Anthropometric, Physiological and Physical Performance Characteristics of Adolescent Female Field Hockey Players in the United Kingdom
Description
This study aimed to describe physical performance in female adolescent hockey players in the United Kingdom to provide normative and comparative data to both identify this group of adolescent team-sport players as athletes and inform coaching and training strategies. Observations were in line with similar studies of active adolescents or elite/sub-elite female adolescent team sport players, suggesting that our participants were similar to other adolescent athletes in most measures. Strength, particularly hand grip strength, was lower than seen in similar aged international hockey players but above population averages. These differences may reflect a difference in training, as none of the participants in this study were doing sport specific strength and conditioning. Future studies should investigate the changes in physiological and physical performance characteristics of adolescent female hockey players across the hockey season specifically in the context of strength training.
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Steps to reproduce
All participants were registered to England Hockey’s talent program. Standing and seated stature were measured to the nearest 0.01 m (Harpenden G133 Portable stadiometer; Holtain Ltd, UK) and body mass was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg (Mettler Toledo PB3001-s Scales; Fisher Scientific, UK). Leg length being given as the difference between standing and seated stature. Equations by Mirwald and Moore were used to calculate developmental age and maturity offset from chronological age. Predicted age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated as chronological age minus maturity offset. Each player was classified as early, average, or late maturing, based on predicted APHV, following the methodology by Sherar. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and used to estimate body fat% using the equations in Jackson. Maximal isometric handgrip strength was measured using an adjustable handgrip dynamometer (TKK 5401 GRIPD, Cranlea & Co., UK). Participants were allowed to adjust the handle to a comfortable setting and were instructed to hold the dynamometer in their dominant hand with their arm at their side. Maximal jump height was recorded using a jump mat (University of Chichester, UK), with participants keeping hands on the hips throughout the movement. The corresponding jump height and peak anaerobic power output (PAPw) were calculated using the equations described by Bosco, and Sayers. Participants completed a 30-m slalom sprint carrying a hockey stick and then again dribbling a hockey ball. Time was measured at the nearest 0.01 seconds, with the test repeated if ball control was lost. The Δ slalom time (difference between the sprint and dribble) was given as an index of player skill. Participants then completed the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT) as a measure of aerobic endurance. The MSFT consisted of repeated 20-m runs at an increasing pace starting at 8.0 km·h-1and increasing by approximately 0.5 km·h-1 for each stage. The assessment ended when the participant could no longer keep pace with the audio signal or retired voluntarily. Estimated V̇O2max was calculated using the equation described by Ramsbottom. Heart rate was recorded using a chest worn Polar H10 (Polar Electro UK Ltd, Warwick UK) heart rate monitor.
Institutions
- University of Chichester