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Ferraz A, Pérez-Chao EA, Ribeiro J, Spyrou K, Freitas TT, Valente-Dos-Santos J, Duarte-Mendes P, Alcaraz PE, Travassos B. Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study. Sports Health 2024:19417381241273219. [PMID: 39189414 DOI: 10.1177/19417381241273219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. HYPOTHESIS Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 5. METHODS Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz's Bayesian criterion. RESULTS Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. CONCLUSION Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Ferraz
- Center in Sports Science, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, and CIFD, Sports Research, and Training Center, Jean Piaget University of Angola, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - João Ribeiro
- Center in Sports Science, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, and Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, School of Education, Communication and Sports, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Konstantinos Spyrou
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, and SCS, Strength and Conditioning Society, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tomás T Freitas
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, SCS, Strength and Conditioning Society, Murcia, Spain, and NAR - Nucleus of High Performance in Sport, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Valente-Dos-Santos
- CIDEFES, Centre for Research in Sport, Physical Education, Exercise and Health, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal and COD, Center of Sports Optimization, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Duarte-Mendes
- Department of Sport and Well Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal, and Sport, Health and Exercise Research Unit - SHERU, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Pedro E Alcaraz
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain, and SCS, Strength and Conditioning Society, Murcia, Spain
| | - Bruno Travassos
- Center in Sports Science, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, and Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Lisbon, Portugal
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