Mechanical Determinants of Sprinting and Change of Direction in Elite Female Field Hockey Players.

Profile determination in field hockey is critical to determining athletes' physical strengths and weaknesses, and is key in planning, programming, and monitoring training. This study pursued two primary objectives: (i) to provide descriptive data on sprinting, deceleration, and change of direction (COD) abilities and (ii) to elucidate the mechanical variables that influence sprint and COD performance in elite female field hockey players. Using radar and time-gate technology, we assessed performance and mechanical data from 30 m sprinting, deceleration, and COD tests for 26 elite female hockey players. A machine learning approach identified mechanical variables related to sprint and COD performance. Our findings offer a framework for athlete categorization and the design of performance-enhancing training strategies at the international level. Two pivotal mechanical variables-relative maximum horizontal force (F0) and maximum velocity (Vmax)-predominantly influence the times across all tested distances. However, the force-velocity profile (FVP) and horizontal deceleration do not influence the variance in the COD test outcomes. These insights can guide the design, adjustment, and monitoring of training programs, assisting coaches in decision making to optimize performance and mitigate injury risks for female hockey players.

Condición física de futbolistas adultos y jóvenes de un equipo profesional de Nicaragua / Condição física de jogadores de futebol adultos y juniores de uma equipe profissional na Nicaragua / Physical condition of adult and junior soccer players of a professional team in Nicaragua

En la actualidad, el fútbol es un deporte que demanda un alto desempeño físico, por lo que conocer las características de la condición física en las distintas categorías de desarrollo se hace fundamental para conducir un óptimo proceso de entrenamiento, de modo que, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la condición física de futbolistas de un club profesional de Nicaragua, según la categoría de edad en las cuales se desempeñaban. El presente es un estudio de tipo descriptivo, comparativo, de la condición física de 187 futbolistas, de edades entre 13 y 31 años, distribuidos por categoría según año de nacimiento y plantel profesional. El grupo PRO presenta mayor rendimiento en comparación a las categorías U13, U15, U17 y U21 (p < 0,001) en tiempo sprint lineal 10 metros (F = 71 y TE = 0,71), 30 metros (F = 85 y TE = 0,70), velocidad de tiro (F = 171 y TE = 0,81), Tiempo en test agilidad de Illinois (F = 77 y TE = 0,72) y metros recorridos en Yo-Yo de recuperación intermitente nivel 1 (F = 121 y TE = 0,73). Se puede concluir que existe un mayor rendimiento de los aspectos físicos por parte de las categorías de mayor edad. Estos resultados pueden servir de referencia o de parámetros de comparación de rendimiento físico de jugadores jóvenes y adultos a nivel nacional de Nicaragua.

Currently, soccer is a sport that demands high physical performance, so knowing the characteristics of the physical condition of players in the different categories of development is essential for conducting an optimal training process. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the physical condition of soccer players from a professional club in Nicaragua, according to the age category in which they played. This is a descriptive and comparative study of the physical condition of 187 soccer players between the ages of 13 and 31, distributed by category, according to year of birth and the professional team they were on. The PRO group presented higher performance in comparison to the U13, U15, U17, and U21 categories (p<0.001) in the 10 meters linear sprint time (F=71 and TE=0.71), 30 meters linear sprint time (F=85 and TE=0.70), shooting speed (F=171 and TE=0.81), time in Illinois agility test (F=77 and TE=0.72), and in meters ran in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (F=121 and TE=0.73). The study shows that there is a higher performance of the older categories in the physical aspects. These results can serve as reference or comparison parameters of the physical performance of young and adult players at a national level in Nicaragua.

Atualmente, o futebol é um esporte que exige um alto desempenho físico, portanto, conhecer as características da condição física nas diferentes categorias de desenvolvimento é essencial para conduzir um processo de treinamento ideal, portanto, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a condição física dos jogadores de futebol de um clube profissional na Nicarágua, de acordo com a categoria etária em que jogaram. Este é um estudo descritivo e comparativo da condição física de 187 jogadores de futebol entre 13 e 31 anos, distribuídos por categoria de acordo com o ano de nascimento e equipe profissional. O grupo PRO apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação com as categorias U13, U15, U17 e U21 (p<0,001) em tempo de sprint linear 10 metros (F=71 e TE=0.71), 30 metros (F=85 e TE=0,70), velocidade de tiro (F=171 e TE=0.81), tempo em teste de agilidade illinois (F=77 e TE=0.72) e metros corridos em Yo-Yo de nível de recuperação intermitente 1 (F=121 e TE=0.73). Pode-se concluir que há um maior desempenho dos aspectos físicos por parte das categorias mais antigas. Estes resultados podem servir como parâmetros de referência ou comparação do desempenho físico de jogadores jovens e adultos a nível nacional na Nicarágua.

Efectos en el estado de bienestar en periodo de confinamiento debido al COVID-19 en jugadores profesionales de fútbol / Effects on the wellness state in period of confinement due to COVID-19 in professional soccer players

Resumen El propósito del estudio fue conocer las alteraciones en el estado de bienestar en periodo de confinamiento debido al COVID-19 en jugadores de fútbol profesional de la primera división B de Chile. Participaron 28 jugadores profesionales de fútbol varones, edad 26 ± 6.3 años, masa corporal de 74.2 ± 5.5 kg y estatura de 177 ± 0.05 cm. Se evaluó el grado de bienestar a través de un cuestionario (McLean et al., 2010) durante periodo competitivo y periodo de confinamiento de la temporada 2020. Se muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0.05) entre el periodo competitivo y el periodo de confinamiento, en FT (t = 2.5; p = 0.0), SO (t = 2.71; p = 0.01), ES (t = 5.07; p = 0.0), EA (t = 1.82; p = 0.08) y T (t = 4.87; p = 0.0). Se reflejaron TE pequeños en las variables EA y DM (d = 0.7; d = 0.4 respectivamente), moderados en FT y SO (d = 1.0; d = 1.2 respectivamente) y muy grandes en ES y T (d = 2.1; d = 2.0 respectivamente). Los PC y CV entre periodos para las variables de bienestar fueron para FT 11% y 11.6%, para DM 5.3% y 13.1%, para SO 9.3%; 7.5%, ES 11.6% y 5.9, para EA 3.9%; 5.2%, y finalmente para T 8.1% y 4.0% respectivamente. Es posible concluir que el estado de bienestar en jugadores profesionales de fútbol se ve alterado en el periodo de confinamiento respecto al de competición, encontrándose cambios significativos en las variables FT, SO, ES y T, que coincidieron con los cambios de moderados a muy grandes de estas mismas variables, como también los PC fueron más grandes que el CV entre periodos; por lo que podríamos considerar estos cambios como reales, y que pudiesen ser un efecto atribuible al aislamiento obligatorio.

Abstract This study aimed to find changes in the wellness state, during the confinement period due to COVID-19, in professional soccer players from the first division B of Chile. The studied sample consisted of 28 professional male soccer players aged 26 ± 6.3 years, body mass 74.2 ± 5.5 kg, and height 177 ± 0.05 cm. The degree of well-being was evaluated through a questionnaire (McLean et al., 2010) during the 2020 competitive and confinement periods. Statistically, significant differences (p <0.05) between the competitive period and the confinement period are shown in FT (t = 2.5; p = 0.0), SO (t = 2.71; p = 0.01), ES (t = 5.07; p = 0.0), EA (t = 1.82; p = 0.08), and T (t = 4.87; p = 0.0). Small TE were reflected in the variables EA and DM (d = 0.7; d = 0.4 respectively), moderate in FAT and SO (d = 1.0; d = 1.2 respectively), and very large in ES and T (d = 2.1; d = 2.0 respectively). The CP and CV between periods for the well-being variables were the following: for FAT, 11% and 11.6%, for DM, 5.3% and 13.1%; for SO, 9.3%; 7.5%, ES 11.6% and 5.9, for EA 3.9%; 5.2%, and finally for T 8.1% and 4.0% respectively. It is possible to conclude that the state of well-being in professional soccer players is altered in the period of confinement with respect to that of competition, finding significant changes in the variables FT, SO, ES, and T, which coincided with the changes from moderate to very large of these same variables, as well as the PC were larger than the CV between periods. Therefore, we could consider these changes as real, and they could be an effect attributable to the mandatory isolation.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer as alterações no estado de bem-estar no período de confinamento devido à COVID-19 entre jogadores profissionais de futebol da primeira divisão B do Chile. Vinte e oito jogadores profissionais de futebol masculino participaram, com idade de 26 ± 6,3 anos, massa corporal de 74,2 ± 5,5 kg e altura de 177 ± 0,05 cm. O grau de bem-estar foi avaliado por meio de um questionário (McLean et al., 2010) durante os períodos competitivos e de confinamento da temporada 2020. Forma demonstradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) entre o período competitivo e o de confinamento, em FT (t = 2,5; p = 0,0), SO (t = 2,71; p = 0,01), ES (t = 5,07; p = 0,0), EA (t = 1,82; p = 0,08) e T (t = 4,87; p = 0,0). TE pequenos foram refletidos nas variáveis EA e DM (d = 0,7; d = 0,4 respectivamente), moderados em FT e SO (d = 1,0; d = 1,2 respectivamente) e muito grandes em ES e T (d = 2,1; d = 2,0 respectivamente). O PC e o CV entre períodos para as variáveis de bem-estar foram para FT 11% e 11,6%, para DM 5,3% e 13,1%, para SO 9,3%; 7,5%, ES 11,6% e 5,9, para EA 3,9%; 5,2%, e finalmente para T 8,1% e 4,0% respectivamente. É possível concluir que o estado de bem-estar dos jogadores de futebol profissional ficou alterado no período de confinamento em relação ao período de competição, encontrando alterações significativas nas variáveis FT, SO, ES e T, que coincidiram com alterações moderadas a muito grandes nestas mesmas variáveis, assim como o PC foi maior que o CV entre períodos; desta forma, poderíamos considerar estas alterações como reais, e que poderiam ser um efeito atribuível ao isolamento obrigatório.

Diferencias de carga interna y externa entre futbolistas adultosy juveniles en un partido amistoso / Differences in internal and external load between adult and youth players in a friendly match

Objetivo: Determinar diferencias de carga interna y externa durante un partido no-oficial entre jugadores de Primera División Adultos y Sub-19 del mismo club empleando sistemas portátiles de posicionamiento global. Método: Durante un partido no-oficial entre una categoría Adulta y una Sub-19, se monitoreó la carga interna a través de la frecuencia cardíaca y carga externa a través del rendimiento de carrera. Se monitorearon a siete jugadores adultos (25,57 ± 5,06 años) y cinco jugadores Sub-19 (18,6 ± 0,54 años). Se realizaron comparaciones entre las categorías en el primer tiempo, segundo tiempo y partido total mediante la prueba U de Mann-Whitney y calculando los tamaños del efecto a través de porcentajes de diferencia (PD). Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias (p<0,05) de carga externa en velocidad máxima en primer tiempo y partido total, alcanzando los jugadores Sub-19 los valores más elevados (velocidad máxima primer tiempo: 32,34 vs 27,77 km/h y PD = 15,3%; partido total: 32,6 vs 28,14 km/h y PD = 14,7%). Por otro lado, solo se hallaron diferencias en carga interna en zona 3 de frecuencia cardíaca (70 a 80% de la FC máxima) en primer y segundo tiempo, donde los jugadores Sub-19 pasaron más tiempo en esta zona (zona 3 de frecuencia cardiaca primer tiempo: 6,1 vs 1,73 minutos y PD = 111,6%; segundo tiempo: 20,49 vs 5,21 minutos y PD = 118,8%). No se hallaron diferencias en las demás variables analizadas. Conclusión: A partir de los resultados obtenidos podemos concluir que no existen diferencias de carga interna y externa en jugadores adultos con jugadores sub-19, con excepción de velocidad máxima y zona 3 de frecuencia cardiaca en este equipo durante un partido no oficial. Por lo que, para efectos prácticos, los jugadores Sub-19 de este equipo, podrían encontrarse en condiciones para enfrentar las exigencias físicas que requiere la competencia de categoría adulta.(AU)

Objective: To determine differences in internal and external load during an unofficial match between First Division Adult and U-19 players of the same club using portable global positioning systems. Methods: During an unofficial match between an adult and a U-19 category, internal load through heart rate and external load through running performance were monitored. Seven adult players (25.57 ± 5.06 years) and five U-19 players (18.6 ± 0.54 years) were monitored. Comparisons were made between categories in the first half, second half and total match using the Mann-Whitney U test and calculating effect sizes through percent difference (PD). Results: Differences were found (p<0.05) of external load in maximum speed in first half and total match, with U-19 players reaching the highest values (maximum speed first half: 32.34 vs 27.77 km/h and PD = 15.3%; total match: 32.6 vs 28.14 km/h and PD = 14.7%). On the other hand, differences in internal load were only found in heart rate zone 3 (70 to 80% of maximum HR) in the first and second half, where U-19 players spent more time in this zone (heart rate zone 3 first half: 6.1 vs 1.73 minutes and PD = 111.6%; second half: 20.49 vs 5.21 minutes and PD = 118.8%). No differences were found in the other variables analyzed. Conclusion: From the results obtained we can conclude that there are no differences in internal and external load in adult players with U-19 players, except for maximum speed and heart rate zone 3 in this team during a non-official match. Therefore, for practical purposes, the U-19 players of this team could be in conditions to face the physical demands required by the adult category competition.(AU)

Vínculo entre composición corporal, sprint y salto vertical en futbolistas jóvenes de élite de Chile / Link Between Body Composition, Sprint and Vertical Jump in Young Elite Soccer Players from Chile

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las relaciones entre indicadores de composición corporal y rendimiento físico en jugadores jóvenes de élite y determinar si existen diferencias entre posiciones de juego y series. La muestra fue de futbolistas seleccionados Sub-15 (n=24) y Sub-17 (n=20) varones, divididos por posición de juego. Se evaluaron indicadores composición corporal, porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG) y porcentaje de masa muscular (%MM). Se evaluaron salto desde sentadilla (SJ), salto con contramovimiento (CMJ), velocidad lineal en 10 (T10) y 30 metros (T30). Se relacionaron variables de composición corporal y rendimiento físico, y se buscaron diferencias entre posiciones de juego y entre categorías. Se hallaron grandes asociaciones significativas en la categoría Sub-15 entre %MM con SJ y CMJ, y moderadas entre %MG con T10, SJ y CMJ. En Sub-17 una asociación significativa grande entre %MM y T30, y entre %MG y T30. Se hallaron diferencias significativas en %MG en la categoría Sub-17, entre los arqueros vs defensas y delanteros. Se encontraron diferencias significativas moderadas en %MM entre categorías y diferencias muy grandes en T10 y T30, y una diferencia moderada en SJ. Es posible concluir que la composición corporal %MM y %MG se relaciona con el rendimiento físico. Además, existen diferencias en %MG entre los arqueros vs los jugadores de campo y diferencias en las variables de composición corporal y rendimiento físico entre jugadores Sub-17 y sub-15. Los resultados obtenidos pueden servir de referencia o de parámetros de comparación de jugadores jóvenes a nivel nacional en la detección de talentos.

Abstract The study aimed to know the relationships between indicators of body composition and physical performance in elite young players and determine if there are differences between playing positions and series. The sample was of selected U-15 (n=24) and U-17 (n=20) male players, divided by playing position. Body composition, fat mass percentage (%MG), and muscle mass percentage (%MM) indicators were evaluated. Also, Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), linear velocity in 10 (T10) and 30 meters (T30) were evaluated. Body composition and physical performance variables were related, and differences between playing positions and between categories were sought. Significant large associations were found in the U-15 category between %MM with SJ and CMJ and moderate associations between %MG with T10, SJ, and CMJ. In the U-17 category, a significant large association was found between %MM and T30 and between %MG and T30. Significant differences in %MG were found in the U-17 category between goalkeepers vs. defenders and forwards. Moderate significant differences were found in %MM between categories and very large differences in T10 and T30, and a moderate difference in SJ. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the body composition %MM and %MG is related to physical performance. In addition, there are differences in %MG between goalkeepers vs. outfield players and differences in body composition and physical performance variables between U-17 and U-15 players. The results obtained can be used as a reference or as parameters for comparing young players at the national level in the detection of talent.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer as relações entre indicadores de composição corporal e desempenho físico em jovens jogadores de elite e verificar se existem diferenças entre posições de jogo e séries. A amostra foi composta por jogadores de futebol masculino sub-15 (n = 24) e sub-17 (n = 20) selecionados, divididos por posição de jogo. Foram avaliados indicadores de composição corporal, percentual de massa gorda (% MG) e percentual de massa muscular (% MM). Foram avaliados o salto de agachamento (SJ), salto de contra movimento (CMJ), velocidade linear a 10 (T10) e 30 metros (T30). Variáveis de composição corporal e desempenho físico foram relacionadas, e diferenças entre as posições de jogo e entre as categorias foram pesquisadas. Grandes associações significativas foram encontradas na categoria de menores de 15 anos entre% MM com SJ e CMJ, e moderadas entre% MG com T10, SJ e CMJ. Em Sub-17, uma grande associação significativa entre% MM e T30 e entre% MG e T30. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas na % MG na categoria Sub-17, entre goleiros x zagueiros e atacantes. Diferenças moderadas significativas foram encontradas em % MM entre as categorias e diferenças muito grandes em T10 e T30, e uma diferença moderada em SJ. É possível concluir que a composição corporal % MM e% MG está relacionada ao desempenho físico. Além disso, há diferenças na % MG entre goleiros e jogadores de campo e diferenças nas variáveis de composição corporal e desempenho físico entre jogadores Sub-17 e Sub-15. Os resultados obtidos podem servir de referência ou parâmetro de comparação de jovens jogadores a nível nacional para a detecção de talentos.

Relationship between Physical Fitness and Match Performance Parameters of Chile Women's National Football Team.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the level of physical fitness and the physical performance parameters recorded by GPS in official FIFA matches of the Chilean women's senior national football team in the period 2018-2020. Twenty-six female field players (age (mean ± SD) 26.8 ± 3.3 years, height 157.8 ± 21.5 cm, weight 58.9 ± 4.9 kg) participated in the study. Physical fitness variables were assessed: muscular strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), speed, agility and aerobic fitness. Physical performance variables were recorded by GPS in 26 official FIFA matches. The most notable associations with significant statistical significance (p < 0.001) were those observed between neuromuscular variables such as time to run 10 m (T10; r = -0.629) and jump (CMJ; r = 0.502) and the number of accelerations; aerobic fitness showed a highly significant relationship with meters run per minute (M/M; r = 0.589). The findings of this study provide evidence of how the level of physical fitness (neuromuscular and aerobic) relates to physical performance parameters recorded in official competitions.

Effects of COVID-19 confinement measures on training loads and the level of well-being in players from Chile women's national soccer team / Efectos de las medidas de confinamiento por COVID-19 en el grado de bienestar y la carga de entrenamiento de las jugadoras de la selección nacional de fútbol de Chile

Abstract Introduction: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented control and prevention measures, such as compulsory lockdowns, affecting all spheres of life. Since the field of professional soccer is no exception, such measures may have a negative impact on the player's well-being and their perceived training loads. Objective: To determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the training load and the well-being of female professional soccer players in Chile. Materials and methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on 32 players of the Chile women's national soccer team. The perception of training load and the level of well-being were assessed by means of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale and a questionnaire developed in 2010, respectively. Both the administration of the questionnaire and the permanent monitoring of the RPE records were carried out in two periods of 12 weeks: regular preparatory phase (12/12/2019-10/03/2020) and lockdown (16/03/2020-07/06/2020). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon test was used to determine if there were significant differences between periods. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) and threshold effect sizes (ES)=1.2, 2.0 and 4.0 (large, very large, and extremely large, respectively) were found between both periods in all variables evaluated by the well-being questionnaire (except for sleep quality): muscle soreness and stress level (ES=1.9), perceived fatigue (ES=2.5), general well-being (ES=2.4), and mood (ES=4.2). No differences were found regarding the perception of the training load (ES=0.1) between both periods. Conclusions: The level of well-being among the participants was negatively affected by the compulsory lock-down. Therefore, coaching staffs should continue to monitor the level of the well-being of professional soccer players during the lockdown, both individually and collectively. Even though the perception of training load was not affected, it is not possible to state that a more extended period of confinement will not reduce it, resulting in a drop in performance.

Resumen Introducción. Debido a la actual pandemia por COVID-19, muchos países tomaron medidas de control y prevención como el confinamiento obligatorio, afectando todas las esferas de la vida. Ya que los futbolistas profesionales no son una excepción, este tipo de medidas puede tener un impacto negativo en su bienestar y en su percepción sobre las cargas de entrenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar los efectos de las medidas de confinamiento por COVID-19 en la carga de entrenamiento y el grado de bienestar de jugadoras de fútbol profesional de Chile. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal, exploratorio-descriptivo realizado en 32 jugadoras de la Selección Nacional de Fútbol de Chile. El grado de bienestar y la carga de entrenamiento se evaluaron mediante un cuestionario desarrollado en 2010 y mediante la escala de percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (PSE) y el volumen de entrenamiento expresado en minutos, respectivamente. Ambas evaluaciones se realizaron en 2 periodos de 12 semanas : periodo preparatorio regular (12/12/2019-10/03/2020) y periodo de confinamiento (16/03/2020-07/06/2020). Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Wilcoxon se utilizó para determinar si hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos periodos. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) y umbrales de tamaño del efecto (TE) iguales a 1.2, 2.0 y 4.0 (grande, muy grande y extremadamente grande, respectivamente) entre ambos periodos en todas las variables evaluadas por el cuestionario de bienestar (a excepción de calidad de sueño): dolor muscular y nivel de estrés (TE=1.9), fatiga percibida (TE=2.5), bienestar general (TE=2.4) y estado de ánimo (TE=4.2). No se observaron diferencias en la PSE (TE=0.1) entre ambos periodos. Conclusiones. El confinamiento obligatorio afectó negativamente el grado de bienestar de las participantes, por lo que es necesario que los cuerpos técnicos monitoreen constantemente, de manera individual y colectiva, el grado de bienestar de los futbolistas profesionales durante estos periodos; si bien la percepción en la carga de entrenamiento no se vio afectada, no es posible asegurar que un periodo mayor de confinamiento no la disminuya y esto resulte en una baja del rendimiento.