A Comparison of Peak Intensity Periods across Male Field Hockey Competitive Standards

Abstract

This investigation aimed to compare the international level peak intensity period of male field hockey players to those experienced during professional and amateur club hockey match play. Twenty-seven players from an international squad were monitored for all activity relating to field hockey over three seasons. The peak intensity period, of 3 min duration, was extracted from match play files for international and club matches. Club matches were categorised by league standard—professional vs. amateur. The output for the peak intensity period, within positions, was compared using linear mixed models (LMMs) and post hoc pairwise comparisons. Significance levels were set as p (p p p p < 0.05) with large effect sizes reported. No other position displayed significant differences for peak periods. Match play in professional leagues provide opportunities for midfielders to experience peak intensity periods of a greater magnitude than international match play.

Keywords

• external load
• global positioning systems
• match analysis
• field hockey
• team sports