Field Hockey Players Research Articles

Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Training on High-Intensity Movement-Related Variables in Elite Female Field Hockey Players Using Global Positioning System

Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Training on High-Intensity Movement-Related Variables in Elite Female Field Hockey Players Using Global Positioning System

Functional knee stability in elite field hockey depends on playing class and gender

Field hockey, a physically demanding Olympic sport, carries a high risk of lower limb injuries, yet data on injury risk in elite field hockey are limited. Functional knee stability is important for injury prevention and a safe return to sport. This study is the first to investigate functional knee stability in elite field hockey, considering gender and playing class, and establishes reference data for functional knee stability by using a standardized test battery that assesses one- and two-legged stability, jumping tests, speed, and agility. 72 elite field hockey players, 30 males and 42 females (age 19.82 ± 3.74 years) were divided into High Playing Class (HPC) and Moderate Playing Class (MPC). HPC players showed significant better performance in all functional tests except balance tests (p <0.01-0.024). Females showed significantly better one- and two-leg stability (p <0.01) with lower injury rates, indicating the relevance of gender considerations. The study emphasizes the importance of balance and stability in the prevention of lower limb injuries in Olympic field hockey and also highlights the importance of considering pre-existing deficits in functional knee capability when assessing athletes for return to sport. These results can help improve athletic performance, identify individual strengths and weaknesses, prevent injury or re-injury, and facilitate return to sport after injury.

Positional assessment of Concentration among Mysore University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The Purpose of this investigation was to explore the level of Concentration between different positional play of Mysore University Inter-Collegiate Male Hockey players, the aged between 18 to 22 years. The researcher has randomly selected 165 Male Field Hockey Players those who were Participated in Mysore city inter collegiate Hockey tournament and those who are practicing regularly. The researcher was classified the total samples into eleven (11) categories according to positional play, such as Center forward, right in and right out, Left in and Left out, Center Mid, Right and Left Mid, Left defender, Right & Left Defender and Goal Keeper and the samples were consisted fifteen (N=15) for each position. The Knox Cube imitation test was administered to know the level of concentration among selected subjects. In order to examine the hypotheses of the study one-way ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions for variables of concentration. The findings of the investigation showed that, the Concentration level was found to be higher for goal keeper than the other positional players. Whereas, the left midfielder had low level of concentration when compare with others which was clearly indicated that, there were significant differences in concentration of selected field hockey players with positional wise. On the basis of the present investigation, it will be summarized that the concentration was influencing by different positional play.

Influence of Positional Play on Intelligence Ability of Mysuru University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The purpose of the study was to explore the Influence of positional play on the intelligence ability of University Inter-collegiate male hockey players. The researcher selected 165 male field hockey players who represented Mysore city inter collegiate and Chamundi zone championships. The player were selected by positional play, such as forwards (N=75), midfielders (N=45), fullbacks (N=30) and goal keepers (N=15) and they were assessed for intelligence ability. The subjects were assembled and explained the procedure and purpose of the tests before the administration of the tests. They were administered Raven’s progressive matrices Intelligence test for intelligence. To find out the influence of positional play, One-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc tests for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions was applied for intelligence scores. The results revealed that, the Goal keepers had the maximum scores in Intelligence compared to other players playing in other positions and Positional play did not influence extent of errors both in ascending and descending series. Goal keepers were found to be better in intelligence, than the players in other playing positions. Goal keepers had the maximum intelligence scores, followed by Centre midfielder, Right defender, Left defender, others are placed in between and Left midfielder having the least intelligence scores.

Neuromuscular training in shod or barefoot conditions equally improved performance in female youth field hockey player: A randomized controlled trial

A growing body of literature addresses the public and scientific interest in barefoot locomotion as an alternative to footwear for running and enhancing physical performance. Little is known about the effects of barefoot training in youth team sport athletes. This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of a nine-week neuromuscular warm-up program (20 minutes twice per week) on balance, functional jumping, speed, acceleration, and agility, in female youth field hockey players. Players (16.2 ± 1.2 years) from three teams from a high school volunteered, consented to participation and were randomly assigned to either a barefoot or shod intervention group. Mixed model ANOVAs were conducted with the full data set of 34 participants as random effects (to account for repeated measurements), and intervention, time, limb side as fixed effects. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the two groups on performance outcomes with small (ES ≥ 0.2) to medium (ES ≥ 0.4) effect sizes. Both groups significantly improved (p < 0.05) their performance pre- to post-intervention in all tests. Performing the warm-up program barefoot or shod appeared to be equally effective to improve physical performance in habitually barefoot youth athletes.

Relationship between Repeated Sprint Ability and Force–Velocity Profile in Elite and Subelite Female Field Hockey Players

This study aimed to compare two female field hockey teams of different competitive levels by analyzing kinematic variables in repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the force-velocity profile (FVP). Twenty-five female hockey players representing the elite and subelite levels from the same club volunteered to participate. The RSA protocol included six 30 m maximal sprints with a 30 s recovery. Kinematic variables, such as sprint time, step frequency, and step length, were analyzed for each sprint. Additionally, players performed counter-movement jumps (CMJs) and CMJs with 50% body weight (CMJ50s) to calculate the FV50 using the Bosco Index. The elite players showed better (≈2%; p < 0.05) fatigue indexes in sprint time (0–30 m and 0–10 m sections), step length (0–10 m, 10–20 m, and 20–30 m sections), and step frequency (20–30 m section) during the RSA test, as well as greater values (>10%; p < 0.05) in the CMJ50 and FV50 tests. In addition, these RSA (sprint time, step frequency, and step length) and jumping (CMJ, CMJ50, and FV50) variables showed a moderate, significant, or very significant relationship with each other. Therefore, it seems that both strength and speed capacities can be used either in conjunction or as a complementary approach to enhance the overall RSA performance.

Training Parameters That Influence Heart Rate Recovery In Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Training Parameters That Influence Heart Rate Recovery In Collegiate Field Hockey Players

In-Season Cardiovascular Improvement Of Collegiate Field Hockey Players

In-Season Cardiovascular Improvement Of Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Enhancing Physical Fitness in Elite Field Hockey Players with A Twelve-Week Functional Training Program: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of functional training on the physical fitness of young elite field hockey players. The study comprised 40 young elite male field hockey players with the following characteristics (mean ± SD age: 21.5 ± 0.8 years; height: 176.9 ± 2.6 cm; weight: 68.4 ± 5.1 kg; BMI: 21.8 ± 1.3; training experience: 51.2 ± 5.4 months). Twenty participants were allocated to two groups: the functional training group (FTG) and the control training group (CG). Each group received 60-minute training sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equation analysis and a Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons were used to assess the intervention's efficacy. Before the start of the exercise program, no statistically significant differences were observed in physical fitness measures between the FTG and CG (p > 0.05). However, by the sixth week, a significant difference appeared in both the T-Agility test (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.024) between the two groups, while no notable distinctions were detected in other fitness parameters (p > 0.05). After a 12-week training program, the FTG demonstrated improvements in all physical fitness measures [flexibility (p < 0.001); Illinois agility test (p < 0.001); T-agility test (p = 0.020); endurance (p < 0.001)] except speed, which exhibited no significant impact (p = 0.175). Notable enhancements in T-agility and endurance were evident after just six weeks of functional training, and a 12-week functional training regimen showed superiority over standard training approaches in young elite male field hockey players. These findings encourage the efficacy of functional training exercises over traditional methods in enhancing athletes' fitness parameters.

Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Program on Individual Movement during Competition in Field Hockey Players

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a field hockey-specific training program based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and to verify its effectiveness by observing changes in individual movements during international competitions for female field hockey players.METHODS: The field hockey-specific training program was developed based on HIIT (≥95%HRmax, work:rest ratio=1:1) through meetings with experts’ and the participation of 13 female field hockey players who were enrolled in the Korean national team. Participants were trained for nine weeks (27 sessions) using this training program. Their individual movements were collected using GPS units during the Four Nations competitions and the 2022 Asian Games before and after applying the training program. Individual movements were defined as total distance covered, meters per minute (MpM), maximal velocity (MV), absolute distance, proportion of total distance covered at low-intensity (LI), moderate-intensity (MI), and high-intensity (HI), and number of accelerations, decelerations, and sprint efforts (SE).RESULTS: After applying the training program, the MpM (9.6 m/min), MV (0.69 km/hr), and SE (3.47 bouts) improved compared to before applying the program. Further, after applying the training program, the absolute distance (633.94 m) and the proportion (14.83%) at LI decreased, while those of MI (553.40 m and 9.78%) and HI (273.07 m and 5.05%) increased compared to before applying the program.CONCLUSIONS: The field hockey-specific training program developed in this study resulted in positive changes in individual movements during competitions, leading to improvements in team and individual performance.

Programming the Stage of Direct Preparation and Participation in the Main Competitions of the Sports Season for Highly Qualified Field Hockey Players

Programming the Stage of Direct Preparation and Participation in the Main Competitions of the Sports Season for Highly Qualified Field Hockey Players

Physical Characteristics and Somotatype of Myanmar National Hockey Players

Introduction: Performance in Field Hockey depends on different factors. Physical characteristics along with the Body shape and size of the players are one of them. The present study was aimed to find out the physical characteristics as well as Somatotypes of Myanmar National Field Hockey players. Methods: Twenty national Field Hockey players were measured for their height, weight, and Somatotype during their visit to a neighbuor country for a friendship tour. Health-Carter method (1967) was followed to calculate the Somatotype components. Results: The average Age, Height, and Weight of the Myanmar Hockey players of the present study were 21.7 (±1.1) yr, 164.8 (±4.6) cm, and 56.5 (±5.1) kg respectively. An average Somatotype of 1.7(±0.5)-3.8(±0.9)-2.9(±0.8) was observed for the present study. Conclusions: Most of the players (55 % ) were with Ectomorphic mesomorph body type, whereas 30 % of players were with Mesomorphic ectomorph body type. Rest were with Balanced mesomorph, Endomorphic mesomorph, and Mesomorph ectomorph body type. Compared to other countries, Myanmar Hockey players were shorter than their international counterparts. Thus, the height of the players should be considered during the selection of players at an early stage of Talent identification for good performance in Field Hockey.

Impact of french contrast training on field hockey players’ biomotor and physiological parameters: a pretest-posttest study

Field hockey requires a diverse skill set that includes strength, speed, anaerobic power, and endurance due to current advancements in sports science, plyometric and strength activities for enhancing players' performance. As a result, field hockey players and coaches are in constant need of new training interventions which could be most effective for improving the required parameters. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of French contrast training (FCT) on selected biomotor and physiological variables in field hockey players. A total of thirty (N=30) male field hockey players were purposively selected from Union Christian College, Aluva, India. They were randomized into two groups: a treatment group (TG) that underwent twelve weeks of FCT and a control group (CG) that performed their daily usual activities. The selected biomotor outcome parameters were muscular strength (MS) and speed (S), while the physiological parameters were anaerobic power (AP), resting heart rate (RHR), and vital capacity (VC). The pre and post-test mean differences were analysed using paired-sample t-test and the level significance was fixed at 0.05 across all cases. The results revealed that there were significant enhancements in MS (p&lt;0.01), S (p&lt;0.01), AP (p&lt;0.01), and VC (p&lt;0.01) in the TG after twelve weeks of FCT, while the CG did not show any significant differences. Exceptionally, RHR did not show any significant difference in both TG and CG. Conclusion: The study suggests that FCT can be an effective method to improve selected biomotor and physiological parameters, except RHR in male college-level hockey players. Keywords: French contrast training, muscular strength, speed, anaerobic power, resting heart rate, vital capacity.

Comparison of Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 Performance Between Basketball and Field Hockey Players: A Comparative Analysis

Background: The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (YYIR1) is widely used to evaluate aerobic capacity and recovery in intermittent sports. This study aims to compare YYIR1 performance between basketball and field hockey players to understand sport-specific fitness adaptations and inform training protocols. Methods: A total of 60 male athletes (30 basketball players and 30 field hockey players) from competitive clubs participated in this study. Participants performed the YYIR1 test, which involves repeated 2x20 meter shuttle runs at increasing speeds interspersed with 10-second recovery periods, until exhaustion. Key performance metrics measured were total distance covered and VO2 max, calculated based on the test results. Data were analysed using independent t-tests to compare the performances between the two groups. Results: The basketball players covered a mean distance of 1235 ± 210 meters, while the field hockey players covered 1280 ± 195 meters. The difference in total distance covered between the groups was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Similarly, VO2 max values were comparable between basketball players (47.8 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min) and field hockey players (48.5 ± 3.9 mL/kg/min), with no significant difference observed (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there are no significant differences in YYIR1 performance between basketball and field hockey players, suggesting similar aerobic capacities and recovery abilities across these sports. The findings align with previous research by Mirani and Patil (2021) and Schmitz et al. (2018), indicating the robustness of the YYIR1 test in measuring aerobic endurance irrespective of sport-specific demands. These results highlight the need for tailored training programs that focus on enhancing sport-specific skills rather than general aerobic capacity alone. Keywords: Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1, basketball, field hockey, VO2Max, sports performance

Sprint interval training in the postpartum period maintains the enhanced cardiac output of pregnancy: A case study.

During pregnancy an increased cardiac output ( ) and blood volume (BV) occur to support fetal growth. Increased and BV also occur during chronic endurance exercise training and benefit performance. We investigated if sprint interval training (SIT) undertaken early postpartum maintains the elevated and BV of pregnancy and benefits performance. The participant, a competitive field hockey player and former cyclist, visited our laboratory at 2weeks of gestation (baseline) and postpartum pre-, mid- and post-intervention (PPpre, PPmid and PPpost). Delivery was uncomplicated and she felt ready to start the SIT programme 5weeks postpartum. Inert gas rebreathing was used to measure peak exercise ( peak); was measured with a metabolic cart; and postpartum haematological values were measured with carbon monoxide rebreathing. The 18 SIT sessions progressed from four to eight sprints at 130% of peak power output. peak increased from baseline at all postpartum time points (baseline 16.2 vs. 17.5, 16.8 and 17.2L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Relative remained below baseline values at all postpartum measurements (baseline 44.9 vs. 41.0, 42.3 and 42.5mL/kg/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) whereas absolute rapidly reached baseline values postpartum (baseline 3.19 vs. 3.12, 3.23 and 3.18L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Postpartum BV (5257, 4271 and 5214mL at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) and Hbmass (654, 525 and 641g at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) were similar between PPpre and PPpost but decreased alongside peak at PPmid. Peak power was returned to pre-pregnancy values by intervention end (302 vs. 303W, baseline vs. PPpost). These findings show that SIT undertaken early postpartumdefends the elevated peak of pregnancy and rapidly returns absolute and peak power to baseline levels.

Humeral Torsion in Relation to Shoulder Range of Motion in Elite Field Hockey Players.

Sport-specific adaptations in shoulder rotation range of motion (ROM) and the relationship with humeral torsion have been described in overhead-throwing sports. However, information is lacking for other shoulder-loading sports such as field hockey. Therefore, this study's purpose was to evaluate humeral torsion in elite, male field hockey players and explore its association with shoulder ROM. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-five male, elite field hockey players were included. Humeral torsion and shoulder external and internal rotation ROM were evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound and an inclinometer smartphone application, respectively. Field hockey players showed a significantly increased humeral retroversion on the dominant compared with the nondominant side (P < .001; Cohen d = 1.75), along with a significantly increased external (P = .004; Cohen d = -0.64) and decreased internal rotation ROM (P = .003; Cohen d = 0.65). This finding illustrates a shift in total shoulder rotational ROM arc. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate association between the increased humeral retroversion and decreased internal rotation ROM on the dominant side (r = .523). Elite male field hockey athletes show sport-specific adaptations regarding humeral torsion and shoulder rotation ROM, similar to throwing athletes. These findings increase our insight into the field hockey athlete's shoulder, which is essential to optimize performance and assist in correctly interpreting shoulder rotational ROM measurements.

Validity of simple field tests as indicators of elite female field hockey match performance.

Due to the change in field hockey match format, the need exits for research to determine whether current fitness test are still valid indicators of match performance. This study aimed to determine the direct validity of the 5-m multistage shuttle test (5-m MST) and Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery level 1 test (Yo-Yo IR1) by correlating their results with external load measures in international field hockey matches. Nineteen female field hockey players completed the 5-m MST and Yo-Yo IR1 before nine matches. Players covered mean distances of 750.3 m±19.6 m (5-m MST) and 1649.7 m±277.6 m (Yo-Yo IR1). Average relative distance, relative player load, and high-intensity activity during matches were 107.8±16.3 m/min, 10.3±1.4 AU/min, and 10.0±3.0%, respectively. The 5-m MST showed small to moderate significant (P<0.05; r=0.21-0.5) correlations with relative distance and high-intensity activity, while the Yo-Yo IR1 only had a small negative significant (P<0.05; r=-0.27) correlation with high-intensity activity. Strong correlations (r>0.51) were found between the 5-m MST and Yo-Yo IR1. The tests demonstrated low direct validity for current field hockey matches due to weak relationships with relative load and running performance. Additionally, the strong correlation between the Yo-Yo IR1 and 5-m MST suggests that both tests may not be necessary to assess match readiness. Coaches should consider using better-validated fitness tests for this population and sport.

Factors that influence field hockey footwear selection: An online survey.

Little is known about factors that influence footwear selection by field hockey players. An online survey was used to collect data on participant demographics and physical characteristics, factors influencing footwear selection, perceptions regarding footwear design features on injury and performance, and experiences regarding usability. Nominal and ordinal data were described as absolute frequencies and relative frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using content analysis. Sex-related differences in quantitative and qualitative data were explored. A total of 401 hockey players completed the survey. Participants reported that fit, comfort, support, and cushioning were the most important factors when selecting hockey footwear. Most hockey players believed that stud design could influence athletic performance (65%) and injury risk (63%) but reported having no preference on outsole design or stud shape. Most participants (63%) used hockey-specific footwear, but 46% of female hockey players did not, with 40% using trail running footwear instead. Qualitative analysis revealed that hockey players, particularly female participants, encounter difficulties finding properly fitting footwear. They desire more options for wide or narrow feet and face challenges in accessing suitable hockey shoes due to limited choices and availability. With over a third of field hockey players not using hockey-specific footwear, future research should attempt to understand the reasons and assess the impact of different footwear features on comfort, performance, injury risk, and usability.

Wearable Sensors and the Evaluation of Physiological Performance in Elite Field Hockey Players.

Sports performance tracking has gained a lot of interest and widespread use in recent years, especially in elite and sub-elite sports. This makes it possible to improve the effectiveness of training, to calibrate and balance workloads according to real energy expenditure, and to reduce the likelihood of injuries due to excessive physical stress. In this context, the aim of this review was to map the scientific literature on wearable devices used in field hockey, evaluating their characteristics and the available evidence on their validity in measuring physiological and movement parameters. A systematic investigation was carried out by employing five electronic databases and search terms that incorporated field hockey, wearables, and performance analysis. Two independent reviewers conducted assessments of the 3401 titles and abstracts for inclusion, and at the end of the screening process, 102 full texts were analyzed. Lastly, a total of 23 research articles that specifically concentrated on field hockey were incorporated. The selected papers dealt with performance monitoring (6 papers), technical analysis and strategy game (6), injury prevention (1), and physiological measurements (10). To appraise the quality of the evaluations, the Oxford quality scoring system scale was employed. The extraction of information was carried out through the utilization of the participants, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICOS) format. The analysis encompassed research studies that implemented wearable devices during training and competitive events. Among elite field hockey competitions, GPS units were identified as the predominant wearable, followed by heart rate monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) related to wearable devices showed reasonably high between-trial ICCs ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. The utilization of wearable devices in field hockey primarily centers around the measurement of player activity profiles and physiological demands. The presence of discrepancies in sampling rates and performance bands makes it arduous to draw comparisons between studies. Nevertheless, this analysis attested to the fact that wearable devices are being employed for diverse applications in the realm of field hockey.

Bone Mineral Density in Field Hockey Players: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review to compare and analyse the bone mineral density of field hockey players of both sexes and of different ages, with other sports and with a sedentary population. The search process was carried out using the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search ended on 18 March 2024. We selected articles in which a comparison was made of bone mineral density of the whole body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, arms and legs, among field hockey players, and/or with other sports and/or with a sedentary population. The systematic review followed the guidelines described in the 2020 PRISMA statement. The initial search identified 220 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the search was narrowed down to seven articles in total. It was observed that the field hockey group had better bone mineral density values than sedentary population and the low-impact sports population. Basketball players had better whole body and leg bone mineral density values than field hockey players. Causality could not be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the included studies. The better bone mineral density values in field hockey players compared to the sedentary population may be because people who participate in impact sports have a better bone mineral density. The differences in bone mineral density between field hockey and low-impact sports could be related to a lower impact during their practice in these disciplines.