerations highlighting higher CV% during SSGs. Possibly small to possibly very large associations were observed for running performance during 5 vs. 5 SSGs and Yo-YoIR1 performance, with negative associations observed between physiological performance during SSG and YoYoIR1 running performance. To conclude, the current study observed how running performance during a standardised 5 vs. 5 SSG protocol within elite soccer cohorts is associated with the Yo-YoIR1 running performance. Given the low CV%, repeatability and large association of global running performance and internal load measures during a 5 vs. 5 SSG with Yo-YoIR1 performance, this particular soccer specific SSG protocol potentially supplements traditional non-sport specific testing assessments.

Acceleration Profile of Elite Gaelic Football With Special Reference to Position of Play.

Ryan, M, Malone, S, Donnellan, A, and Collins, K. Acceleration profile of elite Gaelic football with special reference to position of play. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1750-1758, 2020-The current study aimed to characterize the positional match-play demands of elite Gaelic football players with special reference to acceleration using predetermined 5-minute periods (epochs). Thirty-five male Gaelic players (mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 6 years; height: 180 ± 7 cm; mass: 81 ± 7 kg) across 5 playing positions (full-back, half-back, midfield, half-forward, and full-forward) were monitored during the investigation. Player movement was recorded during 19 matches using 4-Hz global positioning system technology (VXSport, New Zealand) resulting in 154 player observations. Global positioning system was used to record total distance (m), (high-speed running; m; ≥17 km·h), (very high-speed running distance; m; ≥22 km·h), the number of accelerations (n), duration of accelerations (s), peak acceleration (m), and distance of accelerations (m). Acceleration profiles were position dependent with midfielders found to have a high accumulation of acceleration movements when compared with all other positions (p ≤ 0.05). Declines of -2 to -32% for acceleration distance (m) depending on positional line of play were observed during match-play. Less high-speed running and very high-speed running distance was performed by the full-back line (high-speed running; -39% and very high-speed running; -36%) and full-forward line (-35%; -29%) when compared with half-back, midfielders, and half-forwards (p = 0.01, d = 1.35-1.77). Similar trends were reported for peak acceleration distance (p = 0.01, d = 1.15-1.93). The current investigation provides a greater understanding of temporal differences in acceleration profiles of playing position. We show that half-back, midfield, and half-forwards have the highest acceleration movements; these data can assist coaches in appropriately preparing players for the required acceleration distances required during match-play.

Match-Play Running Performance and Exercise Intensity in Elite International Women's Rugby Sevens.

Malone, S, Earls, M, Shovlin, A, Eddy, A, and Winkelman, N. Match-play running performance and exercise intensity in elite international women's rugby sevens. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1741-1749, 2020-The aim of the current investigation was to describe the running and physiological performance demands of elite women's rugby sevens match-play. Twenty-seven (n = 27) rugby seven's players (24.4 ± 2.1 years; 168 ± 7.1 cm; 67.9 ± 4.3 kg) were recruited for the current investigation. Across the observational period, 36 games were analyzed; during these games, players wore global positioning system technology (10-Hz, Statsports Viper Pod; STATSports, Newry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom) and heart rate monitors (Polar Team System, Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland). A total of 250 individual player data sets were obtained for final analysis. Players were categorized based on positional groups; backs and forwards, and monitored across halves of play. The mean distance covered during match-play was 1,625 ± 132 m which equates to a relative running performance of 116.1 ± 9.4 m·min. The high-speed distance of players was 199 ± 44 m, which equates to a relative high-speed running performance of 14.2 ± 3.1 m·min. Significant reductions in high-speed running (p = 0.003; effect size [ES]: 0.23; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.41) and significant increases in lower speed running were observed across halves of play (p = 0.04; ES: 0.33; 90% CI: 0.16-0.54). Across the duration of match-play, players spent over 75% of the time above 80% of heart rate maximum (HRmax). Backs were found to have a higher reduction in total distance (p = 0.345; ES: 0.21; 90% CI: 0.11-0.31), high-speed distance (p = 0.04; ES: 0.61; 90% CI: 0.48-0.77), sprint distance (p = 0.034; ES: 0.11; 90% CI: 0.02-0.21), and average sprint distance (p = 0.03; ES: 0.33; 90% CI: 0.08-0.44) across halves of play when compared to forwards. Normative data are now provided to coaches who need to consider the positional differences in running and physiological performance when constructing training drills for seven's players.

Identification of Maximal Running Intensities During Elite Hurling Match-Play.

Young, D, Malone, S, Beato, M, Mourot, L, and Coratella, G. Iidentification of maximal running intensities during elite hurling match-play. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2608-2617, 2020-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), high-speed running distance (HSR; m·min), and sprint distance (SD; m·min) 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."

Methods of Monitoring Training Load and Their Association With Changes Across Fitness Measures in Hurling Players.

Malone, S, Hughes, B, Collins, K, and Akubat, I. Methods of monitoring training load and their association with changes across fitness measures in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 225-234, 2020-The aim of the current investigation was to assess the dose-response relationship for various methods of monitoring training load (TL) and changes in aerobic and anaerobic fitness in hurling players. Training and match load measures were collected from 30 hurling players (speed at different blood lactate [vLT, vOBLA], maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], speed at VO2max [vVO2max], peak treadmill velocity [PTV] running economy [RE] Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-YoIR1, Yo-YoIR2), speed at 5, 10 , 20 m, and repeated sprint ability [6 × 35 m]) before and after during a 12-week in-season period. Mean weekly training and match loads as determined by s-RPE, bTRIMP, luTRIMP, eTRIMP, iTRIMP, and gTRIMP were correlated with each other, percentage change in VO2max, vVO2max, RE, PTV, the speed at blood lactate concentrations of 2 mmol·L (vLT) and 4 mmol·L (vOBLA), and YoYoIR1, Yo-YoIR2 performance. iTRIMP showed a trivial association with s-RPE and a small to moderate association with other heart rate-based methods. Small to large changes (effect size: 0.38-1.12) were observed in aerobic and anaerobic fitness measures were observed across the 12-week period. Trivial to very large associations (r = 0.11-0.78) were observed between TL variables and changes in fitness depending on the variable analyzed. iTRIMP was shown to have large to very large associations with changes in vOBLA {r = 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.88)}, VO2max (r = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.68-0.82]), RE (r = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.67-0.82]), Yo-YoIR1 (r = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.51-0.72]), and RSAb (r = 0.66 [95% CI: 0.60-0.72]) with moderate associations reported between iTRIMP and other variables. All other measures of TL showed trivial to moderate associations (r = 0.11-0.66). The current investigation shows that fully individualized training load (iTRIMP) measures may potentially offer a better understanding of dose-response relationships when compared with subjective and nonindividualized measures of TL to changes in aerobic and anaerobic fitness in team sports athletes; as such, it may be suggested that practitioners should use individualized measures of TL assessment within their day-to-day practices.

Monitoring Wellness, Training Load, and Running Performance During a Major International Female Field Hockey Tournament.

McGuinness, McMahon, G, A, Malone, S, Kenna, D, Passmore, D, and Collins, K. Monitoring wellness, training load, and running performance during a major international female field hockey tournament. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2312-2320, 2020-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 ± 3 years; 162.6 ± 13 cm; and 66 ± 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) was likely lower when compared with game 1 in game 7. Relative high speed (m·min >16 km·h) 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.

Association between eccentric knee flexor strength and hamstring injury risk in 185 elite Gaelic football players.

Hamstring strains are the most common time-loss injury in elite Gaelic football affecting over 20% of players per season. Thus, there is a need to identify factors contributing to the onset of hamstring injuries in order to inform injury risk management strategies. The current study investigated whether eccentric knee flexor strength and between-limb imbalances were associated with increased risk of sustaining a time-loss hamstring injury in elite Gaelic football players. A total of 185 elite male players (26.9 ± 2.7 years, 86.4 ± 6.2 kg, 183.4 ± 5.6) were prospectively followed for 12 weeks from the day of testing. Injury data were provided by the team medical staff. Twenty-eight players (16%) sustained a time-loss hamstring injury following testing. Players that did not sustain a hamstring injury had greater average between-limb asymmetries (uninjured = 9.1%, 95% CI 7.8-10.1; injured = 5.1%, 95% CI 3.7-6.7; P = .001). Eccentric knee flexor strength profiles were not associated with increased or decreased risk of sustaining a hamstring injury and did not alter the post-test probability of sustaining a hamstring injury across the investigation period. These findings do not support the use of eccentric knee flexor strength metrics in managing hamstring injury risk in elite male Gaelic football players.

Seasonal Changes in Gaelic Football Match-Play Running Performance.

Mangan, S, Ryan, M, Shovlin, A, McGahan, J, Malone, S, O'Neill, C, Burns, C, and Collins, K. Seasonal changes in Gaelic football match-play running performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1686-1692, 2019-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; 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 η = 0.148) and high-speed distance (p ≤ 0.001 partial η = 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 η = 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.

The match-play sprint performance of elite senior hurlers during competitive games.

The typical sprint profile in elite hurling has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sprinting demands of elite hurling competition and characterize the sprinting patterns of different playing positions. GPS (10-Hz, STATSports Viper) were used to collect data from 51 hurlers during 18 games. The total sprint (≥22 km·h-1) distance (TSD), the number of sprints (NOS) classified as length (<20 m, ≥20 m) and relative speed thresholds (<80%, 80-90%, >90%), the between-sprint duration and the number of repeated-sprint bouts (≥2 sprints in ≤60 s) were analyzed. The NOS was 22.2 ± 6.8 accumulating 415 ± 140 m TSD. The NOS <20 m, ≥20 m was 14.0 ± 4.7 and 8.1 ± 3.6 respectively. The NOS <80%, 80-90% and >90% was 10.6 ± 4.3, 8.2 ± 3.6, 3.4 ± 2.4 respectively. The between-sprint duration and the repeated-sprint bouts were 208 ± 86 s and 4.5 ± 2.6 respectively. TSD (ES = -0.20), NOS (ES = -0.34), NOS <20 m (ES = -0.33), ≥20 m (ES = -0.24), 80-90% (ES = -0.35) >90% (ES = -0.13) and repeated-sprint bouts (ES = -0.28) decreased between-halves. Full-backs performed a lower NOS <80% than half-backs (ES = -0.66) and a shorter mean duration of sprints than half-backs (ES = -0.75), midfielders (ES = -1.00) and full-forwards (ES = -0.59). These findings provide a sprint profile of elite hurling match-play that coaches should consider to replicate the sprint demands of competition in training.

The Influence of Exercise-to-Rest Ratios on Physical and Physiological Performance During Hurling-Specific Small-Sided Games.

Malone, S, Hughes, B, and Collins, K. The influence of exercise-to-rest ratios on physical and physiological performance during hurling-specific small-sided games. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 180-187, 2019-The current study examined the impact of different exercise-to-rest ratios on hurling-specific small-sided games (SSG). Thirty-four (n = 34) hurling players were monitored during an in-season training period. Heart rate (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) and global positioning system technology (4-Hz; VX Sport, Lower Hutt, New Zealand) were used to analyze the physical and physiological differences between exercise-to-rest ratios across bouts of SSG. Total distance (m), high-speed distance (m) (≥17 km·h), very high-speed distance (≥22 km·h) (m), total accelerations (n), acceleration distance (m), peak velocity (km·h), and % maximum heart rate (%HRmax) were measured. Exercise-to-rest ratios of 2:1 (d = 0.65 ± 0.12; moderate), and 1:1 (d = 0.43 ± 0.12; small), resulted in significant reductions in high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, and acceleration distance. Exercise-to-rest ratios of 1:2 (d = 0.63 ± 0.21; moderate), and 1:3 (d = 1.23 ± 0.22; large), resulted in increased high-speed distance, very high-speed distance, and acceleration distance, but only after the third bout. The first bout of SSG resulted in the lowest %HRmax when compared with all other bouts (d = 0.63 ± 0.22; moderate). A significant bout-to-bout increase in %HRmax independent of exercise-to-rest ratio (d = 0.25 ± 0.04; small) was observed. Exercise-to-rest ratios of 2:1 (d = 0.65 ± 0.14; moderate), and 1:1 (d = 0.65 ± 0.24; moderate), resulted in significantly higher %HRmax during all SSG bouts; however, exercise-to-rest ratios of 1:2 (d = 0.25 ± 0.04; small), and 1:3 (d = 0.15 ± 0.04; trivial), resulted in lower %HRmax during SSG. Coaches should be aware that reducing the rest between bouts of SSGs (2:1 and 1:1 exercise-to-rest ratios) increases the physiological response (%HRmax) with reduced high-speed running performances. Coaches now have data to allow them tp best prepare for session needs with regard to specific SSG exercise-to-rest ratios.

Effect of Training Load Distribution on Aerobic Fitness Measures in Hurling Players.

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 pre-championship training period (12 weeks). Aerobic fitness measures (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), peak treadmill velocity (km·h), heart rates (HRs) at 2 and 4 mmol·L blood lactate concentrations, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance (Yo-YoIR1) 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), moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol·L), and high intensity (≥HR 4 mmol·L). 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 V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (r = 0.77; p = 0.001) and Yo-YoIR1 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) to moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol·L) 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.