Health & Physical Activity

Abstract

Introduction: Rink hockey is a team sport characterized by intervals of different intensities. Only few studies have been published in the scientific literature to date.Aim: The intention of this examination was to describe the performance capability of female rink hockey players in order to enhance the understanding of the sports peculiarities and to improve training scheduling.Investigations of the endurance, strength, functional movements as well as sprint and jump abilities were conducted in 12 female rink hockey players of a national league team.Results: Endurance values of 2.860.51 W/kg and an estimated maximum oxygen uptake of 38.66.1 ml*kg-1*min-1 were obtained in the investigation. Isokinetic testing revealed a balanced leg strength (extensors right 2.0, left 1.9 Nm/kg, flexors 1.0 Nm/kg both legs). The average sprint times were slower for those trials with skates than in trials with shoes 5 m, 5-20 m and 20 m (1.40 vs. 1.39 / 2.52 vs. 2.47 / 3.92 vs. 3.86 s). Similar average jump heights were measured for different tasks (counter movement jump 28.3 vs. drop jump 28.0 cm). The average score of the FMSTMamounted to 16.2.Discussion: The results of the present study reveal improvable endurance, deficiencies in some functional movements and reduced sprint ability in female rink hockey players. The hamstrings to quadriceps torque ratio and the relative torque appear to be similar to other athletes. The mean jump ability of female rink hockey players is similar to adult female college students.KEY WORDS: Rink Hockey, Performance, Isokinetic, Estimated Oxygen Uptake