Elite Gaelic Football Research Articles

Water-filled training tubes increase core muscle activation and somatosensory control of balance during squat

ABSTRACTThis study examined trunk muscle activation, balance and proprioception while squatting with a water-filled training tube (WT) and a traditional barbell (BB), with either closed (CE) or open eyes (OE). Eighteen male elite Gaelic footballers performed an isometric squat under the following conditions: BB-OE, BB-CE, WT-OE and WT-CE. The activity of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) and multifidus (MF) was measured using electromyography, along with sway of the centre of pressure (CoP) using a force platform. Only the EO and the MF muscles exhibited an increased activity with WT (p < 0.01). In the medio-lateral direction both the velocity and range of the CoP increased significantly with WT (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the range of the CoP for the WT-CE condition was significantly lower than WT-OE (p < 0.05, d = 0.44), whilst the velocity of the CoP was marginally reduced (d = 0.29). WT elicited a greater level core muscle activation and created a greater challenge to postural stability when compared to a BB. It appears that WT does not benefit from vision but emphasises the somatosensory control of balance. The use of WT may be beneficial in those sports requiring development of somatosensory/proprioceptive contribution to balance control.

Seasonal variation of training, competition load and markers of wellness in an elite Gaelic football team

Constraining the timing of the postglacial transgression is of great significance to the origin of coastal wetlands distributed extensively in eastern China. The high-resolution chronological sequence from Xixi Wetland enabled us to explore interactions among the postglacial transgression, sedimentary response, and human activities in the surrounding Hangzhou Bay. Diversities of 12 ostracods, 24 foraminifera and remains of oyster shells, gastropods, testate amoebae, diatoms, and vascular plants are indicative of the sedimentary facies. Grain size variables together with microfaunal records revealed seven stages of sedimentary evolution since the middle Late Pleistocene: initial riverbed, first transgression event, floodplain, early lagoon, shallow marine bay, late lagoon, and final freshwater marsh. The Xixi Basin experienced two distinct transgression events and sea-level changes inferred from assemblages of ostracods and foraminifera. The first transgression event is a minor transgression related to the moderate intensity of Asian Monsoon and moderately high sea level during the early MIS 3. The second large-scale transgression event established the sedimentary pattern of the modern Xixi Basin. The finding of the transgression maximum in the early Holocene (about 11.0–7.0 cal ka BP) highlighted the problem of reliable time of high sea level, which is tightly related to the strong Asian Monsoon intensity and global rising sea level. Subsequent changes in the sedimentary environment played a key role on the Neolithic human activities around the Hangzhou Bay. The origin of the Xixi Wetland reflected the combined effects of a sand barrier and rising human activities since the middle Holocene.

Lower limb injuries in men’s elite Gaelic football: A prospective investigation among division one teams from 2008 to 2015

ObjectivesTo prospectively investigate incidence and associated time-loss of lower limb injuries in elite Gaelic football. Additionally, to identify sub-groups of elite players at increased risk of sustaining a lower limb injury. DesignProspective, epidemiological study. MethodsTeam physiotherapists provided exposure and injury on a weekly basis to the National Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Injury Surveillance Database. Injury was defined using a time-loss criterion. Fifteen different teams participated throughout the 8-year study providing 36 team datasets from 2008 to 2015. ResultsLower limb injuries (n=1239) accounted for 83.5% (95% CI 82.0–85.0) and 77.6% (95% CI 75.8–79.4) of training and match-play injuries, respectively. Injury incidence was 4.5 (95% CI 3.7–5.2) and 38.4 (95% CI 34.3–42.60) per 1000 training and match-play hours, respectively. One-in-four (25.0%, 95% CI 22.4–27.0) lower limb injuries were recurrent. Non-contact injuries accounted for 80.9% (95% CI 79.2–82.6) of cases. The median team rate was 30 (IQR 24–43) lower limb injuries per season resulting in 840.8 (95% CI 773.3–908.2) time-loss days. Previously injured players had a 2.5-times (OR 95% CI 2.2–2.8) greater risk of sustaining a lower limb injury. Overall, 56.8% of players with a previous lower limb injury sustained another. Incidence was higher for forward players and those aged >25years. ConclusionsLower limb injuries are the most common injury among elite division one Gaelic football teams. Injury risk management should become an ongoing component of a player’s development programme and consider injury history, age, and playing position.

The relationship between technical performance indicators and running performance in elite Gaelic football

The aim of the current study was to assess whether technical performance relates to positional running demands of elite Gaelic football players. Over a period of three years (2014–2016), four elite Gaelic football teams were monitored using GPS technologies. Four hundred and thirty-two individual player samples were collected from 52 competitive matches. Video analysis software was used to code technical performance indicators in all games. Pearson’s correlations were performed between all technical variables and total distance (m) and high-speed distance (≥17 km h−1). Total ball in play time had small to medium effects (r = .233 to .390, p ≥ 0.190) on increasing the amount of total distance and high-speed distance run. Similarly, the percentage of short kick-outs taken by the opposition team and total opposition possession time had small to medium effects (r = .146–.410, p ≥ 0.202) in increasing the amount of total distance and high-speed distance run. The number of fouls made in the middle third had the largest negative effect (r = −.89 to −.325, p ≥ 0.439) on running demands. The results of this study give coaches information on how kick-out strategies, passing strategies and defensive strategies impact on running performance.

Monitoring player fitness, fatigue status and running performance during an in-season training camp in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACTObjectives: To examine selected perceptual and physiological measures to monitor fitness, fatigue and running performance during an in-season training camp in elite Gaelic football. Methods: Twenty-two elite Gaelic football players were monitored for training load, perceived ratings of wellness, heart rate variability (HRV; LnSD1), heart rate recovery (HRR), exercise heart rate (HRex), lower limb muscular power (CMJ) and global positioning system (GPS) variables. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1) was assessed pre and post the training camp. With specific small-sided games (SSG) used as a measure of running performance. Results: During the camp, HRex decreased (−12.2%), HRR increased (+10.3%), CMJ decreased (−8.1%) and pretraining LnSD1 (+14.1%) increased during the camp period. Yo-YoIR1 performance (+19.7%), total distance (TD) (+9.4%), high-speed distance (HSD) (+12.1%) and sprint distance (SPD) (+5.8%) within SSG improved as the camp progressed. Δ HRex and Δ HRR were correlated with Δ Yo-YoIR1 (r = 0.64; – 0.55), ΔHSD (r = 0.44; −0.58) and Δ SPD (r = 0.58; −0.52).There were large correlations between Δ wellness and Δ Yo-YoIR1 (r = 0.71), Δ TD (r = 0.68) and Δ SPD (r = 0.68). Conclusions: Daily variations in training load measures across the camp period were shown to systematically impact player’s physiological, performance and wellness measures.

The influence of match outcome on running performance in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Match outcome has been linked to running performance in many sports; however, the association has not yet been examined in Gaelic football. Methods: GPS technologies (4-Hz, VX Sport, Lower Hutt, New Zealand) were used with 5 elite Gaelic football teams over a period of 5 years (2012–2016), amounting to 95 matches. In total, 780 full match data sets were collected. Game movements were divided into total distance and high-speed distance (≥17 km h−1). Match outcomes were divided into big losses (≥6 points), small losses (≤5points), draws, small wins (≤5 points) and big wins (≥6 points). Results: Team (P ≤ 0.001), playing position (P ≤ 0.001) and match outcome (P ≤ 0.034) had a significant effect on total and high-speed distance. In the first (P = 0.008) and second (P = 0.002) quarters of games players ran significantly less high-speed distance in big losses in comparison to draws. In the fourth quarter, players ran significantly less high-speed distance in big losses than in draws (P = 0.001), small wins (P = 0.044) and big wins (P = 0.011). Conclusion: The current study confirms that running performance is a contributing factor to match outcome in Gaelic football. Coaches should be aware how contextual factors can influence running performance.

Duration specific Running performance in Elite Gaelic Football.

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the position and duration specific running performance of elite Gaelic football players through the use of a moving average method. Global positioning system data (4-Hz, VX Sport, New-Zealand) were collected from thirty-five (n = 35) elite Gaelic football players across a two season period. A total of 32 competitive matches were analysed with 300 full match play data samples obtained for final analysis. Players were categorised based on positional groups; full-back, half-back, midfield, half- forward and full-forward. The velocity-time curve was analysed for each position using a rolling average method, where maximal values were calculated for ten different time durations (1-10 min) using total distance (m·min), high-speed (m·min) and sprint distance (m·min) across each match. There were large differences between the 1 and 2 min rolling averages and all other rolling average durations. Smaller differences were observed for rolling averages of a greater duration. Midfielders covered significantly more relative total, high speed and sprint distance than other positions across all time periods (p < 0.05; ES: 0.84-1.33), with half-backs (p < 0.05; ES: 0.74 - 1.22) and half-forwards (p < 0.05; ES: 0.99-1.45) covering more relative distance than full-backs and full-forwards. The results of the current investigation suggest that running performance within Gaelic football fluctuates across match-play. These data provide further knowledge of the running requirements of Gaelic football competition and this information can be used to aide coaches and practitioners in adequately preparing athletes for the most demanding periods of play.

The Running Performance Profile of Elite Gaelic Football Match-Play.

The running performance profile of elite Gaelic football match-play. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 30-36, 2017-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], sprint distance [SD; ≥22 km·h]; accelerations [n]; peak speed [km·h]). 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.

The effects of a combined static-dynamic stretching protocol on athletic performance in elite Gaelic footballers: A randomised controlled crossover trial

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of three different static-dynamic stretching protocols on sprint and jump performance in Gaelic footballers. DesignDouble-blind, controlled, crossover trial. SettingSports Institute research environment. ParticipantsSeventeen male elite level Gaelic footballers, aged 18–30 years, completed three stretching protocols. Main Outcome MeasuresAthletic performance was measured by countermovement jump height and power, and timed 10 m, 20 m, and 40 m sprints. ResultsStatic stretching reduced sprint speed by 1.1% over 40 m and 1.0% over 20 m. Static stretching also reduced countermovement jump height by 10.6% and jump power by 6.4%. When static stretching was followed by dynamic stretching, sprint speed improved by 1.0% over 20 m and 0.7% over 40 m (p < 0.05). The static - dynamic stretching protocol also improved countermovement jump height by 8.7% (p < 0.01) and power by 6.7% (p < 0.01). ConclusionsStatic stretching reduces sprint speed and jump performance. Static stretching should be followed by dynamic stretching during warm-up to nullify any performance deficits caused by static stretching.

Hamstring injuries in elite Gaelic football: an 8-year investigation to identify injury rates, time-loss patterns and players at increased risk

BackgroundHamstring injuries occur frequently in field sports, yet longitudinal information to guide prevention programmes is missing.AimInvestigate longitudinal hamstring injury rates and associated time loss in elite Gaelic football, while identifying...

Protection Against Spikes in Workload With Aerobic Fitness and Playing Experience: The Role of the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio on Injury Risk in Elite Gaelic Football.

To examine the association between combined session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) workload measures and injury risk in elite Gaelic footballers. Thirty-seven elite Gaelic footballers (mean ± SD age 24.2 ± 2.9 y) from 1 elite squad were involved in a single-season study. Weekly workload (session RPE multiplied by duration) and all time-loss injuries (including subsequent-wk injuries) were recorded during the period. Rolling weekly sums and wk-to-wk changes in workload were measured, enabling the calculation of the acute:chronic workload ratio by dividing acute workload (ie, 1-weekly workload) by chronic workload (ie, rolling-average 4-weekly workload). Workload measures were then modeled against data for all injuries sustained using a logistic-regression model. Odds ratios (ORs) were reported against a reference group. High 1-weekly workloads (≥2770 arbitrary units [AU], OR = 1.63-6.75) were associated with significantly higher risk of injury than in a low-training-load reference group (<1250 AU). When exposed to spikes in workload (acute:chronic workload ratio >1.5), players with 1 y experience had a higher risk of injury (OR = 2.22) and players with 2-3 (OR = 0.20) and 4-6 y (OR = 0.24) of experience had a lower risk of injury. Players with poorer aerobic fitness (estimated from a 1-km time trial) had a higher injury risk than those with higher aerobic fitness (OR = 1.50-2.50). An acute:chronic workload ratio of (≥2.0) demonstrated the greatest risk of injury. These findings highlight an increased risk of injury for elite Gaelic football players with high (>2.0) acute:chronic workload ratios and high weekly workloads. A high aerobic capacity and playing experience appears to offer injury protection against rapid changes in workload and high acute:chronic workload ratios. Moderate workloads, coupled with moderate to high changes in the acute:chronic workload ratio, appear to be protective for Gaelic football players.

High chronic training loads and exposure to bouts of maximal velocity running reduce injury risk in elite Gaelic football.

To examine the relationship between chronic training loads, number of exposures to maximal velocity, the distance covered at maximal velocity, percentage of maximal velocity in training and match-play and subsequent injury risk in elite Gaelic footballers. Prospective cohort design. Thirty-seven elite Gaelic footballers from one elite squad were involved in a one-season study. Training and game loads (session-RPE multiplied by duration in min) were recorded in conjunction with external match and training loads (using global positioning system technology) to measure the distance covered at maximal velocity, relative maximal velocity and the number of player exposures to maximal velocity across weekly periods during the season. Lower limb injuries were also recorded. Training load and GPS data were modelled against injury data using logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated based on chronic training load status, relative maximal velocity and number of exposures to maximal velocity with these reported against the lowest reference group for these variables. Players who produced over 95% maximal velocity on at least one occasion within training environments had lower risk of injury compared to the reference group of 85% maximal velocity on at least one occasion (OR: 0.12, p=0.001). Higher chronic training loads (≥4750AU) allowed players to tolerate increased distances (between 90 to 120m) and exposures to maximal velocity (between 10 to 15 exposures), with these exposures having a protective effect compared to lower exposures (OR: 0.22 p=0.026) and distance (OR=0.23, p=0.055). Players who had higher chronic training loads (≥4750AU) tolerated increased distances and exposures to maximal velocity when compared to players exposed to low chronic training loads (≤4750AU). Under- and over-exposure of players to maximal velocity events (represented by a U-shaped curve) increased the risk of injury.

Positional Match Running Performance in Elite Gaelic Football.

Malone, S, Solan, B, Collins, KD, and Doran, DA. Positional match running performance in elite Gaelic football. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2292-2298, 2016-There is currently limited information available on match running performance in Gaelic football. The objective of the current study was to report on the match running profile of elite male Gaelic football and assess positional running performance. In this observational study, 50 elite male Gaelic football players wore 4-Hz global positioning systems units (VX Sports) across 30 competitive games with a total of 215 full game data sets collected. Activity was classed according to total distance, high-speed distance (≥17 km·h), sprint distance (≥22 km·h), mean velocity (km·h), peak velocity (km·h), and number of accelerations. The average match distance was 8,160 ± 1,482 m, reflective of a relative distance of 116 ± 21 m·min, with 1,731 ± 659 m covered at high speed, which is reflective of a relative high-speed distance of 25 ± 9 m·min. The observed sprint distance was 445 ± 169 m distributed across 44 sprint actions. The peak velocity was 30.3 ± 1.8 km·h with a mean velocity of 6.5 ± 1.2 km·h. Players completed 184 ± 40 accelerations, which represent 2.6 ± 0.5 accelerations per minute. There were significant differences between positional groups for both total running distance, high-speed running distance, and sprint distance, with midfielders covering more total and high-speed running distance, compared with other positions (p < 0.001). There was a reduction in high-speed and sprint distance between the first and second half (p < 0.001). Reductions in running performance were position dependent with the middle 3 positions experiencing the highest decrement in performance. The current study is the first to communicate a detailed description of match running performance during competitive elite Gaelic football match play.

Pre-season adductor squeeze test and HAGOS function sport and recreation subscale scores predict groin injury in Gaelic football players

ObjectiveTo determine if pre-season adductor squeeze test and HAGOS function, sport and recreation subscale scores can identify Gaelic football players at risk of developing groin injury. DesignProspective study. SettingSenior inter-county Gaelic football team. ParticipantsFifty-five male elite Gaelic football players (age = 24.0 ± 2.8 years, body mass = 84.48 ± 7.67 kg, height = 1.85 ± 0.06 m, BMI = 24.70 ± 1.77 kg/m2) from a single senior inter-county Gaelic football team. Main outcome measuresOccurrence of groin injury during the season. ResultsTen time-loss groin injuries were registered representing 13% of all injuries. The odds ratio for sustaining a groin injury if pre-season adductor squeeze test score was below 225 mmHg, was 7.78. The odds ratio for sustaining a groin injury if pre-season HAGOS function, sport and recreation subscale score was < 87.5 was 8.94. Furthermore, for each additional point on the numerical rating scale pain rating during performance of the adductor squeeze test, the odds of groin injury increased by 2.16. ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that pre-season adductor squeeze test and HAGOS function, sport and recreation subscale scores can be used to identify Gaelic football players at risk of developing groin injury.

The Influence of pitch size on running performance during Gaelic football small sided games

The current study examined the impact of small sided game (SSG) pitch dimensions on running performance during 4 min SSG. Twenty four elite Gaelic football players were monitored with GPS (4-Hz, VX Sport, New Zealand) over an in-season training period. Total distance (m) high speed running distance (m) (≥17 km·h-1), very high speed running distance (≥22 km·h-1) (m), total accelerations (n), acceleration distance (m) peak and mean velocity (km·h-1) were calculated. The current results show that the manipulation of SSG pitch size has an impact on the running performance responses. The data showed that SSG played on large pitches (SSG80x20m) had greater running demands than medium (SSG60x20m) or small (SSG40x20m) pitches, with significantly more distance covered in all movement categories. During SSGs the total distance covered were 515 ± 89 [426 – 594] m, 719 ± 145 [564 - 854] m and 1029 ± 189 [810 - 1128] m corresponding to a relative distance of 128 ± 22 [57 - 101] m·min-1, 179 ± 36 [91 - 163] m·min-1 and 257 ± 46 [139 - 231] m·min-1 for small, medium and large pitch dimensions respectively The current data may help applied practitioners to understand further how modifying different aspects of SSG can alter the running performance responses of players. Moreover, applied practitioners now have consistent information to design and optimise their training time in mixing the physical, technical and tactical elements within specific SSG pitch dimensions.

The metabolic power and energetic demands of elite Gaelic football match play.

Metabolic power has not yet been investigated within elite Gaelic football. The aim of the current investigation was to compare the metabolic power demands between positional groups and examine the temporal profile of elite Gaelic football match play. Global positional satellite system (GPS) data were collected from 50 elite Gaelic football players from 4 inter-county teams during 35 elite competitive matches over a three season period. A total of 351 complete match samples were obtained for final analysis. Players were categorized based on positional groups; full-back, half-back, midfield, half-forward and full-forward. Instantaneous raw velocity data was obtained from the GPS and exported to a customized spreadsheet which provided estimations of both speed based, derived metabolic power and energy expenditure variables (total distance, high speed distance, average metabolic power, high power distance and total energy expenditure). Match mean distance was 9222±1588 m, reflective of an average metabolic power of 9.5-12.5 W·kg-1, with an average energy expenditure of 58-70 Kj·kg-1 depending on position. There were significant differences between positional groups for both speed-based and metabolic power indices. Midfielders covered more total and high-speed distance, as well as greater average and overall energy expenditure compared to other positions (P<0.001). A reduction in total, high-speed, and high-power distance, as well as average metabolic power throughout the match (P<0.001) was observed. Positional differences exist for both metabolic power and traditional running based variables. The middle three positions (midfield, half-back and half-forward) possess greater activity profiles when compared to other positional groups. The reduction in metabolic power and traditional running based variables are comparable across match play. The current study demonstrates that metabolic power may contribute to our understanding of Gaelic football match-play.

Team Performance Indicators in Gaelic Football and Opposition Effects

A computerised notational analysis system was used to analyse selected performance parameters in Elite Gaelic Football. These parameters were examined to see if there were any significant differences when comparing teams of different standards. Footage from 57 matches were analysed from the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship during the 2011 ‘2012 seasons. Of the 12 performance indicators examined 8 were found to be significant when comparing performances in games containing one Top team and one Bottom team. Three (Attack Efficiency %, Total Shots and % Opposition Kickouts Won) of the performance indicators were found to be significant when comparing Top team’s performances against Top teams and Bottom teams. Only 2 (Fouls Committed and Total Goals) were found to be significant when comparing Bottom team performances against Top teams and Bottom teams. The strength of opposition affected Top and Bottom teams differently. Bottom teams performed better in every performance indicator when playing Bottom teams than playing Top teams, however only 1 performance indicators was found to be significant. Top teams performed better in 9 of the performance indicators measured when playing Bottom teams than playing Top teams. Surprisingly they performed worse in 2 areas.

Using a Wearable Camera to Increase the Accuracy of Dietary Analysis

Food diaries are commonly used to assess individual dietary intake in both the general and sporting populations. Despite the widespread use of such diaries, evidence suggests that individuals' self-reported energy intake frequently and substantially underestimate true energy intake. To examine the use of the Microsoft SenseCam wearable camera to help more accurately report dietary intake within various sporting populations. In 2011, a total of 47 participants were recruited to take part in this study (17 trainee jockeys, 15 elite Gaelic footballers, and 15 healthy physically active university students). Participants wore a SenseCam for 1 day (from morning until night) while simultaneously keeping a 1-day food diary. Comparisons were made between the energy intake reported in the food diary alone and the food diary in conjunction with information gathered from the SenseCam. Data analysis was conducted in 2012. Mean total calorie intake using diary alone and diary and SenseCam were 2349±827.9 kcals vs 2631±893.4 kcal for the trainee jockeys; 2600±521.9 kcal vs 3191±770.2 kcal for the Gaelic footballers, and 2237±318.5 kcal vs 2487±404.6 kcal for the university students. This represented a difference of 10.7% (p≤0.001); 17.7% (p≤0.001); and 10.1% (p≤0.01) among measurement methods for trainee jockeys, Gaelic footballers, and university students, respectively. Results from this first-generation study suggest that a more accurate estimate of total energy intake is provided when combining the use of a conventional food diary and a SenseCam. Additional information on portion size, forgotten foods, leftovers, and brand names can be obtained by using this novel sensing technology in conjunction with the diary, with improved dietary assessment a potential outcome.

Counterattacks in elite Gaelic football competition

This study objectively analyses how Gaelic football teams counter-attack. Fifteen matches played in the All-Ireland senior football championship during the 2007 and 2008 seasons were analysed using publicly available broadcast coverage. Results indicated that the outcome of counter-attacks was significantly associated with the destination area of the counter-attack (p<0.001) with more counterattacks occurring in central areas of the pitch, in front of goal. There was a significant difference between the number of passes (p < 0.001) and the duration of the counter-attacks (p < 0.001) between counterattacks of different outcomes. Successful counterattacks relied on teams maintaining possession, allowing players to move the ball in a controlled manner, allowing players off the ball to obtain good supporting positions and exploiting the opposition whilst they are vulnerable and disorganised. Attacks lasting between 26s and 35s were found to be the most successful. Longer passing sequences during counter-attacks were found to be more successful compared to attacks with fewer passes which had a higher turnover rate. Successful counterattacks require players to have the ability to carry the ball, break the tackle and provide support for the man in possession.

Fitness Test Profiles As Determined by the Eurofit Test Battery in Elite Female Gaelic Football Players

Gaelic Football is the main sport in Ireland and has potential for use as a means of fitness in health promotion contexts. The present study entailed a cross-sectional comparison of performances in a motor test battery between elite female players and an age-matched reference group. The aim was to identify the fitness items that characterize top performers in the game. Altogether, 83 women aged 18-29 participated in the study and completed a series of tests consisting of 8 items in the Eurofit Test Battery. The profiles of the 2 groups were subjected to logistic regression analysis. Four of the test items contributed to group discrimination (endurance, flexibility, trunk strength, and limb speed). Based on percentage difference, the most prominent discriminator was the estimated VO2max (mean 49.9+/-4.2 vs. 39.7+/-6.3 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)). Grip strength and agility were also significantly superior in the Gaelic Football players (p<0.05), who had significantly lower body fat values (23.3+/-2.3%) than the reference group (27.2+/-3.6%). The use of the Eurofit Test battery in games players was confirmed as were the multifactorial requirements of fitness for women playing this sport. It was concluded that elite Gaelic Football at top level is characterized mainly by high aerobic fitness, but a holistic training program is needed to cover the multiple fitness requirements of the game. Practical applications include the use of this game for health-related purposes.