Comparing the Current Training Running Demands of Elite Camogie Players to Competitive Match-Play.

Training to meet match-play demands is a primary objective in an athlete's preparation for their games. Despite camogie match-play running demands being available, how current training practices compare, specifically individual training components, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate and compare current elite camogie training to match-play demands. Thirty-three (n = 33) elite camogie players wore 10 Hz Playertek GPS units during twenty-five training sessions and ten competitive matches. Training sessions were analysed using ball-in-play time and split into warm-ups, drills, small-sided games, running, and training matches. Metrics were converted into relative terms (per minute), to allow comparisons. Players cover significantly greater (p < 0.05) total distance (non-parametric standardised effect sizes (r = 0.45)), peak speed (r = 0.45), high-speed running (r = 0.13), sprint distance (r = 0.20), and total decelerations (r = 0.12−0.22) during match-play than training. Relatively, players cover significantly greater distance during running, small-sided games, and training matches compared to match-play (r = 0.21−0.29). Compared with match-play, running results in significantly greater high-speed running and sprint distance (r = 0.18−0.41), with greater accelerations (3−4 m∙s−2) during warm-ups, running, and small-sided games (r = 0.14−0.28). Current total training demands seem to fall behind match-play. However, relatively, training matches and small-sided games match or surpass competitive match-play demands. These findings may be utilised in preparing camogie teams for competition.

The positional and temporal running demands of elite inter-county camogie match play across 5-min intervals.

Purpose: Camogie is a native Irish female field sport game. This investigation aimed to establish elite camogie players' positional and temporal running demands across 5-min intervals during competitive match play. Methods: Thirty-one (n = 31) inter-county camogie players (age: 24 ± 4 years; height: 167.2 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 67.0 ± 7.5 kg) from two squads wore commercially available 10-Hz Playertek GPS units (Playertek by Catapult, Australia) during Senior All-Ireland Championship games (n = 8). Players were categorised according to match positions (defenders, mid-fielders, forwards). Games were split into quarters, and subsequently into 5-min intervals for analysis (5-min intervals are more closely associated with small-sided games and training than half-by-half comparisons). Results: Analysis revealed significant positional and temporal differences to exist (p < 0.05). Mid-fielders covered greater total (r = 0.16-0.19) and relative distance (r = 0.15-0.17), with forwards covering greater high-speed distances (r = 0.09-0.19). Mid-fielders had greater temporal performance decrements for sprint distance between all first quarter intervals and 55-60 interval (Kendall's W (W = 0.86-1.00), as well as the 0-5 and all final quarter intervals for total distance (W = 0.86-1.00). Defenders had significant performance decreases during the 25-30 (W = 0.29-0.60) and 40-45 interval (W = 0.14-0.57) for both total and relative distance. Forwards exhibited the lowest performance decrement, with no significant differences for peak speed, high-speed running, or sprint distance (W = 0.00-0.53). Conclusion: Positional and temporal differences are evident in elite camogie match play. Mid-fielders have the greatest total and sprint distance decrements, with defenders also exhibiting total and relative distance decreases. Coaches should focus on temporal differences with respect to position, to minimise performance decrements.

The physical characteristics of elite camogie players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current investigation was to establish the positional physical characteristics of elite intercounty camogie players and compare them to current female field sport athlete norms. METHODS: Forty-five elite intercounty camogie players (age: 23.31±3.47 years; height: 168.97±5.60 cm; body mass: 68.37±7.44 kg) completed preseason physical performance testing. Physical characteristics including isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force, IMTP relative peak force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, 10 to 5 repeated jump test Reactive Strength Index (RSI), 5-, 10- and 20-m sprint times and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) accumulated distance were assessed. All players were subdivided into their playing positions (defenders, mid-fielders, forwards) by self-reported means, to investigate if any positional differences existed. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed no significant positional difference for any physical tests (P>0.05). Moderate main effects for RSI between mid-fielders and forwards (ES=0.64) and for 20-m sprint time between defenders and midfielders (ES=0.63) were noted. Trivial to small main positional effects were evident for all other tests (ES=0.03-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The relative homogeneity of results across performance measures indicates no obvious position specific characteristics within this cohort. This data will provide normative values for coaches to better inform training and return to play practices in camogie.

An Analysis of the Game Movement Demands of Women's Interprovincial Rugby Union.

ABSTRACT: Callanan, D, Rankin, P, and Fitzpatrick, P. Analysis of the game movement demands of women's interprovincial rugby union. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S20-S25, 2021-The purpose of this study was to provide an objective analysis of the game movement demands of women's interprovincial rugby union (RU). Sixty-three (N = 128) interprovincial women RU players wore 10-Hz global positioning systems (PlayerTek by Catapult, Australia) during 12 interprovincial matches (116 individual player data sets). Players were classified according to forwards and backs, and positional subcategory groups: front row second row, back row, half-back, midfield, and back three. The mean total distance covered across the series was 5,696 ± 822 m, at a relative distance of 67.9 ± 6.9 m·min-1, while recording a mean maximal velocity of 6.5 ± 0.7 m·s-1. The backs covered a greater total distance (5,964 ± 807 m; d = 0.65), relative distance (70.1 ± 7.5 m·min-1; d = 0.63), mean maximal velocity (6.9 ± 0.5 m·s-1; d = 1.27), distance walking (1,152 ± 152 m; d = 0.54), jogging (3,120 ± 519 m; d = 0.56), and high-speed running (294 ± 150 m; d = 0.99) than the forwards. The midfield recorded the greatest total distance (6,144 ± 516 m; p = 0.013), with the front row registering the lowest. The half backs documented the greatest relative distance (73.2 ± 8.0 m·min-1; p = 0.005), with the back three reported to cover the greatest distances walking (1,169 ± 178 m; p = 0.001) and at high-speed distances (353 ± 175 m; p = 0.002). The back three also recorded the greatest mean maximal velocity (7.2 ± 0.4 m·s-1; p = 0.000). This is the first study in the Northern hemisphere to report the game movement demands of interprovincial women's RU and the information derived from this study may provide practitioners with normative data to assist coaches with preparation.

Can Milk Affect Recovery from Simulated Team-Sport Match Play?

This study investigated the effects of cow's milk on recovery from repeated simulated team games (STGs) in females. Twenty female team-sport athletes completed an STG circuit (2x ~ 30 min, with 10 min 'half-time'). Measures of muscle function, soreness and tiredness, symptoms of stress and serum markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress were determined pre- and 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h following the circuit. At 48 h, a second STG was completed. Sprint performance (5 m, 15 m), lap time, countermovement jump (CMJ), heart rate and RPE were recorded during each STG. Immediately following each STG, participants consumed either 500 mL of cow's milk (MILK) or 500 mL of an energy-matched carbohydrate (CHO) solution. Compared to CHO, MILK had a beneficial effect in attenuating losses in peak torque for knee extension (60°/s) (likely; effect size (ES) = 0.26 to 0.28) knee flexion (60°/s) (likely; ES = 0.45 to 0.61). A benefit for MILK was observed for 5 m sprint (possible-likely; ES = 0.40 to 0.58), 10 m sprint (likely; ES = 0.30 to 0.53) and symptoms of stress (likely-very likely, small). Mostly unclear outcomes for other variables were observed. For STG variables, trivial (HR, CMJ) and unclear (5 m sprint, 15 m sprint, lap-time, RPE) outcomes were recorded. In conclusion, the consumption of 500 mL of milk attenuated losses in muscle function and perceptions of stress following repeated simulated team-sports games. However, further investigation is warranted to determine whether MILK can influence subsequent team-sport performance.

Milk: An Effective Recovery Drink for Female Athletes.

Milk has become a popular post-exercise recovery drink. Yet the evidence for its use in this regard comes from a limited number of investigations utilising very specific exercise protocols, and mostly with male participants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of post-exercise milk consumption on recovery from a sprinting and jumping protocol in female team-sport athletes. Eighteen females participated in an independent-groups design. Upon completion of the protocol participants consumed 500 mL of milk (MILK) or 500 mL of an energy-matched carbohydrate (CHO) drink. Muscle function (peak torque, rate of force development (RFD), countermovement jump (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance), muscle soreness and tiredness, symptoms of stress, serum creatine kinase (CK) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined pre- and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-exercise. MILK had a very likely beneficial effect in attenuating losses in peak torque (180○/s) from baseline to 72 h (0.0 ± 10.0% vs. -8.7 ± 3.7%, MILK v CHO), and countermovement jump (-1.1 ± 5.2% vs. -10.4 ± 6.7%) and symptoms of stress (-13.5 ± 7.4% vs. -18.7 ± 11.0%) from baseline to 24 h. MILK had a likely beneficial effect and a possibly beneficial effect on other peak torque measures and 5 m sprint performance at other timepoints but had an unclear effect on 10 and 20 m sprint performance, RSI, muscle soreness and tiredness, CK and hsCRP. In conclusion, consumption of 500 mL milk attenuated losses in muscle function following repeated sprinting and jumping and thus may be a valuable recovery intervention for female team-sport athletes following this type of exercise.

Effects of the Gaelic Athletic Association 15 on Lower Extremity Injury Incidence and Neuromuscular Functional Outcomes in Collegiate Gaelic Games.

Schlingermann, BE, Lodge, CA, Gissane, C, and Rankin, PM. Effects of the Gaelic Athletic Association 15 on lower extremity injury incidence and neuromuscular functional outcomes in collegiate Gaelic games. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1993-2001, 2018-The purpose of this observational analytical cohort study was to assess the effectiveness of an injury prevention program (IPP)-Gaelic Athletic Association 15 (GAA15)-on the incidence of injury in collegiate Gaelic games. One hundred and thirty-one Gaelic games players (mean age 20.5 years ± SD 3.0) were used for analysis in this study. Participants completed preseason and postseason testing which involved performance of the Y-Balance Test. The GAA15 was used for the intervention group; coaches were instructed to implement the program before every training session and match throughout the collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) season. The control group adopted their normal warm-up procedures for the season. The players' injuries were documented on a weekly basis by allied health care professionals working with the teams using an online database system. Results showed significant improvements in composite Y-Balance scores in favor of the intervention group (adjusted mean difference Right: 1.8 % normalized mean reach distance (%NMRD) [p = 0.007]/Left: 2.3 %NMRD [p = 0.001]). Injury rates in the intervention group (2.62 injuries per 1,000 hours) were reduced by 66% (p = 0.001) in comparison with an age-matched control group (7.62 per 1,000 hour). Training injuries, hamstring injuries, noncontact injuries, and severe injuries were also reduced as a result of the implementation of the GAA15 (injury rate ratio: 0.20, 0.59, 0.39, and 0.45, respectively). Implementation of an IPP such as the GAA15 can reduce the risk of injury in Gaelic games and influence players' neuromuscular performance assessed through the Y-Balance Test.

The effect of milk on recovery from repeat-sprint cycling in female team-sport athletes.

The consumption of milk following eccentric exercise attenuates the effects of muscle damage in team-sport athletes. However, participation in team sport involves both concentric-eccentric loading and metabolic stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of postexercise milk consumption on recovery from a cycling protocol designed to simulate the metabolic demands of team sport. Ten female team-sport athletes participated in a randomised crossover investigation. Upon completion of the protocol participants consumed 500 mL of milk (MILK) or 500 mL of an energy-matched carbohydrate (CHO) drink. Muscle function (peak torque, rate of force development, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint), muscle soreness and tiredness, serum creatine kinase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and measures of oxidative stress (protein carbonyls and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio) were determined at pre-exercise and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postexercise. MILK had a possible beneficial effect in attenuating losses in peak torque (180°/s) from baseline to 24 h (3.2% ± 7.8% vs. -6.2% ± 7.5%, MILK vs. CHO) and a possible beneficial effect in minimising soreness (baseline-48 h; baseline-72 h) and tiredness (baseline-24 h; baseline-72 h). There was no change in oxidative stress following the exercise protocol, though a likely benefit of milk was observed for GSH/GSSG ratio at baseline-24 h (0.369 ×/÷ 1.89, 1.103 ×/÷ 3.96, MILK vs. CHO). MILK had an unclear effect on all other variables. Consumption of 500 mL of milk after repeat sprint cycling had little to no benefit in minimising losses in peak torque or minimising increases in soreness and tiredness and had no effect on serum markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

A comparison of methods used to identify 'optimal' drop height for early phase adaptations in depth jump training.

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 methods of identifying an appropriate drop height for bounce depth jump (DJ) training, which aimed to improve reactive strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. The maximum jump height (MJH) method was compared to the reactive strength index (RSI) method. The first part of the study identified each participant's drop height for both methods and determined the extent to which both methods differed. The subsequent part of the study used an 8-week bounce DJ training program to compare the effectiveness of the MJH and RSI methods. Twenty-two male participants volunteered. There was a significant difference between the MJH and the RSI methods in the optimal drop height they identified (median = 0.40 and 0.30 m, respectively), with 19 participants exhibiting a difference of 0.10 m or more. These 19 participants were assigned to 1 of 3 training groups: a control, an MJH method, and an RSI method group. The results demonstrated a significant increase in pre to posttraining in reactive strength (MJH: 27.3 +/- 18.7%, p = 0.025; RSI: 11.8 +/- 10.1%, p = 0.019) and CMJ performance (MJH: 9.9 +/- 5.2%, p = 0.009; RSI: 9.2 +/- 4.8%, p = 0.006) in both the MJH and RSI groups, respectively, with no change in the control group. The study concluded that either method can be used to identify the optimal drop height in bounce DJ training to increase CMJ performance, but the MJH method should be used to improve reactive strength.