Relative Total Distance Research Articles

Physical Activity and Physiological Profiles of Elite International Female Field Hockey Players Across the Quarters of Competitive Match Play.

McGuinness, A, Malone, S, Hughes, B, and Collins, K. Physical activity and physiological profiles of elite international female field hockey players across the quarters of competitive match play. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2513-2522, 2019-The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey across the quarters of match-play. Twenty-seven elite international female field hockey outfield players (23 ± 3 years; 162.6 ± 13.0 cm; 66.0 ± 6.0 kg) participated in the current observational study during the 2016-2017 season. Participants were monitored using global positioning system technology and HR monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total distance (in meters), relative total distance (m·min), low-, moderate-, and high-intensity distance (m), maximum velocity (km·h), and percentage maximal velocity (%). Physiological demands were quantified through players peak heart rate (HRPeak), which was classified based on the player's individual HRmax determined using a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 38 ± 8 minutes in match play. The total distance covered was 4,847 ± 583 m (127.6 ± 15.6 m·min). Defenders covered a greater total distance across all 3 positions (p = ≤ 0.05). The midfielders covered a greater moderate-intensity distance (p ≤ 0.001), whereas the forwards covered more high-intensity distance (p ≤ 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 198 ± 4 b·min with a mean exercise intensity of 95 ± 1% HRmax. The time spent >70% HRmax decreased significantly across the quarters (p = 0.01, η = 0.03). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRmax when compared with other positions (p ≤ 0.001, η = 0.28). The current study provides normative data that coaches should consider when developing training drills to better optimize the positional physical and physiological activity profiles that best replicate match play.

Positional Comparisons in the Impact of Fatigue on Movement Patterns in Hockey.

To examine the influence of the match period on the movement patterns of hockey players according to their playing positions under the introduction of quarters (QTRs). Sixteen subelite-level Spanish National League male hockey players participated in the study (age: 25.5 [2.9]y; body mass: 74.6 [5.5]kg). Global positioning system devices were used to monitor players' running performance during 17 competitive matches (113 match-play profiles). Only players who played for at least 85% of the game were analyzed. Players were placed into 3 position categories: backs, midfielders, and forwards. Moderate to large differences in relative total distance were found between midfielders and both backs and forwards in all QTRs (effect size [ES]: 0.4-1.2). ES for total distance was moderate for midfielders when compared with backs during the first QTR (moderate ES: 0.7). Midfielders and forwards covered more distance (m and m·min-1) in high-velocity zones than backs (ES: 0.6). Acceleration activities (n·min-1) at moderate and high intensities decreased in all groups across QTRs with moderate to very large ES (ES: 0.4-1.4). Relative sprinting distance decreased in backs (ES: 0.8). Backs had fewer repeated-sprint bouts (n and n·min-1) as the game progressed (ES: 1.0). During competitive match play, a degree of positional variation can be observed across QTRs. The relative distance and the number of accelerations and decelerations at moderate and high intensity decreased across QTRs. No between-QTRs differences in high-speed activity were reported.

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.

Whole, half and peak running demands during club and international youth rugby league match-play

ABSTRACTObjectives: To quantify, and compare, the whole- half- and peak-match running demands of professional club and international under-16 rugby league match-play.Methods: Four professional Club (n = 30) and two International (n = 23) under-16 matches were analysed using 10-Hz micro-technology units, with players analysed according to positional groups. Absolute (m) and relative (RD; m.min–1) total, high speed (>5 m·s–1; HSR) and sprint (>7 m·s–1) distance were analysed for whole- and half-match alongside maximum velocity (VMAX; m.s–1). Peak running demands were determined via moving averages of RD for 10, 30, and 60- to 600-seconds.Results: International forwards had most likely higher whole match relative sprint and VMAX, and 1st half RD than club level, and had very likely higher peak running demands at 60-, 180- and 600-second durations. For backs, whole game RD was most likely higher and total and sprint distance was likely higher at club level matches. Peak RD was also very likely higher for club backs at 10- and 60-seconds. Conclusions: The running demand differences between club and international level at the under-16 age group are position dependent, with greater running demands at club level match play for backs, but at the international level of forwards.

Concurrent Validity of a Rugby-Specific Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1) for Assessing Match-Related Running Performance.

Dobbin, N, Highton, J, Moss, SL, Hunwicks, R, and Twist, C. Concurrent validity of a rugby-specific Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1) for assessing match-related running performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 176-182, 2021-This study investigated the concurrent validity of a rugby-specific high-intensity intermittent running test against the internal, external, and perceptual responses to simulated match play. Thirty-six rugby league players (age 18.5 ± 1.8 years; stature 181.4 ± 7.6 cm; body mass 83.5 ± 9.8 kg) completed the prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo IR1), of which 16 also completed the Yo-Yo IR1, and 2 × ∼20 minute bouts of a simulated match play (rugby league match simulation protocol for interchange players [RLMSP-i]). Most likely reductions in relative total, low-speed and high-speed distance, mean speed, and time above 20 W·kg-1 (high metabolic power [HMP]) were observed between bouts of the RLMSP-i. Likewise, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak) were very likely and likely higher during the second bout. Pearson's correlations revealed a large relationship for the change in relative distance (r = 0.57-0.61) between bouts with both Yo-Yo IR1 tests. The prone Yo-Yo IR1 was more strongly related to the RLMSP-i for change in repeated sprint speed (r = 0.78 cf. 0.56), mean speed (r = 0.64 cf. 0.36), HMP (r = 0.48 cf. 0.25), fatigue index (r = 0.71 cf. 0.63), %HRpeak (r = -0.56 cf. -0.35), RPEbout1 (r = -0.44 cf. -0.14), and RPEbout2 (r = -0.68 cf. -0.41) than the Yo-Yo IR1, but not for blood lactate concentration (r = -0.20 to -0.28 cf. -0.35 to -0.49). The relationships between prone Yo-Yo IR1 distance and measures of load during the RLMSP-i suggest that it possesses concurrent validity and is more strongly associated with measures of training or match load than the Yo-Yo IR1 using rugby league players.

Physical Preparation Factors That Influence Technical and Physical Match Performance in Professional Australian Football.

To examine the collective influence of a range of physical preparation elements on selected performance measures during Australian football match play. Prospective and longitudinal. Data were collected from 34 professional Australian football players from the same club during the 2016 Australian Football League competition season. Match activity profiles and acute (7-d) and chronic (3-wk) training loads were collected using global positioning system devices. Training response was measured by well-being questionnaires completed prior to the main training session each week. Maximal aerobic running speed (MAS) was estimated by a 2-km time trial conducted during preseason. Coach ratings were collected from the senior coach and 4 assistants after each match on a 5-point Likert scale. Player ratings were obtained from a commercial statistics provider. Fifteen matches were analyzed. Linear mixed models were constructed to examine the collective influence of training-related factors on 4 performance measures. Muscle soreness had a small positive effect (ES: 0.12) on Champion Data rating points. Three-week average high-speed running distance had a small negative effect (ES: 0.14) on coach ratings. MAS had large to moderate positive effects (ES: 0.55 to 0.47) on relative total and high-speed running distances. Acute total and chronic average total running distance had small positive (ES: 0.13) and negative (ES: 0.14) effects on relative total and high-speed running distance performed during matches, respectively. MAS should be developed to enhance players' running performance during competition. Monitoring of physical preparation data may assist in reducing injury and illness and increasing player availability but not enhance football performance.

Physical fitness and peak running periods during female Australian football match-play

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the influence of physical fitness on peak periods of match-play.Methods: Forty-three female Australian footballers from three teams wore global positioning system units in matches during one competitive season. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1) was conducted as an estimate of physical fitness. One-, two-, three-, four- and five-minute rolling periods were analysed in order to determine the “peak” and “subsequent” periods during match-play.Results: Midfielders covered greater distances during peak periods than half-line players (Effect size, ES range = 0.33–0.86; likelihood ≥76%). Nomeaningful differences were reported between positional groups for high-speed distances during the peak periods, with the exception of half-liners covering greater distance during the 1-minute period (ES = 0.38; likelihood = 80%).Higher fitness players covered greater peak total and high-speed (ES range = 0.70–1.16; likelihood ≥94%) distances than lower fitness players, irrespective of position. Higher fitness midfielders covered greater high-speed distances during the 1 to 3-minute subsequent periods than lower fitness midfielders (ES range = 0.46–0.71; likelihood ≥81%). Half-liners with greater Yo-Yo performances covered greater relative total and low-speed (ES range = 0.47–0.70; likelihood ≥76%) distances during the subsequent periods than lower fitness players.Conclusion: Developing physical fitness may enable greater peak and subsequent period performances and improve players’ abilities to maintain higher average match intensities.

Physical demands and technical performance in Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition match-play

ObjectivesTo compare positional differences in the physical and technical demands of Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) match-play. A secondary aim was to examine the time course changes in activity profiles during AFLW match-play. DesignLongitudinal observational study. MethodsGlobal positioning system data were collected from 26 players (6 positional groups) from the same club during seven AFLW matches. Absolute and relative physical performance data were categorised into total distance, high-speed running (>14.4kmh−1, HSR), very high-speed running (>18.0kmh−1, VHSR), and sprinting distance (>20.0kmh−1, Sprint). Technical performance data was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A mixed model analysis was used to examine differences between positional groups and playing quarters. ResultsAbsolute measures of running performance did not differ between position groups. Relative total distance was moderately greater (ES=∼0.80, p<0.05) for midfielders, small backs and small forwards (125–128mmin−1) than tall backs and tall forwards (102–107mmin−1). Relative HSR distance was greater (ES=∼0.73) for midfielders and small backs (∼28mmin−1) than tall backs (17mmin−1). Analysis of technical performance indicators showed: midfielders and small forwards had the most inside 50s; tall backs had the highest number of rebound 50s; tall forwards scored more goals; while midfielders made more tackles (p<0.05). All relative running performance measures were reduced in the fourth quarter when compared to the first and second quarters (ES=0.32–0.77). ConclusionsThese data can be used as benchmarks for temporal analysis of AFLW match demands and assist in developing specific training strategies.

Factors affecting physical match activity and skill involvement in youth soccer

ABSTRACTObjectives: To examine the factors affecting both physical and technical match activity in youth soccer.Methods: Activity profiles (physical) and skill involvements (technical) were collected from 160 players (aged 11–17 years) across one season in a recreational, school-based soccer program. Team coaches selected players into playing levels and playing positions, and individual fitness characteristics were obtained. Three linear mixed models examined the influence of playing level, playing position and individual fitness characteristics on both physical (relative total distance; TD; m·min–1, relative high-speed running distance; HSR; m·min–1) and technical match activity (relative skill involvements; involvements·min–1).Results: Midfielders performed higher TD (attackers: –5.6%, fullbacks: –7.6%, central defenders: –13.6%) and skill involvements (attackers: –25.4%, fullbacks: –21.8%, central defenders: –27.3%) compared to all other positions. Attackers performed the most (11.3%), and central defenders the least HSR distance (–22.2%). Individual fitness characteristics were positively associated with both TD and HSR. Skill involvement was also increased by TD.Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex interaction of factors influencing developmental opportunities during soccer match play. As playing position was shown to influence match activity in the present cohort, varying positions is important to maximise skill and physical development opportunities in young soccer players.

Interchange rotation factors and player characteristics influence physical and technical performance in professional Australian Rules football

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of match-related and individual player characteristics on activity profile and technical performance during rotations in professional Australian football. DesignLongitudinal observational study. MethodsGlobal positioning system data and player rating scores were collected from 33 professional Australian football players during 15 Australian football League matches. Player rating scores were time aligned with their relative total and high-speed running (HSR) distance (>20kmh−1) for each on ground rotation. Individual players’ maximal aerobic running speed (MAS) was determined from a two-kilometre trial. A multilevel linear mixed model was used to examine the influence of rotations on physical activity profiles and skill execution during match play. ResultsRotation duration and accumulated distance resulted in a trivial-to-moderate reduction in relative total and HSR distances as well as relative rating points. The number of disposals in a rotation had a small positive effect on relative total and HSR distances and a large positive effect on relative rating points. MAS was associated with a moderate-to-large increase in relative total distance, but had a large negative effect on relative rating points. Previous rotation time, stoppages and the number of rotations in the quarter had a trivial-to-small negative effect on relative total and HSR distances. A greater speed (mmin−1) was associated with a trivial increase in rating points during a rotation, while there was a trivial decrease in relative total distance as rating points increased. ConclusionThe complex relationship between factors that influence activity profile and technical performance during rotations in Australian football needs to be considered when interpreting match 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.

Factors Affecting Match Running Performance in Professional Australian Football.

To examine the influence of a range of individual player characteristics and match-related factors on activity profiles during professional Australian football matches. Global positioning system (GPS) profiles were collected from 34 professional Australian football players from the same club over 15 competition matches. GPS data were classified into relative total and high-speed running (HSR; >20 km/h) distances. Individual player aerobic fitness was determined from a 2-km time trial conducted during the preseason. Each match was classified according to match location, season phase, recovery length, opposition strength, and match outcome. The total number of stoppages during the match was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A linear mixed model was constructed to examine the influence of player characteristics and match-related factors on both relative total and HSR outputs. Player aerobic fitness had a large effect on relative total and HSR distances. Away matches and matches lost produced only small reductions in relative HSR distances, while the number of rotations also had a small positive effect. Matches won, more player rotations, and playing against strong opposition all resulted in small to moderate increases in relative total distance, while early season phase, increased number of stoppages, and away matches resulted in small to moderate reductions in relative total distance. There is a likely interplay of factors that influence running performance during Australian football matches. The results highlight the need to consider a variety of contextual factors when interpreting physical output from matches.

Movement Patterns and Metabolic Responses During an International Rugby Sevens Tournament.

To investigate the running demands and associated metabolic perturbations during an official rugby sevens tournament. Twelve elite players participated in 7 matches wearing GPS units. Maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) were measured. High-intensity threshold was individualized relative to MAS (>100% of MAS), and very-high-intensity distance was reported relative to both MAS and MSS. Blood samples were taken at rest and after each match. Comparison of prematch and postmatch samples revealed significant (P < .01) changes in pH (7.41-7.25), bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3-]) (24.8-13.6 mmol/L), and lactate concentration ([La]) (2.4-11.9 mmol/L). Mean relative total distance covered was 91 ± 13 m/min with ~17 m/min at high-intensity. Player status (whole-match or interchanged players), match time, and total distance covered had no significant impact on metabolic indices. Relative distance covered at high intensity was negatively correlated with pH and [HCO3-] (r = .44 and r = .42, respectively; P < .01) and positively correlated with [La] (r = .36; P < .01). Total distance covered and distance covered at very high intensity during the 1-min peak activity in the last 3 min of play were correlated with [La] (r = .39 and r = .39, respectively; P < .01). Significant alterations in blood-metabolite indices from prematch to postmatch sampling suggest that players were required to tolerate a substantial level of acidosis related to metabolite accumulation. In addition, the ability to produce energy via the glycolytic energy pathway seems to be a major determinant in match-related running performance.

Relationship Between External and Internal Loads of Professional Soccer Players During Full Matches in Official Games Using Global Positioning Systems and Heart-Rate Technology

To analyze the match running profile, distance traveled over successive 15 min of match play, heart rates (HRs), and index of performance efficiency (effindex) of professional soccer players with a global positioning system (GPS) and HR in official competition. Twenty-six professional players were investigated during full matches in competitive club-level matches (N = 223). Time-motion data and HR were collected using GPS and HR technology. The relative total distance was 113 ± 11 m/min, with substantial differences between halves. For all playing positions, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at >13.0 km/h was observed in the second half in comparison with the first. The decrease during the second half in distance covered at >13.0 km/h was substantially higher than in total distance. The average HR recorded was 86.0% maximal HR, and the relationship between external and internal load (effindex) was 1.3, with substantial differences between halves in all playing positions, except strikers for effindex. Wide midfielders reflected substantially the lowest mean HR and highest effindex, whereas center backs showed substantially the lowest effindex of all playing positions. The current study confirmed the decrement in a player's performance toward the end of a match in all playing positions. Wide midfielders displayed the highest and fittest levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively, whereas center backs had the lowest and least-fit levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively. The position-specific relationship between external and internal load confirms that players with more overall running performance during the full match were the best in effindex.

Factors affecting exercise intensity in professional rugby league match-play.

To examine the effects of match-related and individual player characteristics on running performance in professional rugby league matches. Longitudinal observational study. Global positioning system (GPS) and technical performance measures (attacking involvements and tackles made) were collected from 23 players competing in the National Rugby League (NRL) over 24 matches during a season. The GPS data were categorised into relative total distance (mmin(-1)) and relative high-speed running distance (HSR mmin(-1), >14.4kmh(-1)). Each match was classified according to season phase, location, recovery length, opposition strength and result. Individual player fitness status was obtained from a 1.2-km shuttle run test conducted prior to the start of the season. Two separate linear mixed models were constructed to examine the influence of match-related and individual player characteristics on relative total and HSR distances. Matches played away from home, early in the season and following short recovery cycles were associated with reduced relative total and HSR distances. Matches won contained less relative total and HSR distance; whereas only HSR distance was higher against weaker opposition. The total time the ball was out of play reduced relative total but not HSR distances. The number of defensive but not attacking involvements influenced both physical performance measures. Finally, player fitness was positively related to both relative total and HSR distances. There appears to be a complex interplay of factors affecting match-running performance in rugby league. The results underline the importance of considering contextual factors when analysing rugby league match-activity profiles.

Effect of different between-match recovery times on the activity profiles and injury rates of national rugby league players.

Professional rugby league competition does not coincide with a standardized amount of recovery between matches; matches can be separated by as many as 10 days and as few as 5 days. These variations in recovery time could influence the match activity profiles and injury rates of players. This study investigated the effect of different between-match recovery times on the activity profiles and injury rates of National Rugby League (NRL) players. Forty-three elite male rugby league players participated in this study. Between-match recovery cycles were defined as short (separated by 5 or 6 days), medium (separated by 7 or 8 days), and long (separated by 9 or 10 days) recovery. Movement was recorded using a commercially available microtechnology unit, which provided information on speed, distance, and repeated high-intensity effort activity. Injuries sustained in either training or match play, which resulted in a missed match, were recorded. Significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) relative total distance was covered after matches involving short recovery than those involving medium (effect size [ES] = 1.13) or long (ES = 1.08) recovery periods. This difference was because of greater low-speed activity. Injury rates for the adjustables positional group were the highest after short between-match recovery cycles, whereas the injury rates of hit-up forwards and outside backs positional groups were the highest after long between-match recovery cycles. These findings suggest that the activity profiles of NRL match play and the injury rates of specific playing positions are influenced by the amount of recovery between matches. The differences in the activity profiles and injury rates between short, medium, and long between-match recovery cycles should be considered when developing recovery strategies for professional rugby league players.

Technical and Physical Performance over an English Championship League Season

The English Championship League (ECL) has a demanding ten-month schedule possibly exposing players to residual fatigue if they play the majority of matches. When present, residual fatigue may be evidenced by reduced physical and technical match performances as the season advances. The aim of this study was to investigate if differences in physical and technical performance occurred across a season for 11 ECL footballers who played the majority of matches that season. From the home matches analysed, only total distance covered was different ( p = 0.0258), where it peaked at mid-season compared to two months later ( p = 0.0104). Team possession remained stable throughout the season. Relative total distance covered by the team when in possession was 72 m/min less ( p &lt; 0.0001) than out of possession. In summary, maintaining possession during matches may reduce physical demands imposed on players and help preserve performance throughout the season.

Effects of Physical, Technical, and Tactical Factors on Final Ladder Position in Semiprofessional Rugby League

A limitation of most rugby league time-motion studies is that researchers have examined the demands of single teams, with no investigations of all teams in an entire competition. This study investigated the activity profiles and technical and tactical performances of successful and less-successful teams throughout an entire rugby league competition. In total, 185 rugby league players representing 11 teams from a semiprofessional competition participated in this study. Global positioning system analysis was completed across the entire season. Video footage from individual matches was also coded via notational analysis for technical and tactical performance of teams. Trivial to small differences were found among Top 4, Middle 4, and Bottom 4 teams for absolute and relative total distances covered and distances covered at low speeds. Small, nonsignificant differences (P = .054, ES = 0.31) were found between groups for the distance covered sprinting, with Top 4 teams covering greater sprinting distances than Bottom 4 teams. Top 4 teams made more meters in attack and conceded fewer meters in defense than Bottom 4 teams. Bottom 4 teams had a greater percentage of slow play-the-balls in defense than Top 4 teams (74.8% ± 7.3% vs 67.2% ± 8.3%). Middle 4 teams showed the greatest reduction in high-speed running from the first to the second half (-20.4%), while Bottom 4 teams completed 14.3% more high-speed running in the second half than in the first half. These findings demonstrate that a combination of activity profiles and technical and tactical performance are associated with playing success in semiprofessional rugby league players.

Re-examination of the post half-time reduction in soccer work-rate

ObjectivesTo re-examine the work-rate of soccer players immediately after a passive half-time interval with an alternative approach to data reduction and statistical contrasts. DesignTime–motion analysis data (5Hz global positioning system), were collected from 20 elite youth players (age: 17±1 years) during 21 competitive league fixtures (5±3 matches per player). MethodsPhysical performances were categorised into total distance covered, total low-speed running (0–14.9kmh−1) and total high-speed running (15.0–35.0kmh−1). These dependent variables were subsequently time averaged into pre-determined periods of 5-, 15- and 45-min duration, and expressed in relative (mmin−1) terms to allow direct comparisons between match periods of different lengths. During the 15-min half-time interval players were passive (seated rest). ResultsThere was a large reduction in relative total distance covered (effect size – standardised mean difference – 1.85), low-speed running (effect size −1.74) and high-speed running (effect size −1.37) during the opening 5-min phase of the second half (46–50min) when compared to the first half mean (0–45min). When comparing the 51–55 and 56–60-min periods, effect sizes were trivial for relative total distance covered (effect size −0.13; −0.04), low-speed running (effect size −0.10; −0.11) and small/trivial for high-speed running (−0.39; 0.11). ConclusionsUsing a more robust analytical approach, the findings of this study support and extend previous research demonstrating that players work-rate was markedly lower in the first 5-min after a passive half-time interval, although we observed this phenomenon to be transient in nature. Time–motion analysts might re-consider their data reduction methods and comparators to distinguish within-match player work-rate trends.

Relationship of Calidris Sandpiper Wing Shape with Relative Fuel Load and Total Migration Distance

Relationship of Calidris Sandpiper Wing Shape with Relative Fuel Load and Total Migration Distance