Sprint velocity and step frequency during repeated sprint ability testing are associated with high-intensity locomotor activity in elite female field hockey
Randomized trial examines links between repeat sprint ability and locomotor activity in elite female field hockey, indicating practical monitoring methods.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the relationship between repeated sprint ability determinants and physical demands during elite female field hockey matches.
Fourteen elite female field hockey players completed a linear RSA protocol with six 30-m maximal sprints separated by 30 s active recovery.
External load was measured during four competitive matches using 10-Hz GPS devices to track performance variables.
Correlations were assessed between RSA metrics and GPS-derived locomotor activity data during matches.
RSA sprint-velocity metrics had very large correlations (r > 0.70, p < 0.01) with total sprint distance and high-intensity accelerations.
Step frequency also showed very large associations (r > 0.70, p < 0.01) with sprint distance and high-speed running rates, but step length was not significantly related.
These findings suggest RSA performance, particularly sprint velocity and step frequency, relates to the demands of elite female field hockey matches.