Wearable sensors like inertial measurement units (IMUs) can quantify sport technique in natural settings, yet field hockey-specific skill analyses remain limited. This exploratory study investigated how relative foot placement, stick orientation, and lower body kinematics at impact relate to performance of the field hockey sweep skill. Eight experienced female participants performed sweeps under three foot positions relative to the ball (in front, in line, and behind) while IMUs recorded body segment and stick motion. Sweep performance was characterized by accuracy, bounciness, and ball speed. Placing the foot in front of the ball was associated with reduced ball speed and a trend toward lower accuracy relative to the in-line reference, whereas placing the foot behind the ball did not differ from in line on any outcome. Stick roll at impact emerged as a consistent trial-level predictor, with a more open face associated with a greater likelihood of a bouncy sweep and slightly increasing ball speed. Stick pitch and lower limb joint angles were not significant within-participant predictors. However, between-participant analyses indicated that larger knee angles and smaller hip angles were associated with greater accuracy, while smaller average pitch was associated with faster ball speed. Together, these findings indicate that some aspects of sweep performance are amenable to immediate technique adjustments whereas others reflect stable individual movement tendencies. These findings provide a foundation for future work on offering evidence-based guidance for technique refinement and potential implications for injury risk reduction.

Pre-elite female field hockey players have a high incidence of lower extremity injury, highlighting the need for practical and reliable screening approaches. A dual assessment combining Functional Performance Tests (FPTs) with movement quality scoring (QASLS) may provide a more comprehensive evaluation; however, its reliability in this population is unclear. Fifteen pre-elite female field hockey players (16.7 ± 0.7 years) completed an FPT battery (anterior reach (AR), single leg drop vertical jump–land (DVJL), single hop for distance (SHFD), side hop (SH)) on two occasions, 28 days apart. Movement quality was assessed by three raters using QASLS. Reliability was evaluated using ICC with 95% confidence intervals (CI), alongside standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), and percentage exact agreement (PEA). Test–retest reliability varied across tasks (ICC2,1 0.33–0.90), with wide confidence intervals indicating uncertainty in several estimates. AR demonstrated the most consistent reliability, supporting its use for monitoring over time. In contrast, the DVJL and SH showed the greatest variability, likely reflecting higher task complexity, while the SHFD required relatively large performance changes to exceed measurement error. Intra-rater reliability for QASLS was consistent across the FPT battery (ICC2,k 0.79–0.90), whereas inter-rater reliability was more variable (0.38–0.82), indicating rater-dependent differences. PEA demonstrated generally high agreement (60–100%), although lower agreement was observed for pelvic alignment components. These findings support the use of a dual assessment approach as a practicable profiling approach in pre-elite female field hockey, enabling practitioners to identify movement deficits not captured by performance metrics alone. However, variability in complex tasks and between raters highlights the need to consider measurement error and implement standardised rater training when profiling or monitoring performance.

D1.S2.7(1) Effect of small-sided game format on field hockey players’ physical and physiological responses

ABSTRACT Shared leadership, where leadership responsibilities are distributed among team members, has been suggested as an effective alternative to traditional vertical leadership in team sports. However, the psychological mechanisms through which shared leadership influences athletes’ commitment remain unclear, particularly in youth sports contexts. This study examined whether psychological safety mediates the relationship between shared leadership and both sport commitment and team commitment. Youth team sport athletes (N = 300; 214 males, 86 females; mean age = 16.66 years) participating in soccer (60.0%), rugby (21.0%), field hockey (10.7%), and basketball (8.3%) completed measures of shared leadership, psychological safety, sport commitment, and team commitment. Results revealed that shared leadership was positively associated with both forms of commitment. Psychological safety showed significant indirect effects in the relationships between shared leadership and both commitment outcomes. The findings demonstrate that shared leadership fosters psychologically safe team environments, which in turn enhance youth athletes’ commitment to their sport and team. This study advances our understanding of shared leadership processes in youth sport and provides evidence-based guidance for coaches seeking to develop committed athletes through distributed leadership practices.

Background: Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of core strength in preventing lower extremity injuries. However, there is a paucity of concrete evidence regarding the effectiveness of core exercise. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises (CSE) on biomechanical and neuromuscular factors during the single-leg squat performance in amateur athletes. Methods: Amateur judo and field hockey players with poor single-leg squat performance were randomly assigned to CSE (n=17) or knee strengthening exercises (KSE, n=17). Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes included hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle activation ratio (H:Q ratio) and dynamic knee valgus angle during the single-leg squat. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The CSE group showed significant improvements in the H:Q ratio (difference: CSE -0.35 ± 0.03 vs. KSE 0.04 ± 0.02, p < 0.001) and dynamic knee valgus angle (difference: CSE -10.89 ± 4.43° vs. KSE -1.71 ± 1.19°, p < 0.001) compared to the KSE group. Conclusions: In conclusion, amateur athletes completing a six-week CSE program demonstrated significantly greater improvements in neuromuscular activation patterns and frontal plane knee control during a single-leg squat task compared to those undergoing traditional knee strengthening.

ABSTRACT Elite athletic performance is linked to advanced cognitive functioning, yet cognition’s role in motor skill acquisition among novices remains underexplored. This study examined how cognition influences learning a complex field hockey skill in participants with minimal prior experience. Forty novices (mean age = 20.04 years) completed a hockey ball control task assessed across six timepoints, three before and three after viewing a coaching video of an expert performing the task. Cognitive measures included fluid intelligence (Raven’s Progressive Matrices), crystallized intelligence (Spot-the-Word), working memory (OSpan), perceptual speed (Inspection Time), and psychomotor ability (Fitts’s task). Declarative and procedural knowledge were also recorded. Performance was evaluated using positional and technical scoring systems. Gains through repetition were modeled via linear regression. No overall significant improvement occurred during uncoached repetition. However, crystallized intelligence predicted individual differences in pre-coaching gains while fluid intelligence was positively associated with immediate coaching effects. Post-intervention improvements were predicted by working memory capacity and number of practice attempts. Psychomotor ability predicted gains through repetition both before and after intervention. Distinct cognitive domains support different phases of motor learning. Cognitive profiling may inform talent identification in early skill acquisition.

Monitoring training load (TL) is essential for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk in team-sport athletes; however, how internal, and external load interact across different competition contexts remains unclear in elite field hockey. This study aimed to examine the structure of GPS-derived running metrics and their associations with heart rate (HR) -based internal TL during simulated and international competitions in elite female field hockey players. Individual data recordings from 18 female field hockey players during 13 simulated competitions and 8 international competitions were analyzed, with HR-based internal TL calculated from heart rate data and GPS-derived running metrics used to examine load structure and associations. Exploratory factor analysis identified two running load factors, with PA1 component comprising total distance covered, duration, total player load, sprint effort, decelerations, and accelerations and PA2 component comprising high-speed distance, maximal speed, sprint distance, and relative distance, together explaining 70.4% of the total variance. Linear mixed-effects models showed that PA1 (Δ=0.42) and HR-based internal TL(Δ=1.35) were significantly higher during international competitions than simulated competitions, whereas PA2 did not differ between conditions. HR-based internal TL was positively associated with both PA1 (β=0.031) and PA2 (β=0.019); however, this association was moderated by competition conditions only for PA1, with a stronger coupling observed during international competitions. These findings demonstrate that the relationship between GPS-derived external load and HR-based internal load varies by competition context, emphasizing the need for context-specific TL monitoring.

Effect of 4 weeks Swiss ball training on core muscle endurance and dynamic balance among field hockey players of Vadodara: An experimental study

Sex-based differences in agility, speed, and muscular endurance among national-level field hockey players: A cross-sectional study of university-affiliated athletes in India

In field hockey, the drag flick stroke is mainly used during penalty corner for scoring opportunities. This review article investigates the biomechanics involved in the drag flick and its implications on injury risk. Key elements analyzed include trunk flexion-extension, axial and lateral rotation, inter-lumbar rotational motion, and lower limb mechanics during the preparatory, execution, and follow-through phases of the drag flick. A review of literature indicates the occurrence of greater lumbar flexion, coupled flexion-rotation, and higher shear forces during the drag flick when compared with the hit stroke during penalty corners. Technical features described among Indian players-such as deeper lunges, prolonged drag phases, increased forward trunk inclination, and rapid pelvic-trunk rotation-may further accentuate these loading patterns, potentially leading to a greater injury risk. The cumulative exposure to end-range lumbar movements under high rotational velocities may predispose drag flick specialists to overuse injuries of the lumbar spine and hip. The paper highlights the need for technique refinement, structured conditioning, and workload regulation to support performance while minimizing injury risk.

Introduction: During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games preparations, disaster medicine simulations were organized. One scenario featured the release of a neurotoxic agent into the bleachers of a stadium during a field hockey game, causing poisoning and a stampede in the audience. To design the situation more realistically, designated participants were assigned as victims and others as witnesses. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact of this exercise on these participants. Methods: All 76 participants were volunteers. Thirty-five were designated as involved, 32 as moderately injured, 8 as seriously injured, and one as dead. Psychologists briefed 72% of participants before the exercise. Immediately after the start of the exercise, participants were informed that a neurotoxic agent was released by two terrorists. They were asked to follow a decontamination process in the stadium. This included medical care, with undressing and decontamination with absorbent material, followed by showers. Gender, age, occupation, similar experience, their opinion, and anxiety level (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI) were collected just before, immediately after, and one week after the exercise. Results: The response rate was 89%, average age 37 years, sex ratio 0.7, 89% of participants had previous first-aid training, and 39% had previously participated in a similar disaster exercise. Anxiety levels ranged from 2% before exercise to 12% immediately after and 10% one week after exercise. The exercise was considered upsetting for 38% of participants, although this was not associated with a refusal or reluctance to take part in this type of exercise again (22%). Anxiety levels were not related to a previous briefing with psychologists or any similar experience. Conclusion: Anxiety generated by this type of exercise could be anticipated by carefully avoiding recruiting overly emotional individuals. However, this did not affect participants’ willingness to partake in future events.

This exploratory study advances the phygital customer experience literature by introducing the Digitalization Physicalization Customer Experience (DPCX) framework, to holistically examine CX in 2 phygital contexts. Qualitative insights from twenty interviews conducted with field hockey athletes and professional jazz students uncover extrinsic-intrinsic value blends (efficiency/self-actualization, hedonistic/social value, efficiency/safety value, capability/perceived effort, self-empowerment, autonomy and personalization) and highlights human connectors (service providers/instructors) and human peers (consumer connectors/students), as pivotal in shaping affective, symbolic, and utilitarian relationship bonds. Findings reveal digital tools sustain but rarely initiate strong peer bonds, while in-person interaction remains critical for emotional and sensory engagement. This research also established that the quality of efficient time-flow enhances the practicality pillar by minimizing cognitive friction and maximizing goal progression; qualities of active participation and positive valence served as essential ‘building blocks’ of the sociability pillar, creating the conditions for meaningful educational exchange in the phygital context. Similarly, across two phygital contexts, this study established that affectivity pillar can be enhanced via positive valence and heightened dimensionality; whereas sensory engagement (sensoriality pillar) can be created through rich dimensionality and novel ordinariness qualities. Moreover, immersivity pillar (seamless transition) appeared to be maintained through uninterrupted time-flow and a consistent, engaging narrative (dimensionality quality). Last, individual contextual factors (learning style, digital fluency) influence phygital touchpoint effectiveness, with sequencing alignment between digital and physical components emerging as a key success factor.

ABSTRACT Timing and coordination of body kinematics are crucial for drag-flick performance in field hockey. This study aimed to clarify how coordination between the lower limbs and trunk contributes to effective energy transfer by (1) comparing lower body and trunk kinematic patterns between senior and junior national-level players, (2) examining whether peak kinematic values and keypoints occur in temporal synchrony, and (3) determining whether lower body peak kinematics predict trunk deceleration and ball speed. Kinematic data and ball speed were collected from 57 players (9 senior, 48 junior) from the Royal Dutch Hockey Federation using a 3D motion capture suit (240 Hz) and radar gun. Senior players achieved significantly higher ball speeds and shorter flick phases, associated with more synchronised timing of peak movements and keypoints. Specifically, left foot touchdown (LFT) aligned with trunk acceleration onset, while onset of right wrist flexion (ORWF) corresponded with trunk deceleration onset. The lead leg acted as a braking mechanism converting linear to angular momentum of the trunk, while the trail leg contributed to propulsion and trunk deceleration. Junior players showed delayed peak kinematics and reduced synchronisation. These findings highlight the role of lower limb and trunk mechanics in optimising drag-flick performance through targeted training.

Field hockey is an intense team sport that requires different physical demands depending on playing positions. Each position-defender, midfielder, forward-requires different aspects of physiology in terms of strength, speed, endurance, agility and flexibility for optimal performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate positional differences in key components of physical fitness among male elite field hockey players. Thirty male players (aged 18-22 years old) were divided into positional groups: defenders, midfielders, and forwards (n = 10 each). Five components of physical fitness were assessed: explosive power (standing broad jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), agility (agility run test), sprint speed (40-yard sprint), and aerobic endurance (Cooper 12-minute run). The data were analyzed with a one-way Anova with post hoc LSD tests for differences by position. Positional differences in sprint speed and aerobic endurance were significant (p < .05). Midfielders achieved higher sprint performance than defenders and forwards, which points to quick transitions. Defenders achieved higher aerobic endurance than midfielders and forwards, which is in agreement with the sustained nature of their role in defense. In explosive power, flexibility, and agility, no significant positional differences were found. The present study has established that there exist different physical fitness profiles based on playing position in field hockey with the underlying requirement for speed in midfielders and endurance in defenders. In order to achieve improvement in performance, but also reduce the risk of injuries and fulfill tactical needs, position-specific training programs are necessary. Such specific conditioning will help optimize effectiveness during a field hockey match.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of menstrual cycle characteristics and lower limb injuries among elite female team sport athletes, and to identify factors influencing injury risk.MethodsData were collected from 301 female team athletes across the German 1st and 2nd division in basketball, field hockey, football, handball, and volleyball using an online questionnaire. Information was gathered on gynaecological health and lower extremity injuries in the past 12 months.ResultsForty‐two percent used hormonal contraceptives, while among non‐users, 81% were naturally menstruating and 19% had a menstrual dysfunction (MD). Of those naturally menstruating, 46% experienced dysmenorrhea in every menstrual cycle, and 18% took painkillers during each menstruation. Regarding injuries, 42% reported at least one lower limb injury in the past 12 months, with 44% classified as severe. The most commonly affected regions were the knee (44%), ankle (31%), and upper thigh (9%). MD was associated with lower anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates (p = 0.04, Cramer's V = 0.199, 95% CI: −∞ to −0.09), while regular periodic health examinations (PHE) were associated with higher injury rates (p = 0.05, Cramer's V = 0.121, 95% CI: −0.98 to −0.01), particularly knee cartilage injuries (p = 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.241, 95% CI: −3.19 to −0.59). No significant associations were found between injury rates and dysmenorrhea or premenstrual syndrome.ConclusionThis study highlights the complex relationship between menstrual cycle characteristics and injury risk in female athletes, showing MD's unexpected association with lower ACL injury rates. Further, it emphasizes the need for targeted injury prevention programs, regular PHE, and enhanced medical support structures to reduce injury risks in elite female team sports.

Pelvic floor symptoms in 746 female field hockey players in Australia. A retrospective survey

Field-based contact sports, including American football and rugby are among those with the highest sport-related concussion (SRC) rates. Regarding SRC treatment, gradual return-to-play (RTP) protocols are commonly used, however variability in RTP protocols between sporting bodies and scholastic institutions makes accurately interpreting published SRC severity data difficult. Compare SRC recovery times, RTP protocols, and mandated sit-out period duration among adult amateur contact field sports. MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycInfo, and APA PsycArticles were searched on May 13th, 2024. Eligibility criteria included (1) published in English in a peer-reviewed journal from 2015 to 2024, (2) adult population, (3) amateur, field-based contact sport athlete population, (4) diagnosed and/or suspected SRC, and (5) recovery time (days/weeks) data available. 19/6085 (< 1%) studies comprising 58 datasets met all inclusion criteria. The studies comprised American football (10/19, 52.6%), field-hockey (5/19, 26.3%), lacrosse (9/19, 47.4%), ladies gaelic football (1/19, 5.3%), rugby (8/19, 42.1%), soccer (10/19, 52.6%), and sprint football (1/19, 5.2%). Mandated sit-out periods ranged from 0 to 21 days across sports, and RTP protocol durations ranged from 5 to 21 days. The most common RTP protocol duration was 7 days (n = 31/58), and mandated sit-out period was no same-day return (n = 25/58). Field hockey had the longest reported SRC recovery duration (34 days), and rugby had the longest mandated sit-out period (21 days). Recovery time following concussion in contact sports should be interpreted in light of sport type, mandated sit-out policies, and RTP protocols. Empirical evidence should drive decisions in RTP protocols and sit-out periods, which are currently inconsistent between sports.

Published data suggest that knee brace use may reduce the risk of primary noncontact knee ligament injury. However, the use of knee braces remains contentious due to concerns about performance hindrance. As knee brace use is a potentially modifiable risk factor, this study aimed to identify whether after 17.5 hours of functional knee brace (FKB) use, discounting and continued use of FKB hamper performance during anaerobic and aerobic tasks. Prospective repeated-measures crossover study. Academic laboratory testing. Twenty-seven healthy male provincial basketball and national field hockey athletes. Over 6 days of 12 testing sessions, during 3 test conditions (nonbraced, braced, and removed brace or continued brace use), anaerobic and aerobic performance was evaluated after removing a custom-fitting FKB after 17.5 hours and with continued FKB for 21.0 hours. Anaerobic and aerobic, predicted maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O 2max ), performance. In the anaerobic endurance test, after 17.5 hours of FKB use, FKB removal led to a slower performance of nonsignificant 0.27 ± 0.26 s and higher fatigue levels ( P = 0.741, 95% CI, 16.00-17.23, Cohen effect size (ES) = small); continued FKB use for 21 hours resulted in nonsignificantly 0.25 ± 0.24 s faster performance and lower fatigue levels ( P = 0.626, 95% CI, 15.96-16.94, ES = trivial). In the aerobic capacity test, FKB removal resulted in a nonsignificantly lower V̇O 2max (3.0 ± 0.5 mL·kg -1 ·minute -1 , P = 0.518, 95% CI, 43.58-45.62, ES = large); continued FKB use led to a significantly higher V̇O 2max (1.5 ± 0.5 mL·kg -1 ·minute -1 , P = 0.005, 95% CI, 46.72-48.54, ES = large). Removal of FKB led to lower performance levels in both tests, while prolonged FKB use resulted in greater anaerobic endurance, lower fatigue level, and significantly higher aerobic capacity performance. These findings should help the decision-making process of practitioners about FKB use and performance.

Field hockey is an intermittent, high-intensity team sport in which global positioning system (GPS) monitoring and field-based fitness testing are widely used; however, the relationship between repeated sprint ability (RSA) determinants and match physical demands remains unclear. This study examined the association between RSA kinematic variables (sprint velocity, step frequency, and step length) and GPS-derived locomotor activity metrics during elite female field hockey matches. Fourteen elite female field hockey players (all members of a first team competing at the highest national and European level) completed a linear RSA protocol consisting of six 30-m maximal sprints interspersed with 30 s of active recovery. External load was quantified during four official competitive matches played against top-level opponents (teams ranked in the top four of the national league or National Cup semi-finalists) within three weeks of testing using 10-Hz GPS devices. RSA sprint-velocity metrics showed very large correlations (r > 0.70, p < 0.01) with match performance variables as total sprint distance, sprint distance per minute (sprint·min -¹), high-speed running per minute (HSR·min-¹) and high-intensity accelerations (>3 m·s-2·min ⁻ ¹). Step frequency also demonstrated very large associations (r > 0.70, p < 0.01) with sprint, sprint·min-¹, HSR·min-¹, and maximal acceleration, whereas step length was not significantly related to any match variable. These findings indicate that RSA performance, particularly sprint velocity and step frequency, is associated with high-intensity match demands in elite female field hockey. RSA testing may therefore represent a practical, low-cost tool for monitoring or approximating GPS-derived locomotor activity during competitive matches.

Lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a technically challenging procedure that can improve the meniscal load-bearing function and stability in patients after meniscectomy, despite some difficulty in resolving compartmental knee pain. In contrast to early studies, more recent literature suggests that a hybrid MAT with posterior horn bone block and anterior horn fixation with a push-in suture anchor may limit the rate of degeneration and development of osteoarthritis of the affected area. Indications for MAT include isolated lateral compartment knee pain with post-activity effusion, arthrosis, or desired high levels of low-impact athletic activity, as in this 21-year-old Division I field hockey player. Although well described in the current literature, nuances in the fixation for MAT, with posterior bone plug and anterior soft tissue fixation, are variable and not as well defined. The patient was placed in the supine position. The allograft was prepared with a 7-mm bone plug for the posterior horn and all soft tissue fixation for the anterior horn. The meniscal allograft was inserted through the anterolateral portal, and inside-out sutures were placed in a vertical mattress fashion circumferentially. A 4.75-mm PEEK SwiveLock anchor was placed on the anteromedial tibia for fixation of the posterior horn, and outside-in repair was performed on the anterior horn using a meniscal mender kit and polydioxanone suture fixation. Outcomes after MAT are positive, with patients reporting lower visual analog scale pain scores and improved Lysholm functional scores. Motion and functional testing are nearly equal to those of the contralateral limb, and >80% of patients are satisfied with their procedure. MAT with posterior bone plug and anterior soft tissue fixation is a viable treatment option for patients with lateral meniscal deficiency. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.