Abstract
ObjectiveA limited number of studies have explored the external load experienced in indoor sports such as ice hockey, and few the link between training and match performance. As a paucity exists within this topic, this study explored whether a simulated match design (i.e., scrimmage) could be representative of official match demands and elicit similar external loads as in official matches in a group of elite youth male ice hockey players.MethodsA total of 26 players were monitored during eight official and four simulation matches using a Local Positioning System. Total distance, max velocity, slow (0–10.9 km/h), moderate (11–16.9 km/h), high (17.0–23.9 km/h), and sprint (>24 km/h) speed skating distance, distance per min, PlayerLoadTM, PlayerLoadTM per min, high-intensity events (HIEs) (>2.5 m/s−2), acceleration (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and change of directions (CODs) were extracted from the tracking devices. A two-level regression analysis was conducted to compare the difference between match types when controlling for time on ice, match day, and position.ResultsBetween match-type results showed a credible difference in all variables except max velocity and ACCs. Distance per min was 27.3% higher during simulation matches and was explained by a 21.3, 24.1, and 14.8% higher distance in sprint-, high-, and moderate speed skating distance, while slow speed-skating distance was 49.2% lower and total distance only trivially different from official to simulation matches. Total PlayerLoadTM was 11.2% lower, while PlayerLoadTM per min was 8.5% higher during simulation matches. HIEs, CODs, and DECs were 10.0, 11.9, and 22.3% higher during simulation matches.ConclusionThe simulated match design is related to official match demands with comparable match-time, playing time, number of shifts, and shift duration. However, simulation matches provoked a higher external load output compared with official matches, possibly explained by a more continuous movement design. A game-based simulation match design can therefore be utilized when match-related actions at high intensity are warranted.
Highlights
Quantification of the external load has allowed for more extensive monitoring of training practices and can be used as an objective tool to optimize training and prepare for competitive performance
A weaker impact was evident for slow- and moderate speed skating distance which, compared to official matches, were 49.2% lower and 14.8% higher in simulation matches
For inertial measurement unit data, match type seems to have a stronger impact on change of directions (CODs), high-intensity events (HIEs), and DECs (11.9, 10.0, and 22.3% higher during simulation matches), compared to total PlayerLoadTM and PlayerLoadTM per min (11.2% lower and 8.5 higher during simulation matches, respectively)
Summary
Quantification of the external load has allowed for more extensive monitoring of training practices and can be used as an objective tool to optimize training and prepare for competitive performance. Recent studies of matchdemands in ice hockey players have shown that players typically cover 50% of total distance in high-velocity zones (>17.0 km/h) (Lignell et al, 2018; Douglas and Kennedy, 2019). This is in contrast to running-based field sports, where most of the distance covered is in moderate-to-low-intensity zones, and only 10– 20% in high-intensity zones (Bradley and Ade, 2018; Johnston et al, 2018; Kapteijns et al, 2021). The intermittent style of play with short, high-intensity shifts being performed throughout the match may be a reason for this. A typical shift lasts 45–60 s and involves 5–7 high-intensity actions, followed by 2–5 mins of rest on the bench before the subsequent shift (Brocherie et al, 2018; Vigh-Larsen et al, 2020; Wagner et al, 2021)
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