A Comparison of Elite and Sub-elite Match-Play Running Performance of Gaelic Football Players

ABSTRACT

Donnelly, S, Collins, K, Burns, C, O'Neill, C, and Mangan, S. A comparison of elite and sub-elite match-play running performance of Gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 912-923, 2024-This research aimed to examine differences in match-play running performance between elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players. Global Positioning System devices were used to record the match-play running performance of sub-elite and elite players during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. In total, 783 samples were collected from 31 sub-elite and 30 elite players, from 1 elite and 1 sub-elite team. Comparisons were made on a team and positional level. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Significant positional differences were present between all positions with varying effect sizes (ESs) and p-values. Effect size was used to determine the magnitude of statistical difference. On a team level, the elite covered significantly more relative distance (p = 0.021, ES = 0.007) and elicited significantly higher average speed (p = 0.023, ES = 0.007) in quarters 2, 3, and 4 than the sub-elite. The elite covered significantly more relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012) in quarter 3 and performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009) in quarter 4. In quarter 1, the sub-elite performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009), relative high-speed running (≥17 km·h-1; p = 0.011, ES = 0.009), and relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012). Power events were defined as the estimation of the number of events that depend on anaerobic processes. The present study indicates that elite players possess superior conditioning, ability to read match-play, pacing, and anaerobic capacity. Sub-elite teams may use the present study to inform their training to potentially improve conditioning, pacing, and anaerobic capacity.

The Design and Implementation of a Novel Mental Health Literacy Educational Intervention Program in Gaelic Footballers

CONTEXT

Lack of education, stigma, and negative self-attitudes are key barriers to help-seeking in Gaelic footballers. With the prevalence of mental health issues in Gaelic footballers and the increased risk of experiencing mental health challenges after injury, mental health literacy (MHL) interventions are necessary.

OBJECTIVES

To design and implement a novel MHL educational intervention program in Gaelic footballers.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

SETTING

Online.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Elite and subelite Gaelic footballers divided into intervention (n = 70; age = 25.1 ± 4.5 years) and control (n = 75; age = 24.4 ± 6.0 years) groups. In the intervention group, 85 participants were recruited, but 15 dropped out after completing baseline measures.

INTERVENTIONS

A novel educational intervention program, "GAA [Gaelic Athletic Association] and Mental Health-Injury and a Healthy Mind," was designed to address the key components of MHL and was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Help-Seeking Model. The intervention was implemented online via a brief 25-minute presentation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and MHL were completed by the intervention group at baseline, immediately after viewing the MHL program, and at 1 week and 1 month after the intervention. The control group completed the measures at similar time points.

RESULTS

Stigma decreased, and attitudes toward help-seeking and MHL increased in the intervention group from baseline to after the intervention (P < .05), with significant differences sustained at 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. Our results showed differences in stigma, attitudes, and MHL between groups across time points. Intervention participants provided positive feedback, and the program was appraised as informative.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote online delivery of a novel MHL educational program can effectively decrease mental health stigma, improve attitudes toward help-seeking, and increase the recognition and knowledge of mental health issues. Gaelic footballers with improved MHL may be better equipped to manage their mental health and cope with stressors, leading to improved mental health outcomes and overall mental well-being.

Energy availability and macronutrient intake in elite male Gaelic football players

Evidence suggests that Gaelic football (GF) players do not meet the recommended energy intake (EI) levels and therefore may be at risk of low energy availability (LEA). This study examined energy availability (EA) in 20 elite male GF players. At two stages during a season (2019-2020), repeated measures of EI, exercise energy expenditure (EEE), EA and body composition were performed. Sixty-five percent reported with LEA [<30 kcal.kg Lean Body Mass (LBM)^-1.day^-1] at pre-season (PRE), with 70% at in-season (IN). Mean daily carbohydrate intake (PRE 3.2 ± 0.82 g.kg; IN 3.4 ± 0.79 g.kg) was below the recommended intake (5-7 g.kg) in 95% at PRE and 100% at IN. All consumed the recommended daily amount of protein (PRE 1.85 ± 0.57 g.kg; IN 1.87 ± 0.48 g.kg) and fat (PRE 1.23 ± 0.4 g.kg; IN 1.02 ± 0.3 g.kg). Significant correlations (P = 0.001) were reported between EA and carbohydrates (PRE r = 0.801; IN r = 0.714); protein (PRE r = 0.675; IN r = 0.769); fat (PRE r = 0.805; IN r = 0.733) and energy intake (PRE r = 0.960; IN r = 0.949). Twenty percent were at risk of disordered eating. This study suggests male elite GF players require education and interventions surrounding nutrition, in particular EA.

Mapping the youth soccer: A bibliometrix analysis using R-tool

In recent years, there has been an increase in the scientific production of youth soccer. However, a panoramic map of research on this subject does not exist. The aim of this study was to identify global research trends in youth soccer over time, among the main levels of analysis: sources, authors, documents, and keywords. The bibliometric software Biblioshiny was used to analyze 2606 articles in Web of Science (WoS) published between 2012 and 2021. The main conclusion is that US and UK scholars dominate the research; the topics of research are changing with the real needs, and research on the topic of performance has been of interest to scholars; talent identification and development, performance, injury prevention, and concussion are the studies of interest to scholars in this area. This finding, which offers a global picture of youth soccer research over time, can help future research in this or similar domains.

The running performance of elite ladies Gaelic football with respect to position and halves of play

Purpose

The current investigation aimed to examine the running performance of elite Ladies Gaelic football (LGF) match-play and establish the within game positional profile, in addition to the running performance of players across halves of play.

Methods

GPS technology was used to examine the running performance of thirty-three (n = 33) elite LGF players (age; 23 ± 5 years, height; 173 ± 5 cm, body mass; 63 ± 4 kg). Across the duration of the observational period, one hundred and thirty-one (n = 131) individual samples were collected over 15 competitive matches. Data were classified based on positional line and across halves of play. Running performance was determined across the following performance variables of total distance covered (m) (TD), relative distance (m·min−1), HSR (≥ 4.4 m·s−1), RHSR (HSR; m·min−1), percentage HSR (% HSR), VHSR (≥ 5.5 m·s−1), peak velocity (m s−1), percentage peak velocity (% PeakV), accelerations (n; ≥ 3 m·s−2) and decelerations (n; ≤ − 3 m·s−2),

Results

Independent of position the mean distance covered during match play was 7319 ± 1021 m which equates to a relative work rate of 116 ± 9 m·min−1. The high-speed distance of players was 1547 ± 432 m, which equates to a relative high-speed running distance of 25 ± 11 m·min−1. The maximal velocity of players was 7.17 ± 0.41 m·s−1 reflective of a relative maximal velocity of 86 ± 4 percent. The greatest distances were covered by half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards, with these positions covering significantly greater distances than full-backs (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.59–1.25; small-moderate) and full-forwards (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.44–1.21; small-moderate). While TD and maximal velocity was shown not to change across halves of play, significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) were observed across HSR (ES: 0.64–1.02; moderate), accelerations and decelerations (ES: 0.59–1.20; moderate).

Conclusion

The current investigation is the first of its kind within elite LGF, the data within the investigation can aid the coaching process by allowing for the development of sport-specific training regimen specific to the positional needs of elite LGF players.

Match-Play Running Demands and Technical Performance Among Elite Gaelic Footballers: Does Divisional Status Count?

ABSTRACT

McGahan, JH, Mangan, S, Collins, K, Burns, C, Gabbett, T, and O'Neill, C. Match-play running demands and technical performance among elite Gaelic footballers: Does divisional status count? J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 169-175, 2021-The aim of the current study was to compare positional differences in running demands and technical performance variables among elite Gaelic football teams from separate divisions. Data were obtained from a division 1 (26.7 ± 2.9 years, 179.2 ± 21.3 cm, 89.9 ± 21.2 kg) and a division 3 (25.7 ± 3.5 years, 183.0 ± 4.7 cm, 84.4 ± 6.5 kg) team. Match-play running variables were collected using 4-Hz global positioning system (GPS) units (VX Sport; Visuallex Sport, Lower Hutt, New Zealand) (Match data sets; division 1: n = 107, division 3: n = 97). Selected variables assessed were high-speed running distance (HSR) (≥17 km·h-1), number of high-speed efforts (HSE) (≥17 km·h-1), relative high-speed distance (RHSD) (≥17 km·h-1; m·min-1), and percentage of time at high speed (%HS). Each variable was analyzed across the 5 positional groups in Gaelic football (full back, half back, midfield, half forward, full forward). The same 25 competitive games were analyzed using the GPS and the Sports Code video analysis system (Sports Code Elite V9; Sportstec, Warriewood, NSW, Australia). Technical performance variables selected for analysis were total kick/hand passes, tackles, shots, and percentage of time in possession. High-speed running distance running demands were differentiated between the divisions; the division 3 team demonstrated significantly greater HSR, HSE, RHSD, and %HS than the division 1 team (p ≤ 0.05). Positional-specific analysis found that the division 3 full back and midfield positional lines had significantly greater HSR, RHSD, and %HS than their division 1 counterparts. The division 1 team made a greater number of total tackles, with significantly more tackles in the middle third (p ≤ 0.05). The division 3 team performed a significantly greater number of hand passes and unsuccessful shots per game (p < 0.01). The results of this study indicate that overall technical proficiency, rather than high-speed running profiles, differentiate division 1 and 3 Gaelic football teams.

Physiological Demands of Professional Flat and Jump Horse Racing

Kiely, M, Warrington, GD, McGoldrick, A, Pugh, J, and Cullen, S. Physiological demands of professional flat and jump horse racing. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2173-2177, 2020-No information is currently available on the effect of race distance on the physiological demands of jockeys. This study aimed to quantify the respective demands of short and long flat and jump race distances. Twenty professional jockeys (10 flat and 10 jump) participated in the study. The subjects initially performed a graded incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a treadmill to determine the peak heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations. Two competitive races (short and long) were then monitored on 2 separate occasions for each jockey type to obtain hydration, HR, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion data. Mean distances for the 4 races were: 1,247.2 ± 184.7 m (short flat race), 2,313.4 ± 142.2 m (long flat race), 3,480.2 ± 355.3 m (short jump race), and 4,546.4 ± 194.3 m (long jump race). The mean HR for the long flat race was 151 ± 19 b·min (79 ± 11% of HRpeak), which was significantly lower than all other race distances (p = 0.000, effect size [ES] = 0.469). A longer jump race resulted in a significantly higher reported rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (14 ± 2.8) than the short jump race (11.0 ± 1.5) (p = 0.009, ES = 0.271), whereas no significant difference was revealed between peak HR responses or blood lactate concentrations when comparing other race distances (p < 0.05). The finding of this study supports previous limited research, which suggests that horse racing is a high-intensity sport, whereas RPE and mean HR fluctuate according to the race distance.

Variability of professional soccer players' perceived match load after successive matches

This study analyses the differential perceived match load accumulated by professional soccer players depending on their: (a) participation in several consecutive official matches within the same week (Pre_Cup, Cup, and Post_Cup), and (b) total match participation time (i.e. 90 min, 70-90 min and < 70 min). Participants were 21 Spanish Second Division professional soccer players (M age = 27.1, SD = 3.3 years; M body height = 182.1, SD = 3.9 cm; M body mass = 75.8, SD = 5.14 kg). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in dRPE-ML among Pre_Cup, Cup and Post_Cup matches or in dRPE-ML between teams that took part in two or three official matches within the same week or three official matches in 2-4 consecutive weeks. The results suggest that participating in several matches in the same week does not increase accumulated perceived exertion for professional soccer players.

Match-Play Temporal and Position-Specific Physical and Physiological Demands of Senior Hurlers

Young, D, Beato, M, Mourot, L, and Coratella, G. Match-play temporal and position-specific physical and physiological demands of senior hurlers. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1759-1768, 2020-The aims of the current study were to examine the temporal differences in match-running performances and heart rate (HR) in elite senior hurling players between halves of play and field positions. Global positioning systems (10 Hz) and HR monitors were used to collect data from 48 players over 18 games. Running performances (total distance [TD], relative distance, high-speed running [HSR], sprint efforts [SE], mean length of sprints, and sprint distance [SD]) and HR values (HRmean and HRpeak) were assessed. Decrements in TD (p = 0.009, effect size [ES] = -0.15), relative distance (p = 0.009, ES = -0.18), HSR (p = 0.001, ES = -0.28), SE (p = 0.001, ES = -0.23), SD (p = 0.001, ES = -0.24), HRmean (p < 0.001, ES = -0.38), and HRpeak (p < 0.001, ES = -0.21) were found between halves. Half backs showed between-half decrements in all metrics (p < 0.05) except SD (p = 0.130, ES = -0.26). Midfielders (p < 0.001, ES = -0.68) and half forwards (p < 0.001, ES = -0.79) experienced second-half decrements in HSR. No decrements (p > 0.05) in running performances were found between halves for full backs. HRmean was lower in full backs (p = 0.007, ES = -0.46) and half backs (p = 0.001, ES = -0.76) in the second half. Coaches should consider the specific HSR between-half temporal decrements in half backs, midfielders, and half forwards, and customize training program design to minimize these decrements.

Dietary Intake of Gaelic Football Players during Game Preparation and Recovery

It is well established that dietary intake can influence performance and modulate recovery in field-based invasion team sports such as soccer and rugby. However, very limited research currently exists examining dietary intake of Gaelic football players. This research aimed to examine the dietary intake of Gaelic football players 2 days prior to competition, on game day, and for 2 days post-competition. A five-day paper-based food diary was completed by 45 players (25 elite and 20 sub-elite). Preliminary inspection of diaries eliminated 11 participants, and analysis of Goldberg cut-offs identified 1 player as an under-reporter, leaving 33 players in the final analysis. Playing level had no effect on energy, carbohydrate, or fat intake. Average intake of energy was 2938 ± 618 kcal.day⁻¹, carbohydrate was 3.7 ± 1.42 g.kgbm⁻¹.day⁻¹, and fat was 1.34 ± 0.61 g.kgbm⁻¹.day⁻¹. However, elite players consumed 24.1% more protein than sub-elite players (2.2 ± 0.67 vs. 1.8 ± 0.62 g.kgbm⁻¹.day⁻¹). Regardless of playing level, players consumed inadequate amounts of carbohydrate to support optimal performance and recovery and consumed protein and fat in line with general sport nutrition guidelines. Given the unique demands placed on Gaelic football players, it may be necessary to develop nutrition guidelines specific to Gaelic football. Additionally, the design and implementation of Gaelic football-specific education-based interventions may be necessary to address the highlighted nutritional inadequacies.

Are internal load measures associated with injuries in male adolescent Gaelic football players?

This study aimed to examine internal loads in male adolescent Gaelic footballers and their association with musculoskeletal injury. Written training diaries were completed by 97 male adolescent Gaelic footballers weekly and injuries, defined as any injury sustained during training or competition causing restricted performance or time lost from play, were assessed by a Certified Athletic Therapist. Daily load was determined for each player (session rating of perceived exertion by session duration) and summed to give weekly load. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to determine the association with injury. Twenty-two injuries were recorded with match injuries significantly more common than training injuries. Periodic variations in weekly load and injuries were evident throughout the season. Univariate analysis identified weekly load (OR = 2.75; 95%CI = 1.00-7.59), monotony (OR = 4.17; 95%CI = 1.48-11.72) and absolute change in load (OR = 3.27; 95%CI = 1.15-9.32) greater than the team average were significant injury risk factors. Multiple logistic regression with 2-weekly and 3-weekly cumulative loads, absolute change, monotony, strain, ACWR and age as independent variables identified internal load measures (monotony, strain and absolute change) were associated with injury with high specificity (96.0%) but low sensitivity (25.0%). The findings highlight the need to monitor team and individual loads to avoid sudden week-to-week changes or excessive weekly loads. Open communication between players, parents, coaches and sports medicine clinicians enables effective load monitoring that can reduce injury risk and may subsequently minimise dropout, improve team success and overall sport enjoyment and promote life-long sports participation.

Is Poor Hamstring Flexibility a Risk Factor for Hamstring Injury in Gaelic Games?

Context:Hamstring injuries are a leading cause of injury in Gaelic games. Hamstring flexibility as a risk factor for hamstring injury has not yet been examined prospectively in Gaelic games.Objective:To examine whether hamstring flexibility, using the modified active knee extension (AKE) test, and previous injury are risk factors for hamstring injury in Gaelic players and to generate population-specific AKE cutoff points.Design:Prospective cohort study.Setting:School and colleges.Patients (or Other Participants):Adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers (n = 570).Intervention(s):The modified AKE test was completed at preseason, and hamstring injuries were assessed over the course of one season. Any previous hamstring injuries were noted in those who presented with a hamstring injury.Main Outcome Measures:Bilateral AKE scores and between-leg asymmetries were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were implemented to generate cutoff points specific to Gaelic players. Univariate and backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were completed to predict hamstring injuries, hamstring injuries on the dominant leg, and hamstring injuries on the nondominant leg.Results:Mean flexibility of 64.2° (12.3°) and 64.1° (12.4°) was noted on the dominant and nondominant leg, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves generated a cutoff point of < 65° in the AKE on the nondominant leg only. When controlled for age, AKE on the nondominant leg was the only predictor variable left in the multivariate model (odds ratio = 1.03) and significantly predicted hamstring injury (χ2 = 9.20,P = .01). However, the sensitivity was 0% and predicted the same amount of cases as the null model. It was not possible to generate a significant model for hamstring injuries on the dominant leg (P > .05), and no variables generated aPvalue < .20 in the univariate analysis on the nondominant leg.Conclusions:Poor flexibility noted in the AKE test during preseason screening and previous injury were unable to predict those at risk of sustaining a hamstring strain in Gaelic games with adequate sensitivity.

Match-Play Demands of Elite U17 Hurlers During Competitive Matches

Young, D, Mourot, L, Beato, M, and Coratella, G. Match-play demands of elite U17 hurlers during competitive matches. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1982-1989, 2020-The current study aimed to quantify the match-play workload in elite male under 17 hurlers, measuring the differences between the first and second halves and between positions. Global positioning system (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors were used to collect data from 76 players during 18 matches. Players' total distance (TD), relative distance (RD), high-speed running (HSR), the number and length of sprints, and the total sprint distance (TSD) was 6,483 ± 1,145 m, 108 ± 19 m·min, 583 ± 215 m, 18 ± 6, 15 ± 3 m, and 272 ± 77 m, respectively. Peak and mean heart rate were 194 ± 8 b·min and 167 ± 4 b·min, respectively. Decrements in TD (p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 0.72), RD (p < 0.001, ES = 0.72), HSR (p < 0.001, ES = 0.55), the number of sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 0.57), mean length of sprint (p < 0.011, ES = 0.25), TSD (p < 0.001, ES = 0.69), mean heart rate (p < 0.001, ES = 0.35), and peak heart rate (p < 0.001, ES = 0.52) were found between halves. Largely-to-very largely greater TD, RD, and HSR were covered by midfielders, half-backs, and half-forwards compared with full-backs and full-forwards. No between-position difference was found in peak and mean heart rate. The current results are the first to highlight the differences in external and internal position-specific workload in elite male under 17 hurlers. Coaches need to consider the position-specific demands and between-half drop-off to prepare young hurlers appropriately to repeat the match-play performances of competition.

The Match Heart Rate and Running Profile of Elite Under-21 Hurlers During Competitive Match-Play

Young, D, Mourot, L, Beato, M, and Coratella, G. The match heart rate and running profile of elite under-21 hurlers during competitive match-play. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2925-2933, 2018-The aims of the current study were to examine the physical and physiological demands of elite under-21 male hurling match-play across halves of play and between positions. Global positioning systems (10 Hz) and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to collect data from 95 players during 10 games. Total distance (TD), relative speed, high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance, total sprints, and mean length of sprint was 6,688 ± 942 m, 112 ± 16 m·min, 661 ± 203 m, 274 ± 111 m, 18 ± 8 m, and 16 ± 5 m, respectively. Players' mean HR (HRmean) and peak HR (HRpeak) was 165 ± 9 b·min and 190 ± 7 b·min, respectively. Decrements in TD (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.81), HSR (p < 0.05, ES = 0.69), and HRmean (p < 0.05, ES = 0.80) were found between halves. Full backs covered significantly less TD than half backs (p < 0.05, ES = -1.24), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = -1.39), and half forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -1.85). Half forwards covered a greater TD than full forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 0.94), greater HSR than full backs (p < 0.05, ES = 1.13), and greater sprint distance than half backs (p < 0.05, ES = 1.41). Between-half decreases were evident in TD, HSR, and HRmean, with no significant positional differences observed in TD, HSR, number of sprints, length of sprint, HRpeak, and HRmean between half backs, midfielders, and half forwards. The current findings provide data that coaches should consider to customize training program design for under-21 hurlers.

Potentiating Response to Drop-Jump Protocols on Sprint Acceleration: Drop-Jump Volume and Intrarepetition Recovery Duration

Byrne, PJ, Moody, JA, Cooper, SM, Callanan, D, and Kinsella, S. Potentiating response to drop-jump protocols on sprint acceleration: drop-jump volume and intrarepetition recovery duration. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 717-727, 2020-The purpose of this study was to investigate the postactivation potentiation response first to bounce drop jump (BDJ) volume; second, BDJ intrarepetition recovery duration and recovery duration between BDJs and 20-meter (including 5- and 10-m split times) sprint performance. The study was undertaken in 2 parts, the first part compared different volumes of BDJs and the second part compared different BDJ intrarepetition recovery periods. The effect of recovery periods between the BDJs and the subsequent 20-m sprints was examined in both parts 1 and 2 (15 seconds, 4, 8, and 12 minutes). Fourteen (mean ± SD: age = 20.83 ± 1.26 years; height = 1.77 ± 0.04 m; and mass = 74.89 ± 6.07 kg) (part 1) and 15 (mean ± SD: age = 20.64 ± 1.00 years; height = 1.78 ± 0.06 m; and mass = 75.67 ± 6.28 kg) (part 2) male collegiate and club hurling players volunteered to participate. A randomized cross-over design was used to compare BDJ volumes (1, 2, and 3 sets of 3 repetitions) and BDJ intrarepetition recovery time (15 vs. 60 seconds) after a warm-up followed by 2 baseline 20-m sprints. The results in part 1 reported a significant improvement in 5- and 10-m sprint time for 1 set of 3 BDJs between baseline and 4 minutes (5 m: -2.34%, p = 0.04, effect size [ES] = -0.043; 10 m: -1.42%, p = 0.03, ES = -0.35), and baseline and 12 minutes (5 m: -3.33%, p = 0.03, ES = -0.57; 10 m: -2.13%, p = 0.01, ES = -0.52). Part 2 reported a significant improvement in 5-m sprint time between baseline and 15 seconds (5 m: -3.38%, p = 0.01, ES = -0.83; 10 m: -2.07%, p = 0.02, ES = -0.58) after the BDJs. The findings support the use of 1 set of 3 BDJs using a 15-second intrarepetition recovery period to maximize 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint performance after 15 seconds of recovery after the final BDJ in hurling players. The acute response to this BDJ protocol proves to be time efficient and effective in acutely improving sprint acceleration.

The Precompetition Macronutrient Intake of Elite Gaelic Football Players

Competition-related dietary intake has not yet been investigated in Gaelic football. The present study examined the precompetition macronutrient intake of elite male Gaelic football players. Forty players from two teams completed a food diary on the 2 days preceding competition (Day 1 and Day 2) and on the match day prior to the match (match day). Carbohydrate intake was significantly greater on Day 2 compared with Day 1, for both absolute (295 ± 98 vs. 318 ± 77 g; p = .048; -23.6 g, 95% confidence interval [-47.3, 0.2]; Cohen's d = 0.27) and relative intake (3.4 ± 1.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0 g/kg; p = .027; -0.3 g/kg, 95% confidence interval [-0.6, -0.03]; Cohen's d = 0.32). The number of players in accordance with and not in accordance with the guidelines for carbohydrate intake on Day 2 was significantly different to an expected frequency distribution, χ²(1) = 32.400; p ≤ .001; φ = 0.9, with a greater number of players not meeting the guidelines (observed N = 2 vs. 38). The number of players in accordance with and not in accordance with the recommendations for carbohydrate intake on match day was significantly different to an expected frequency distribution, χ²(1) = 8.100; p = .004; φ = 0.45, with a greater number of players meeting the guidelines (observed N = 29 vs. 11). The major finding from the current investigation was that a significantly greater number of players did not meet carbohydrate intake guidelines on the day before competition. Individualized nutritional interventions are required in order to modify the current prematch dietary intake.

Eccentric knee flexor strength profiles of 341 elite male academy and senior Gaelic football players: Do body mass and previous hamstring injury impact performance?

OBJECTIVE

Report eccentric knee flexor strength values of elite Gaelic football players from underage to adult level whilst examining the influence of body mass and previous hamstring injury.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Team's training facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Elite Gaelic football players (n = 341) from under 14 years to senior age-grades were recruited from twelve teams.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Absolute (N) and relative (N·kg^-1) eccentric hamstring strength as well as corresponding between-limb imbalances (%) were calculated for all players.

RESULTS

Mean maximum force was 329.4N (95% CI 319.5-340.2) per limb. No statistically significant differences were observed in relative force values (4.4 N ·kg^-1, 95% CI 4.2-4.5) between age-groups. Body mass had moderate-to-large and weak associations with maximum force in youth (r = 0.597) and adult (r =0 .159) players, respectively. Overall 40% (95 CI 31.4-48.7) presented with a maximum strength between-limb imbalance >10%. Players with a hamstring injury had greater relative maximum force (9.3%, 95% CI 7.0-11.8; p > 0.05) and a 28% (95% CI 10.0-38.0) higher prevalence of between-limb imbalances ≥15% compared to their uninjured counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overlapping strength profiles across age-groups, combined with greater strength in previously injured players, suggests difficulties for establishing cut-off thresholds associated with hamstring injury risk.

The Work-Rate of Elite Hurling Match-Play

Collins, DK, McRobert, A, Morton, JP, O'Sullivan, D, and Doran, DA. The work-rate of elite hurling match-play. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 805-811, 2018-This study describes the global work-rate of elite hurling match-play and the influence which positional difference has on work-rate is considered. The movement of ninety-four players was recorded using global positioning system, sampling at 4 Hz in a total of 12 games. Data were classified according to the positional line on the field and period of the match. The total and high-speed distance of match-play was 7,617 ± 1,219 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 7,367-7,866) and 1,134 ± 358 m (95% CI, 1,060-1,206), respectively. The maximum speed attained was 29.8 ± 2.3 km·h with a mean speed of 6.1 ± 1 km·h. The second {271 ± 107 m (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.25)}, third (278 ± 118 m [p = 0.001; ES = 0.21]), and fourth quarter (255 ± 108 m [p = 0.001; ES = 0.31]) high-speed running distance differed significantly from that of the first quarter (330 ± 120 m). There was a significant difference in total (p = 0.001; ES = 0.01-0.85), high-speed running (p = 0.001; ES = 0.21-0.76), and sprint (p = 0.013; ES = 0.01-0.39) distance across the positions, with midfielders undertaking the highest volume of work, followed by the half-forward and half-back lines and finally the full-forward and full-back lines. A decrease in high-speed running distance seems to occur through out the game and in particular at the latter stages of each half. Distinct positional work profiles are evident. The present finding provide a context on which training which replicates the work-rate of match-play may be formulated, thus helping to improve the physical preparation of elite players.

Positional Match Running Performance in Elite Gaelic Football

Malone, S, Solan, B, Collins, KD, and Doran, DA. Positional match running performance in elite Gaelic football. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2292-2298, 2016-There is currently limited information available on match running performance in Gaelic football. The objective of the current study was to report on the match running profile of elite male Gaelic football and assess positional running performance. In this observational study, 50 elite male Gaelic football players wore 4-Hz global positioning systems units (VX Sports) across 30 competitive games with a total of 215 full game data sets collected. Activity was classed according to total distance, high-speed distance (≥17 km·h), sprint distance (≥22 km·h), mean velocity (km·h), peak velocity (km·h), and number of accelerations. The average match distance was 8,160 ± 1,482 m, reflective of a relative distance of 116 ± 21 m·min, with 1,731 ± 659 m covered at high speed, which is reflective of a relative high-speed distance of 25 ± 9 m·min. The observed sprint distance was 445 ± 169 m distributed across 44 sprint actions. The peak velocity was 30.3 ± 1.8 km·h with a mean velocity of 6.5 ± 1.2 km·h. Players completed 184 ± 40 accelerations, which represent 2.6 ± 0.5 accelerations per minute. There were significant differences between positional groups for both total running distance, high-speed running distance, and sprint distance, with midfielders covering more total and high-speed running distance, compared with other positions (p < 0.001). There was a reduction in high-speed and sprint distance between the first and second half (p < 0.001). Reductions in running performance were position dependent with the middle 3 positions experiencing the highest decrement in performance. The current study is the first to communicate a detailed description of match running performance during competitive elite Gaelic football match play.

Match play demands of 11 versus 11 professional football using Global Positioning System tracking: Variations across common playing formations

This study aimed to examine Global Positioning System (GPS) determined movement patterns across the 5 most common playing formations (4-4-2; 4-3-3; 3-5-2; 3-4-3; 4-2-3-1) employed in 11 versus 11 football match play in England. Elite male footballers (n=46) were monitored over the course of a season; total distance (TD), high speed running (HSR), high metabolic load distance (HMLD), high speed accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec) data was collected for analysis. It was found that 3-5-2 formation elicited higher TD (10528±565m, p=0.05), HSR (642±215m, p=0.001), and HMLD (2025±304m, p=0.001) than all other formations and above average Acc and Dec (34±7, p=0.036 and 57±10, p=0.006), with 4-2-3-1 eliciting the highest Acc and Dec (38±8 and 61±12). Positional data showed that CM in 4-3-3 covered >11% TD than in 4-4-2 (p=0.012). FW in 3-5-2 covered >45% HSR than in 4-2-3-1 (p=0.004). CM in 4-3-3 covered >14% HMLD than in 4-4-2 (p=0.367). FW in 4-3-3 performed >49% accelerations than in 4-2-3-1 (p=0.293). WD in 3-5-2 performed >20% more decelerations than in 4-4-2 (p=0.161). This study is important for coaches understanding, that positional physical characteristics are influenced by the demands of playing in different formations during match play.