Position-Specific Movement Characteristics and Heart Rate Profile of Hearing-Impaired Futsal Players: A Simulated Game Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the movement characteristics and heart rate (HR) response of hearing-impaired futsal players based on their playing positions during a simulated game. The study involved twelve players from the Turkish Deaf Men's Futsal National Team, and PlayerLoad (PL) metrics such as total PL (PLTOTAL), PL per minute (PL·min⁻¹), peak PL (PLPEAK), low to very high PL bands (PLLOW-PLVHIGH), and external load variables such as acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), explosive efforts (EXPEFF), and right/left change of direction (COD-R, COD-L), were analyzed using inertial movement analysis (IMA). Additionally, the internal load metrics, including minimum, average, and maximum HR (HRMIN, HRAVE, HRMAX), percentage of HRMAX (%HRMAX) and percentage of time spent in different HR zones (HRZONE1 to HRZONE4) were continuously monitored. IMA variables and HR metrics, based on playing position, were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction was applied. As a result, PL variables change with notable distinctions between defenders and wingers. Additionally, the PLVHIGH stands out as the only significant difference when comparing wingers and pivots. Wingers generally exhibit different external load, including ACC and COD-L, compared to defenders. Additionally, differences were observed in COD-L between pivots and defenders, as well as in COD-R between pivots and wingers. In conclusion, external and internal load metrics during the simulated game vary depending on the players’ positions in hearing-impaired futsal players, highlighting the importance for coaches to consider this diversity in their athlete monitoring approaches.