In-season Match Research Articles

What is the Injury Incidence and Profile in Professional Male Ice Hockey? A Systematic Review.

Professional male ice hockey is characterized by a congested in-season match schedule and by different scenarios where the whole body is exposed to great internal and external forces. Consequently, injuries occur from head to toe. However, there is a lack of data synthesis regarding the injury incidence and profile in this population. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to quantify the injury incidence rates in professional male ice hockey. Systematic Review. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest-Sport medicine & Education Index, and Pro-Quest Dissertation and Thesis were searched utilizing terms related to ice hockey and injuries. Studies were included if they provided the incidence of injury in professional male hockey players and reported injuries in terms of time lost. The modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology - Sports Injury and Illness Surveillance Statement were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Eleven studies were included in the review. Match injury incidence ranged from 38 to 88.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure, whereas training injury incidence varied from 0.4 to 2.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure. Injuries of traumatic origin accounted for 76% to 96.6% of all injuries, with contusions and lacerations being the most common. Severe injuries accounted for 7.8% - 20% of all injuries. The lower extremities were the most susceptible to injury, comprising 27% to 53.7% of all reported injuries. Professional male ice hockey players are exposed to a substantial risk of injury during competitions, with lower extremities being the most commonly affected body part. The majority of injuries are traumatic and severe injuries account for a notable portion of overall injury cases.

In-Season Match Demands Of Men’s Collegiate Soccer: A Comparison By Half, Position, Match Outcome, Match Location, And Competition Phase

The purpose of this study was to quantify athlete external workload by half, position, match outcome, match location, and competition phase (e.g., conference vs non-conference) during match play across a men’s NCAA DIII soccer season. Throughout the competitive season, 16 soccer players wore a GPS device in 17 matches. Workload metrics collected were: total distance (TD), distance per minute (D/min), distance in speed zones (SZ) 1-5, sprint efforts, sprint distance (SD), top speed, accelerations, player load (PL), and player load per minute (PL/min). TD (4164±1235 m), PL (169±52 AU) D/min (116±20 m/min), PL/min (4.7±0.8 AU), SD (80±55 m), accelerations (32±14), decelerations (35±14), PP (30±10), SZ2 (1520±469 m), and SZ3 (582±222 m) were significantly higher in the 1st half of play. Forwards demonstrated significantly higher top speeds (9.5±2.0 m/s) than midfielders (8.0±1.1 m/s) and defenders (7.7±1.2 m/s). PL (309.45±83.86 AU), D/min (216.82±59.26 m/min), PL/min (8.76±2.26 AU/min), top speed (15.82±3.41 m/s), SZ3 (1059.45±403.27 m) and SZ4 (139.52±75.78 m) were significantly greater in matches that resulted in wins. However, SZ5 (20.59 ± 23 m) was significantly greater during matches that resulted in losses. PL (321.73±93.38 AU), D/min (229.26±74.58 m/min), PL/min (9.24±2.84 AU/min), top speed (16.03±4.43 m/s), SZ2 (2819.48±891.09 m), SZ3 (1130.63±460.09 m), SZ4 (150.33±80.52 m) SZ5 (20.84±22.86 m) were significantly greater during home matches. PL (321.85±88.79 AU), D/min (228.2±64.66 m/min), PL/min (9.16±2.45 AU/min), SZ2 (2850.53±795.83 m), SZ3 (1145.27±456.34 m), and SZ4 (142.49±74.89 m), were significantly greater during nonconference matches. SZ5 (19.23 ± 22.87 m) was significantly greater during conference matches. Match workloads help coaches identify physical demands needed to compete. Tailoring training and monitoring accumulated fatigue will allow coaches to optimize team performance.

A comparison of activity demands between trial matches and in-season matches across multiple teams and seasons in semi-professional, male rugby league players.

Trial matches are frequently used for team preparation in rugby league competitions, making it essential to understand the demands experienced to assess their specificity to actual competition. Consequently, this study aimed to compare the activity demands between pre-season trial matches and early in-season rugby league matches. Following a repeated-measures observational design, 39 semi-professional, male rugby league players from two clubs were monitored using microsensors during two trial matches and the first two in-season matches across two consecutive seasons. Total distance, average speed, peak speed, absolute and relative high-speed running (HSR; > 18 km · h-1) and low-speed running (LSR; < 18 km · h-1) distance, as well as absolute and relative impacts, accelerations (total and high-intensity > 3 m · s-2), and decelerations (total and high-intensity < -3 m · s-2) were measured. Linear mixed models and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to compare variables between match types. Playing duration was greater for in-season matches (p < 0.001, d = 0.64). Likewise, higher (p < 0.001, d = 0.45-0.70) activity volumes were evident during in-season matches indicated via total distance, HSR distance, LSR distance, total accelerations, high-intensity accelerations, total decelerations, and high-intensity decelerations. Regarding activity intensities, a higher average speed (p = 0.008, d = 0.31) and relative LSR distance (p = 0.005, d = 0.31) only were encountered during in-season matches. Despite players completing less volume, the average activity intensities and impact demands were mostly similar between trial and early in-season matches. These findings indicate trial matches might impose suitable activity stimuli to assist players in preparing for early in-season activity intensities.

Preseason Body Composition Is Associated With In-season Player Availability in Elite Male Australian Footballers.

McCaskie, CJ, Sim, M, Newton, RU, Heasman, J, Rogalski, B, and Hart, NH. Preseason body composition is associated with in-season player availability in elite male Australian footballers. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1089-1095, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine whether end of preseason body composition characteristics was associated with in-season match availability and injury. Sixty ( n = 60) elite Australian football players had body composition characteristics assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry across 3 seasons (2016, 2018, and 2021). Match availability and injury were recorded throughout each season. Pearson's correlations were calculated to assess the associations between body composition and in-season match availability and injury. Logistic regression models were used to assess the odds of missing games as a result of injury throughout a season. Regional lean soft tissue mass asymmetry and its relationship to injury and availability was explored. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Body composition characteristics expressed as relative values seemed to be more highly associated with in-season availability and injury than characteristics expressed as absolute values. Players with lower relative fat mass (FM) (<12.1% total body FM) were available for 89.7% of in-season matches compared with 80.7% for players with higher relative FM (>12.1% total body FM). Subsequently, players with higher relative FM had 3.3-3.5 times greater odds of missing one game to injury (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-11.14; p ≤ 0.05) and missing 2 or more games to injury (OR = 3.50; 95% CI = 1.20-10.20; p ≤ 0.05) throughout a season compared with players with lower relative FM. Higher proportions of fat mass may accelerate the onset of fatigue and place players at a greater risk of injury. Reducing players' FM across the preseason phase should be a key aim for practitioners to reduce the odds of injury throughout the competitive season.

Pre-season body composition has minimal influence on in-season match availability, and match performance in female Australian Football League (AFLW) players.

This study examined the relationship between pre-season body composition, in-season match performance, and match availability in female players competing in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. With the outlawing of body composition assessments as part of pre-draft player evaluations in the AFLW, this study seeks to examine whether this is justified. Twenty-two (n = 22) players had body composition assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the beginning of the 2021 AFLW pre-season (whole-body and regional fat mass and lean soft-tissue mass [LSTM]). In-season match availability and match performance data (Coaches Score [CS], Champion Data Player Rank, average disposals, disposal and kicking efficiency) were collected throughout the 2021 competition. Pearson correlations were performed to assess if associations existed between body composition and in-season match performance and availability. A median split was performed to divide players into higher and lower performing groups for match performance variables. Two-sample independent t-tests were then used to assess differences between groups. No body composition characteristics could differentiate between in-season match availability groups (100% availability vs. <100% availability) or higher and lower performing groups for all match performance variables. Total leg LSTM asymmetry shared a moderate negative association with CS. Body composition may not be important for determining in-season match availability and performance in female AFLW players. Thus, the repercussions following the removal of pre-draft body composition assessments across the league may not be as significant as is currently perceived. Other physiological, biomechanical, or performance qualities are more variable and may mask the effect of body composition in these players. AFLW practitioners should prioritize the development of other important attributes, such as aerobic fitness, muscular strength and power, and technical skill.

Effect of Training/Competition Load and Scheduling on Sleep Characteristics in Professional Rugby League Athletes.

Conlan, G, McLean, B, Kemp, J, and Duffield, R. Effect of training/competition load and scheduling on sleep characteristics in professional rugby league athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3390-3397, 2022-This study examined the effect of training/competition load, scheduling, and associated factors on sleep behavior in professional rugby league athletes. Sleep characteristics were assessed in 26 professional rugby league athletes using wrist-mounted actigraphy and nightly sleep diaries. Sleep actigraphy assessed the time into and out of bed, the duration in bed, sleep duration, efficiency, latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and the awakening length. Sleep was measured during 3 different weeks: (a) preseason low training load (TL) (2,356 ± 322 AU), (b) preseason high TL (3,542 ± 445 AU), and (c) in-season match week (1,526 ± 409 AU). The influences of internal TL (session rating of perceived exertion load), training schedule, age, and training location on sleep behavior were analyzed. Repeated-measures 2-way analysis of variance and effect size analyses (d) compared sleep variables between training weeks. The mean weekly sleep duration was significantly lower during high TL week (5 hours 53minutes ± 14 min/night; p = 0.015, d = 0.59) compared with the low TL (6 hours 25minutes ± 8 min·night -1 ) or match weeks (6 hours 26minutes ± 10 min·night -1 ; p = 0.02, d = 2.04). Reduced sleep duration in the high TL week occurred alongside earlier out-of-bed times compared with the low TL ( p = 0.003, d = 1.46) and match weeks ( p = 0.001, d = 5.99). Regardless, the lowest sleep duration was on match night ( p = 0.0001, d = 1.22). Earlier training start times resulted in earlier wake times ( p = 0.003, d = 4.84), shorter in-bed durations ( p = 0.0001, d = 0.62), and shorter sleep durations ( p = 0.002, d = 0.32). Younger athletes slept for longer durations ( p = 0.029, d = 1.70) and perceived their sleep quality to be superior ( p = 0.006, d = 14.94) compared with older athletes. Sleep attained by rugby league athletes is influenced by training and competition schedules, with early training start times and late-night matches being primary drivers of sleep behavior. Coaching staff should have awareness surrounding the implications of training and playing schedules on athlete sleeping patterns.

National Rugby League match scheduling and rate of concussion

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between pre-match rest days, match location, time of season, and match outcome with diagnosed concussion and use of the Concussion Interchange Rule (CIR) during the 2014 NRL season. DesignDescriptive observational study. MethodsThis study reviewed all instances of diagnosed concussions, CIR activations, and match characteristics during the 2014 NRL season. Information pertaining to the use of the CIR was obtained from the league. Each club provided information of diagnosed concussion. ResultsA total of 402 NRL games were analyzed, the concussion interchange rule was activated 167 times, and 60 concussions were diagnosed in 53 of the matches. A significantly greater proportion of concussions occurred during the first match of the season (38% vs. 15% of in-season matches; p=0.02). Days of rest, match location, season stage, and match outcome were not associated with a higher proportion of concussions. Furthermore, we did not detect a significant association between CIR activation and days of rest prior to the match, opponent rest prior to the match, match location, round of the season, or match outcome. ConclusionsA significantly greater proportion of concussions were diagnosed during the first match of the season. Days between matches, opponent days of rest, match location, or other rounds (aside from round 1) of the season were not associated with CIR activation or diagnosed concussion. Varied game scheduling during the season does not appear to be associated with increased risk for concussion or use of the CIR in the NRL.

The influence of pre-season training loads on in-season match activities in professional Australian football players

ABSTRACTObjectives: To determine the impact of pre-season training loads on in-season match activity profiles in professional Australian football (AF) players.Methods: Forty-four professional AF players participated in this study. Sixty-nine pre-season training and in-season match profiles were monitored using global positioning system (GPS) microtechnology and technical statistics across two seasons. Technical performance was measured as the Player Rank score provided by Champion Data. Players were divided into three equal training load groups based on total distance accumulated during pre-season.Results: Players in the high training load (HTL) group performed more relative total and high-speed distance in matches compared with the moderate (MTL; ES = 0.73–0.86) and low (LTL; ES = 0.68–1.31) training load groups, with the differences becoming greater as the season progressed. There were no clear differences in Player Rank score between groups. There were positive relationships between pre-season high-speed running and match relative distance (p = 0.001; r = 0.417; r2 = 0.174) and match relative high-speed running (p = 0.001; r = 0.561; r2 = 0.314), which were greatest in the HTL group.Conclusions: High pre-season training loads are associated with increased physical match activities, but do not appear to impact technical performance.

Preliminary results on organization on the court, physical and technical performance of Brazilian professional futsal players: comparison between friendly pre-season and official match

The main aim of this study was to verify possible differences between a friendly pre-season match (FM) and an official in-season match (OM) regarding physical, technical, and organizational performances of a professional Brazilian futsal team. Ten professional futsal athletes participated in this study. The matches were monitored with video cameras (30 Hz) and athlete trajectories obtained with automatic tracking. The values obtained for distance covered per minute, percentage of distance covered at moderate intensity, team coverage area, spread, passes, possessions, ball touches and successful passes per minute were greater for the OM than FM. On the contrary, percentage of distance covered, standing and walking was greater for the FM than OM. We concluded that physical, technical, and tactical performances are different between a FM and an OM in futsal and also these parameters mutually influenced each other distinctly. Future studies should verify whether pre-season tournaments reproduce similar demands to a regular season official match.

Defence Efficacy in Practice and Competition. A Case Study in Women’s Volleyball

The aim of this study was to compare the player positions, situations, techniques, and efficacy in defence between practice and competition for a women’s professional volleyball team. The sample was a Spanish professional women’s volleyball team. The defence actions carried out in three sessions of the competitive season and two in-season matches were studied (794 rallies in practice and 166 rallies in competition). The variables studied were: actions done, defence zone, player role, type of attack, court defence technique, game phase, situations, level of execution of the defence team system, block efficacy, defence efficacy, and result of the rally for the analysed team. Descriptive and inferential analyses of the data were done (Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-Square Test and likelihood ratio). Differences in defence systems and efficacies were found between practice and competition. A higher collective efficacy was found in competition, and higher levels of individual block and defence efficacies were found in practice. The results show the need to reconsider the way match analysis is done. Consideration should not only be given to the actions done with the ball when analysing players’ performance.

Planejamento e monitoramento da carga de treinamento durante o período competitivo no basquetebol

This study aimed to examine the relationships between the difficulty of the matches (difficulty scheduled at the beginning of the season [DBS] and the in-season match difficulty [DIS]) and the weekly internal training load (ITL) in twelve professional male basketball players (25.3±4.8 years, 97.6±14.9kg, and 195.8±10.2cm) during a in-season period. DBS was determined before the commencement of the competitive season, and DIS due to reassessing DBS on a weekly basis. ITL was determined by means of session-RPE method. Significant correlations (p<0.05) were verified between DBS and DIS (r=0.86), DBS and ITL (− 0.59), and DIS and ITL (- 0.65). The greater coefficient of relationship between DIS and ITL suggest a key role of reassessing the difficulty of the matches on a weekly basis to provide appropriate information to coaches regard planning and monitoring in-season training loads.

Quantification of tackling demands in professional Australian football using integrated wearable athlete tracking technology

To describe and quantify the frequency, velocity and acceleration at impact during tackling in Australian football using a combination of video and athlete tracking technology. Quasi-experimental. Data was collected from twenty professional Australian Football League players during four in-season matches. All tackles made by the player and those against the player were video-coded and time stamped at the point of contact and then subjectively categorised into low, medium and high intensity impact groups. Peak GPS and acceleration data were identified at the point of contact. Two-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences (p<0.05) between tackle type (made and against) and tackle intensity. A total of 173 tackles made and 179 tackles against were recorded. Significant differences were found between all tackle intensity groups. Peak velocity was significantly greater in high (19.5±6.1 k mh(-1)) compared to medium (13.4±5.8 k mh(-1)) and low intensity (11.3±5.0 k mh(-1)) tackles. Peak Player Load, a modified vector magnitude of tri-axial acceleration, was significantly greater in high (7.5±1.7 a.u.) compared to medium (4.9±1.5 a.u.) and low intensity (4.0±1.3 a.u.) tackles. High intensity tackles, although less frequent, are significantly greater in speed of movement immediately prior to contact and in the resultant impact acceleration compared to tackles of lower intensity. Differences in accelerometer data between tackles observed to be progressively greater in intensity suggest a level of ecological validity and provide preliminary support for the use of accelerometers to assess impact forces in contact invasion sports.

A comparison of the activity demands of elite and sub-elite Australian men's basketball competition

The purpose of the study was to describe the differences in the activity demands of sub-elite and elite Australian men's basketball competition. Ten elite (age 28.3 ± 4.9 years, mass 97.0 ± 13.9 kg, height 197.4 ± 8.3 cm) and 12 sub-elite (age 26.1 ± 5.3 years, mass 85.9 ± 13.2 kg, height 191.4 ± 7.6 cm) Australian basketball players participated in the study. Player activity was analysed using video-based time–motion analysis across multiple in-season matches. Customized analytical software was used to calculate player activity into frequencies, mean and total durations (s), and mean and total distances (m) for standing/walking, jogging, running, sprinting, low shuffling, high shuffling, and dribbling movements. Only movement frequency was calculated for jumping and upper body activity. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that elite players performed significantly more total movement changes (P <0.001), and experienced greater activity workloads while jogging (P <0.01) and running (P <0.002). In contrast, sub-elite players performed significantly more standing/walking (P <0.023) and sprinting (P <0.003) activities. These data suggest that elite basketball competition requires a greater intermittent workload and more sustained activity demands, whereas sub-elite competition may involve greater bursts of activity and longer recovery periods. These differences are likely to reflect variations in player skill and fitness, as well as playing structure between playing standards.