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Relative maximal velocity as a risk factor for injury in elite Gaelic football players. Data presented as OR (95% CI) when compared to a reference group.
Source publication
Objectives:
To examine the relationship between chronic training loads, number of exposures to maximal velocity, the distance covered at maximal velocity, percentage of maximal velocity in training and match-play and subsequent injury risk in elite Gaelic footballers.
Design:
Prospective cohort design.
Methods:
Thirty-seven elite Gaelic footba...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... who produced over 95% maximal velocity within training and match-play environments in the preceding week had a lower risk of injury than those who produced lower maximal velocity (OR: 0.12, 95% CI 0.01-0.92, p = 0.001) (Table 1). On average, players were exposed to maximal velocity 7 ± 4 times during match play and training environments; specifically players experienced 4 ± 3 exposures during training environments and 3 ± 1 exposures during match-play environments. ...Context 2
... current investigation is the first to explore the relationship between training load, maximal velocity exposures and injury risk in elite Gaelic football players. Our data showed that when players' produced over 95% of their maximal velocity they were at reduced risk of subsequent injury (OR: 0.12) (Table 1). When maximal velocity exposures were considered independently of training load history a U-shaped curve was shown for number of exposures and subsequent injury risk (see Supplementary Fig. S1 in the online version at doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.08.005). ...Similar publications
O risco de lesão é uma realidade no Futebol, pelo que é necessário investir na sua prevenção. Explicamos-te como neste artigo. Por RODRIGO RUIVO, Doutorado em Motricidade Humana, Mestre em Exercício e Saúde, Dir. Dep. Desporto Club Clínica das Conchas, Autor do " Manual de Avaliação e Prescrição de Exercício "
Introduction
Due to its high incidence, muscle injury is one of the major problems for football players. The aim was to analyse the rate and characteristics of muscle injuries in the academy of a Spanish professional football team (Spanish First Division) during a complete competitive season (2015–2016) using a prospective cohort design.
Material...
Poor functional movement is a risk factor for injuries in soccer players. Players with dysfunctional movement patterns, measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM), are more likely to suffer an injury compared than those who have higher scores on the FMSTM. The purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness of 8-weeks of functional mov...
Objective: To investigate the effects of FIFA 11 training on injury prevention and performance in football players.
Design and methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search using
four databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed) to find controlled trials evaluating
the effects of FIFA 11 on injury preven...
Citations
... Previous studies have investigated the relationship between training planning based on GPS metrics and the risk of injury [14][15][16][17]. The majority of these studies are retrospective in nature and primarily focus on identifying significant statistical correlations between individual GPS-derived metrics and the incidence of injuries. ...
... The information about the player load across all axes of accelerometer movement, distance, duration, and effort count performed in all bands makes the model detect when players are in undertraining or overtraining situations. Both situations are boosters of injury events, with some studies reporting a U-shaped curve between these parameters and injury risk [15,55]. ...
Noncontact injuries are prevalent among professional football players. Yet, most research on this topic is retrospective, focusing solely on statistical correlations between Global Positioning System (GPS) metrics and injury occurrence, overlooking the multifactorial nature of injuries. This study introduces an automated injury identification and prediction approach using machine learning, leveraging GPS data and player-specific parameters. A sample of 34 male professional players from a Portuguese first-division team was analyzed, combining GPS data from Catapult receivers with descriptive variables for machine learning models—Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Feedforward Neural Networks (FNNs), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost)—to predict injuries. These models, particularly the SVMs with cost-sensitive learning, showed high accuracy in detecting injury events, achieving a sensitivity of 71.43%, specificity of 74.19%, and overall accuracy of 74.22%. Key predictive factors included the player’s position, session type, player load, velocity and acceleration. The developed models are notable for their balanced sensitivity and specificity, efficiency without extensive manual data collection, and capability to predict injuries for short time frames. These advancements will aid coaching staff in identifying high-risk players, optimizing team performance, and reducing rehabilitation costs.
... Despite this, awareness of and compliance with IPEPs remains low among GAA players [28]. In order to prevent knee injuries (and the associated negative sequelae) among GAA players, all key stakeholders across the game should promote better compliance with IPEPs among players coupled with suitable load monitoring and load management [29,30]. These efforts should be individualized to each player and should consider the unique context of Gaelic games, where many intercounty players are also concurrently training and competing at university and club level. ...
Background Knee injuries are common among elite intercounty Gaelic games players (collectively GAA players).
Aims The primary aim was to examine knee pain, function, and quality of life in retired elite male GAA players. Secondary objectives were to (i) report the incidence of previous knee surgery and total knee replacement, (ii) assess medication usage, and (iii) investigate any associations between a history of knee injury and/or knee surgery and knee pain, function, and quality of life among retired elite male GAA players.
Methods One hundred retired male senior intercounty GAA players were surveyed on their history of severe knee injury and previous knee surgery (68 completed survey; 47 Gaelic football, 20 hurling, 1 dual player). The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PROMIS-GH) were used to assess level of function and pain.
Results Forty-seven (69%) of the retired players described experiencing at least one severe knee injury during their inter-county career. Fourteen (21%) participants retired due to a significant knee injury. Mean KOOS-SP score was 75.5 (SD 17). The Global Physical Health and Global Mental Health mean scores were 44 and 51. There was a low negative correlation between KOOS-SP scores and a history of severe knee injury (r = −0.35, p = 0.001). Moderate negative correlation between Global Mental Health scores and a history of severe knee injuries (r = −0.36, p = 0.386) and a very weak negative correlation between the number of surgeries during a participant's intercounty career and Global Mental Health score (r = −0.089, p = 0.234).
Discussion Severe knee injuries and knee surgery are common among male intercounty GAA players. These injuries lead to self-reported reduced performance and retirement and are potentially associated with worse health-related outcomes post-intercounty career. Further well-designed studies, including among retired women GAA players, are required to assess the relationship between knee injuries and long-term athlete outcomes. Improved injury prevention efforts, enhanced rehabilitation of knee injuries, and post-retirement care may mitigate the adverse effects associated with severe knee injuries among male GAA players.
... national SL, short international tournaments where officials could be covering a substantial number of matches (>3 matches) within a competition period (3-4 days), presenting a match congestion problem with high physical requirements and the potential injury concern with spike in volume (Gabbett, 2016;S. Malone et al., 2018;S. Malone et al., 2017a;S. Malone et al., 2017b). ...
The physical demands on lacrosse officials throughout different variants of the game remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify the match demands of officials in field lacrosse (FL), box lacrosse (BL) and sixes lacrosse (SL). Thirty officials (10 Females and 20 Males; 34.3 ± 8.2 years, 168.4 ± 13.2 cm, 73.4 ± 6.8 kg) were monitored during 96 competitive matches (33 FL matches, 39 SL matches and 24 BL matches) using 10 hz GPS microtechnology. Significant differences (p < 0.001, η 2 >0.11) in physical demands were observed, with trivial to very large differences (d = 0.19-6.99) identified between different lacrosse variants. There was a moderate difference (p = 0.01, η 2 = 0.05) between quarters and variations. FL officials covered the greatest low intensity distances (≤5.5 m/s), while SL officials exhibited greater high-speed running (>5.5 m/s). BL and SL, both smaller variants, resulted in more frequent accelerations and decelerations in comparison to FL. These findings highlight that officials experience unique physical challenges depending on the variant, emphasising the need for tailored physical preparation strategies for each format, particularly for those aiming to officiate at the highest levels of competition. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Athletes require regular exposure to sprinting within the training environment to effectively prepare them for high-speed demands of competition (Gabbett, 2016;Malone et al., 2017;Oakley et al., 2018). ...
... In team sports, such as soccer and Australian Rules Football, players can achieve mean sprint (>23 km⋅h −1 ) distances of 337 and 571 m per game, respectively (Coutts et al., 2010;Di Salvo et al., 2007). RST can provide controlled doses of near-to-maximal speed running (Edouard et al., 2019;Malone et al., 2017;Mendiguchia et al., 2020), 2 -THURLOW ET AL. but coaches need to consider the optimal volume of maximal velocity exposure so that excessive or insufficient volumes of sprint training do not hinder performance (Gabbett, 2016;Malone et al., 2017). ...
... In team sports, such as soccer and Australian Rules Football, players can achieve mean sprint (>23 km⋅h −1 ) distances of 337 and 571 m per game, respectively (Coutts et al., 2010;Di Salvo et al., 2007). RST can provide controlled doses of near-to-maximal speed running (Edouard et al., 2019;Malone et al., 2017;Mendiguchia et al., 2020), 2 -THURLOW ET AL. but coaches need to consider the optimal volume of maximal velocity exposure so that excessive or insufficient volumes of sprint training do not hinder performance (Gabbett, 2016;Malone et al., 2017). ...
We examined the effects of repeated sprint training (RST) session volume on acute physiological, neuromuscular, perceptual and performance outcomes. In a randomised, counterbalanced, and crossover design, 14 healthy and trained male and female athletes (age: 23 ± 3 years) completed two sets of 10 × 40 m (10 × 40), 5 × 40 m (5 × 40), 10 × 20 m (10 × 20) and 5 × 20 m (5 × 20) sprints with 30 s rest between repetitions and 3 min rest between sets for all protocols. Average and peak heart rate, average oxygen consumption (VO2), time >90% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), differential ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), session‐RPE training load (sRPE‐TL), percentage sprint decrement (Sdec), acceleration load and distance >90% of maximal sprint speed were recorded during each session. Neuromuscular performance (i.e. countermovement jump, lower‐limb stiffness and isometric hamstring strength) were measured post‐session, 24 h, and 48 h and compared to pre‐session. A univariate analysis of variance was used to compare within‐ and between‐protocol differences. To aid data interpretation, all effects were expressed as an effect size and accompanied by probability values (pMET). The 10 × 40 protocol induced the greatest training load compared to all other protocols (pMET < 0.05), including moderate to very large differences in breathlessness RPE, large differences in Sdec and time >90% VO2max and very large differences in sRPE‐TL. The 5 × 20 protocol induced the lowest training load compared to all other protocols (pMET < 0.05), including moderate to large differences in sRPE‐TL and leg muscle RPE. Heart rate, VO2, sRPE‐TL, leg muscle RPE and Sdec were similar between 5 × 40 and 10 × 20 (pMET < 0.05), but the acceleration load was greater for 10 × 20 when compared to 5 × 40 (pMET < 0.001), and this difference was large. Changes in neuromuscular performance across all timepoints and all protocols were unclear. Larger session volumes increase the demands of RST and by manipulating volume, sprint distance and the number of repetitions, practitioners can alter the internal and external training load.
... High speed running and sprinting have been shown to be key elements of sports performance, as they show a relationship with performance 21,22 but also with the reduction of injury incidence. 23 It seems clear that exposing players to a certain weekly activity can have a protective effect, 24,25 so stimulating this type of movement in players who do not play in official matches is suggested as a necessary strategy. The results obtained in this study show that the players covered between more or less 45-65% of the official match demand in these sessions, resulting in values significantly higher than the 20% of the official match activity reported by Martin-Garcia et al. 8 Furthermore, it can be seen how this strategy has been implemented in a common way by the three teams, since there are no major differences in these variables associated with high speed running and sprinting. ...
The aim of this study was to compare the external load accumulated by players belonging to three teams of the same professional club in the compensatory training session, training the day after the match, expressing this both in absolute values and in values relative to the match demands. Fifty-one soccer players from three different categories (professional team [PRO] n= 16 players; reserve team [RES]= 15 players; and second reserve team [RES2]= 20 players) were monitored by micro-electromechanical systems devices in compensatory training sessions. Large and very large differences between teams were shown in the variables most related to volume (duration, player load, total distance, acceleration load and distance at >14 km h ⁻¹ ), while the variables most related to intensity show trivial and small differences between teams (distance at >21 and >24 km h ⁻¹ , and number of accelerations and decelerations). Our main finding agreed with our hypothesis, showing that most of the external load variables range between 30–90% of the official match load, most of the external load variables being in ranges close to 50–60% of the match demands, reaching a higher percentage in the variables related to the accelerations and decelerations actions.
... Les exercices de renforcement habituels n'atteignent qu'au mieux 75 % de l'activité EMG induite par le sprint (van den Tillaar et al., 2017). Il a été démontré que lorsqu'il est effectué avec le bon dosage, il peut diminuer le risque de blessure (Malone et al., 2017). En conséquence, le sprint semblerait plus largement accepté tant par les athlètes que par les entraîneurs, ce qui facilite son implémentation à un programme d'entrainement ou de prévention. ...
Objective(s) : This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of Nordic Hamstring Exercise and sprinting on modifiable risk factors for hamstring injuries, such as hamstring
eccentric strength and long head fascicle length of the biceps femoris in athletes.
Background : Hamstring injuries are the most common injuries in high-speed running and change-of-direction sports and their management has been a challenge for clinicians for several decades.
Inclusion criteria : Randomized controlled trials or studies with at least two groups comparing the effectiveness of a program including the Nordic Hamstring Exercise to that based on sprinting on the eccentric strength of the hamstrings and the length of the fascicle of the long head of the biceps femoral within a population bringing together athletes, both amateurs and professionals, without limitation to a particular sport.
Methods : A systematic review was carried out based on studies collected until 03.06.2024
on the following four databases: Medline (Pubmed), Embase, The Cochrane Library and
PEDro. The JBI approach for critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and synthesis was used. The PEDro scale was also used to assess risk of bias.
Results : Three randomized controlled trials and one prospective interventional control study of moderate to high methodological quality and involving a total of 116 subjects were selected. The three randomized controlled trials that assessed eccentric strength all achieved significant intragroup improvements for both types of training (p<0.05), with intergroup differences generally greater in favor of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise group. The two studies evaluating the length of the fascicle of the biceps femoris show intragroup improvements in both types of training, with significant values present only in one of the studies (p<0.05), as well as intergroup results alternatively favoring the one or another type of training.
Conclusions : Our systematic review provides valuable information on interventions aimed at improving risk factors for hamstring injuries. Clinicians may choose to work eccentric strength through both types of intervention, as results show that improvements are valid in both, with a slight preference for the Nordic Hamstring Exercise group. Regarding fascicle length, both interventions also showed encouraging results although data were inconsistent between studies as to which group showed the most significant improvement. However, our findings should be viewed with caution due to various biases and limitations identified in the reviewed
studies.
... Il raggiungimento della velocità di picco in allenamento è stato correlato ad una riduzione del numero delle lesioni muscolari [27]. È consigliabile raggiungere almeno 1-2 volte a settimana il 95% della velocità massima ed integrare nei programmi di allenamento la corsa a velocità massima e le accelerazioni [28]. Una crescente rilevanza sta acquistando il monitoraggio dei carichi di lavoro, in particolare dopo lo sviluppo e la diffusione della tecnologia GPS. ...
La recidiva nelle lesioni muscolari è un evento che determina un prolungato periodo per il RTP (return-to-play) negli atleti professionisti. Vi è un generale consenso sul fatto che le recidive possano suddividersi in precoci (entro 2 mesi dall’evento originale) e tardive e che possano essere conseguenti a fattori non modificabili (età e numero di precedenti lesioni) e modificabili (ridotta forza muscolare ed estensibilità, corretto recupero del gesto atletico, fatica). L’individuazione e il costante sforzo negli ultimi anni di agire su questi fattori possono aver in parte determinato la sensibile riduzione di questi eventi a livello professionistico del durante gli allenamenti ed in partita, sebbene l’incidenza risulti ancora elevata. Fondamentale risulta essere il corretto timing del RTP, basato su test clinici e strumentali e le strategie di prevenzione.
... Moreover, it has been shown recently that the majority of hamstring injuries occur when players run >25 km h -1 and at >80% of their maximal sprinting speed (MSS). 1 On the other hand, the integration of consistent MSS into elite sports training is crucial for effectively conditioning players for high-speed scenarios during match-play. 20,21 Coaches should include training scenarios that involve high percentages of MSS to potentially prevent future soft tissue injuries, similar to a "vaccine" effect. 20,21 In this regard, sprinting stands out as the only exercise capable of eliciting a sprint-specific activation of the hamstring muscles, both in terms of magnitude and timing. ...
... 20,21 Coaches should include training scenarios that involve high percentages of MSS to potentially prevent future soft tissue injuries, similar to a "vaccine" effect. 20,21 In this regard, sprinting stands out as the only exercise capable of eliciting a sprint-specific activation of the hamstring muscles, both in terms of magnitude and timing. This distinct activation pattern cannot be replicated through conventional strengthening exercises, which typically achieve only 18% to 75% of the electromyographic activity observed in the hamstrings during MSS. ...
... 42 A U-shaped relationship has been found between the number of exposures to MSS and the risk of injury both in Gaelic football and soccer players. 20,21 Players who consistently reach ≥95% of their MSS have a reduced risk of injury compared with those who achieve lower relative maximal velocities; however, under-and overexposure of players to MSS events increases the risk of injury. 21 Specifically, there is an increased risk of injury associated with acute increases in the total distance covered at ≥95% of players' MSS. ...
Background
Maximal sprinting speed (MSS) overexposure is associated with increased risk of injury. This study aimed to describe changes in sprint performance-related factors and hamstring strain injury (HSI) risk factors after a high-volume sprinting session in soccer players.
Hypothesis
A high-volume sprinting session can induce acute changes in several sprint performance-related factors (sprint time and mechanical properties) and HSI risk factors (posterior chain muscle strength, hamstring range of motion, and dynamic lumbo-pelvic control [LPC], measured as changes in anterior pelvic tilt [APT] during maximal speed sprinting).
Study Design
Prospective observational case series.
Level of Evidence
Level 4.
Methods
Fifteen active male amateur soccer players participated. Changes in sprint performance-related factors and HSI risk factors were examined for 72 hours after high-volume MSS efforts (H-VMSSE) using a soccer-contextualized multifactorial approach. Muscle damage proxy markers (hamstring perceived soreness and creatine kinase) were also examined.
Results
H-VMSSE induced decrements in sprint performance-related factors. Significant reductions in theoretical maximal horizontal velocity ( P < 0.01; effect size [ES], -0.71) and performance ( P = 0.02; ES, -0.59) were observed for 48 and 72 hours after H-VMSSE. Small but significant reductions in posterior chain muscle force-generating capacity were detected for 48 and 72 hours after H-VMSSE for the nondominant ( P < 0.03; ES, -0.60) and dominant ( P < 0.04; ES, -0.40) leg. Finally, players exhibited persistent small, albeit nonsignificant ( P = 0.06; ES, 0.53), decreases in dynamic LPC (APT increases) for 72 hours after H-VMSSE.
Conclusion
H-VMSSE induced declines in both sprint performance-related factors and HSI risk factors. Sprinting can alter a player’s anatomic structure by increasing APT during the maximum speed phase of the sprint.
Clinical Relevance
A soccer-contextualized multifactorial approach might allow for the regulation of MSS dosage depending on individual HSI risk factor status, thereby serving as a tailored “vaccine” for sprinting needs.
... Although talent identification and scouting are important to select athletes that possess innate speed qualities, sprinting acceleration and top speed mechanics can be developed year-round and the athlete's speeds will improve across years if it is prioritized appropriately. As field sport athletes do not get enough exposure to maximal speed playing the game to improve, it is important to consistently expose rugby players to these maximum efforts to elicit adaptation but also prevent lower-limb injuries outside of the game (12,37,65). It is also important to prescribe consistent exposures to maximum speed efforts as this quality can quickly become detrained (5 6 3 days) (58). ...
With increasing investments and resources, rugby sevens is growing internationally and domestically in many countries. Within Canada, women's rugby sevens is a popular sport at the regional and national levels in university settings and centralized training programs. Given the importance of strength and conditioning for success in sevens, the purpose of this article is to highlight some of the frameworks used to develop sevens athletes from the university to the international level within the Canadian context. As such, the match demands and physical characteristics relevant to rugby sevens are discussed based on a comprehensive needs analysis. This is further contextualized by a training philosophy and framework tailored for university-aged female athletes, which play a key role in the Canadian talent development pathway.
... More consistent exposure to sprinting has 2 proposed benefits: an increased maximum speed and potential subsequent performance benefit, a prophylactic effect for softtissue injury, as it likely acts to condition the lower-limb muscles for the increased mechanical demands. 8,16,31,38,43 Similarly, the existing technology allows sport science staff at an elite level to identify athletes who are heavily underexposed to maximum speed running. These athletes would likely attain some benefits, both in performance and injury prevention, by increasing their maximum speed sprint exposure closer to the team average. ...
Background
Australian Rules Football athletes complete long preseasons, yet injuries occur frequently at early stages of the competitive season. Little is known about the high-speed running (HSR) prescription during a preseason or whether players are adequately prepared for competition. This study described absolute and relative preseason and in-season HSR demands of 2 professional Australian football teams.
Hypothesis
HSR and sprinting volumes are significantly lower in elite Australian Rules football athletes during in-season compared with preseason.
Study Design
Cohort study.
Level of Evidence
Level 3.
Methods
During the 2019 season, HSR volume was collected for 2 professional Australian football teams (n = 55). Individual maximum speeds (V max ) were captured to calculate relative running speed thresholds, as reported in 5% increments from 70%V max to 100%V max .
Results
Weekly volume of running above 70%V max ( P = 0.01; r = 0.56) and 80%V max ( P = 0.01; r = 0.58) was significantly greater in the preseason than the in-season. The weekly volume completed above 90%V max was not significantly greater in the preseason than the in-season ( P = 0.10; r = 0.22). Individual variation in the distance completed at specific percentages of V max expressed as a coefficient of variation was reported as 51% at 71% to 80%V max , 39% at 81% to 90%V max , and 41% at 91% to 100%V max .
Conclusion
The volume of HSR completed by athletes is far greater in the initial 4 weeks of the preseason than in any other point in preseason or competitive phases. At the individual level, there is substantial variation in the distance covered. This supports the concept of a heavily individualized approach to high-speed prescription and monitoring.
Clinical Relevance
Practitioners should carefully consider individual variation regarding sprinting volume during both preseason and in-season when prescribing and monitoring training to improve on-field performance and reduce the risk of injury.
