Applied Sciences (Oct 2024)

Relationship between Repeated Sprint Ability and Force–Velocity Profile in Elite and Subelite Female Field Hockey Players

  • Carlos Rivera,
  • Pablo González-Frutos,
  • Fernando Naclerio,
  • Javier Mallo,
  • Santiago Veiga

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199003
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 19
p. 9003

Abstract

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This study aimed to compare two female field hockey teams of different competitive levels by analyzing kinematic variables in repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the force-velocity profile (FVP). Twenty-five female hockey players representing the elite and subelite levels from the same club volunteered to participate. The RSA protocol included six 30 m maximal sprints with a 30 s recovery. Kinematic variables, such as sprint time, step frequency, and step length, were analyzed for each sprint. Additionally, players performed counter-movement jumps (CMJs) and CMJs with 50% body weight (CMJ50s) to calculate the FV50 using the Bosco Index. The elite players showed better (≈2%; p 10%; p < 0.05) in the CMJ50 and FV50 tests. In addition, these RSA (sprint time, step frequency, and step length) and jumping (CMJ, CMJ50, and FV50) variables showed a moderate, significant, or very significant relationship with each other. Therefore, it seems that both strength and speed capacities can be used either in conjunction or as a complementary approach to enhance the overall RSA performance.

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