Effects of consecutive days of matchplay on maximal hip abductor and adductor strength in female field hockey players

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two competitive field hockey matches, played on consecutive days, on maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, wellness and fatigue. Methods Fourteen professional female field hockey players (age: 20.4 ± 5.4 years; body mass: 60.7 ± 7.2 kg; height: 167.0 ± 1.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this investigation. Maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor strength were obtained before (pre-match 1) and after the first match (post-match 1), after the second match (post-match 2), and 48 h after the second match. Locomotion patterns during the matches were obtained with portable Global Positioning System (GPS) and perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed after each match. In addition, Wellness Questionnaire (5-WQ) and the Total Quality Recovery Scale (TQR) were employed before the matches and 48 h after the second match. Results For the non-dominant limb, the maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor strength were lower after post-match 2 when compared to pre-match 1 (p = 0.011). Hip abductor strength in the non-dominant limb remained reduced 48 h after post-match 2 (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the total distance covered when comparing match 1 and match 2. Players reported more acute fatigue (5-WQ, p = 0.009) and increased muscle soreness on pre-match 2 compared to pre-match 1 (p = 0.015), while fatigue returned to pre-competition levels 48 h after post-match 2 (p = 0.027). No changes were observed in the TQR. Conclusion The assessment of maximal adductor and abductor strength before and after competitive matches, in addition to evaluating self-perceived fatigue by a wellness questionnaire can help to identify field hockey players with excessive fatigue responses during tournaments with a congested match program.

Health, lifestyle behaviours, and well-being of International Masters field hockey athletes

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare health status, lifestyle behaviours, and well-being of athletes from three world regions competing in the 2018 Masters Field Hockey World Cup. A total of 465 athletes (180 men, 284 women, 1 other) from 21 countries, aged 35 to 76 years, completed the Health and Well-being of Masters Field Hockey Athletes survey. Most participants rated their health as “very good” or “excellent”, had no major health conditions nor medication use, had a healthy BMI, and experienced varying levels of stress. No significant differences between the regions were found in health status. Participants had healthy dietary habits overall, with significant differences between the regions in fruit, vegetable, and water consumption. Most participants reported ≥7 hours of sleep per night and varying amounts of restless sleep. Just under half of the participants reported sitting five or more hours per day, with no significant differences between the regions. While significant differences were found in exercise frequency, participants across all regions were physically active. Participants reported high levels of flourishing, with some significant differences found between the regions. While some regional differences were found, International Masters field hockey athletes in general practise healthy lifestyle behaviours and reported excellent overall health and well-being.

Injury incidence and burden during senior inter-provincial field hockey tournaments

Background: Field hockey is an Olympic sport played internationally and in which South Africa is a participating nation. It also has its own world cup. Few injury studies have been published on South African field hockey. Research efforts should increase within the sport to ensure safe participation and mitigate the inherent injury risks. Objectives: The objective of the study was to attend the male and female inter-provincial field hockey tournaments in South Africa and determine the incidence of injury and burden of acquired sport injuries (time-loss and medical attention). Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal study, including 133 females and 139 males, was conducted. Participants completed baseline questionnaires prior to the tournament and post-match questionnaires detailing injuries during the tournament. Results: The recorded injuries were 77.9 (females) and 99.5 (males) per 1 000 player match hours. Medical attention was 51.9 (females) and 70.3 (males) injuries per 1 000 player match hours. The result for time-loss injuries was 4.3 (females) and 7.5 (males) injuries per 1 000 player match hours. Discussion: The study found high incidence rates of all injuries and medical attention injuries; however, the incidence of time-loss injuries was low in comparison to existing literature. Comparing current results to existing literature is challenging due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and injury definitions in field hockey research. Conclusion: This was the largest observational study in field hockey conducted in South Africa. The international sporting body should establish a consensus for future research and the South African Hockey Association explore long-term surveillance in South Africa to mimic similar national codes.