Effects of Consecutive Matches on Isometric Hamstring Strength, Flexibility Values and Neuromuscular Performance in Female Field Hockey Players. A Prospective, Observational Study

• Published in: Applied sciences Vol. 11; no. 19; p. 8938
• Main Authors: Sánchez-Migallón, Violeta, Moreno-Pérez, Víctor, López-Samanes, Alvaro, Fernández-Ruiz, Vicente, Gaos, Sofía, Díaz-Maroto, José Bernardo, van den Tillaar, Roland, Navandar, Archit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-10-2021
• Subjects: Ankle; Caffeine; countermovement jump; fatigue; Field hockey; fixture congestion; flexibility; hamstrings; Hockey; Injuries; Isometric; Knee; Locomotion; Motion detection; Observational studies; Players; Range of motion; Risk analysis; Risk factors; team sport; United States > US; Spain
• DOI: 10.3390/app11198938
• EISSN: 2076-3417

This study aimed to analyze the effects of match congestion in a short period on isometric hamstring strength and hip/ankle range of motion in female field hockey players. Fourteen professional female field hockey players (age: 20.0 ± 5.4 years) played two consecutive hockey matches in 24 h and maximal isometric hamstring strength and hip and ankle range of motion were obtained before and after the first match, after the second match, and 48 h after the second match. Furthermore, locomotion patterns and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded during hockey competitions. Isometric knee flexion strength showed significantly higher values 48 h after the second match for the non-dominant limb (p ≤ 0.005, ηp2 = 0.19), while no differences were reported in the dominant limb (p = 0.370, ηp2 = 0.05). In addition, no differences were reported in the range-of-motion (ROM) variables such as the straight leg raise test or ankle dorsiflexion test (p = 0.075–0.217, ηp2 = 0.01–0.03). The countermovement jump height steadily increased over the matches except between post-match 2 and 48 h after post-match 2 (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.382). Two consecutive official league field hockey matches played within 24 h did not have a negative effect on lower-limb risk factors (strength, hip and ankle ranges of motion, and ratings of perceived exertion) in female field hockey players directly, but they improved 48 h after the matches. This could indicate that 48 h recovery period following matches might be ideal for female field hockey players.