Youth Female Field Hockey Players Physical Condition

Abstract

Introduction: lower limb injuries and low back pain are common injuries in field hockey that have different risk factors. The aim of this study was to characterize youth field hockey players’ physical condition to determine their possible injury risk factors. Methods: youth field hockey players of the Club Deportivo Universidad Católica of Chile were assessed during April and May of the 2022 season. The test used were: Ely’s, Thomas, Ober and AKE for flexibility, Biering Sorensen, Plank Test, Sport Specific Endurance Plank Test, Single Leg Bridge Test, Lunge Test, Hop Test (single, triple and croo-over) and Y Balance Test. Statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software (2023.09.0+463; R Core Team 2023). Results: 87 youth field hockey players from the under 14, 16 and 19 were assess (age 15.1 ± 1.5). Poor core and back extensor endurance was found, along with poor hamstring strength and unipodal balance. Significant difference was found between categories in the plank test and sport specific endurance plank test (p<0.001). Conclusion: several impairments were found in chilean youth field hockey players that could pose a risk of injury, however, further research is needed in order to determine if these impairments really are risk factors in this sport and population.