Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2004):

Changes in physical fitness parameters during a competitive field hockey season.

Full Abstract

Competitive field hockey requires a substantial amount of muscular strength, speed, and cardiovascular endurance. It is unknown how these parameters of physical fitness change between preseason conditioning to postseason recovery. Therefore, Division III female field hockey athletes (n = 13) completed tests of muscular strength, body composition, and maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2)max) during each phase of their season. Muscular strength was assessed using 1 repetition maximum (RM) leg and bench press tests. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry (skinfolds [SKF]), circumferences ([CC]), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Incremental treadmill testing was administered to assess Vo(2)max. Vo(2)max was unchanged during the season, although a trend (p > 0.05) was shown for a higher Vo(2)max during and after the season vs. before the season. Upper- (10%) and lower-body strength (14%) decreased (p > 0.05) during the season. Percent body fat (%BF) from BIA, fat mass (FM) from CC, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in-season and postseason vs. preseason. In conclusion, preseason training was effective in decreasing %BF and increasing Vo(2)max, yet muscular strength was lost. Coaches should incorporate more rigorous in-season resistance training to prevent strength decrements. Moreover, these data support the superior levels of muscular strength and leanness in these athletes compared with age-matched peers.

Author information

Author/s: Astorino, Todd A (TA); Tam, Peter A (PA); Rietschel, Jeremy C (JC); Johnson, Stephen M (SM); Freedman, Thomas P (TP);

Affiliation: Exercise Science Program, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801, USA. astorino(-atsign-)csusm.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association (J Strength Cond Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Nov; vol 18 (issue 4) : pp 850-4

Dates: Created 2004/12/02; Completed 2005/03/10;

PMID: 15574105, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Analysis of Variance Body Composition Body Weight Electric Impedance Female Hockey - physiology

Hockey - physiology Humans Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Oxygen Consumption - physiology Physical Endurance Physical Fitness Time Factors

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