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Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise

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A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 38642

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kieran Collins

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Guest Editor

Gaelic Sports Research Centre, Centre for Applied Science for Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 24, Ireland
Interests: intermittent exercise; sport physiology; physical demands; nutrition; team sport performance

Dr. Dominic Doran

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Guest Editor

Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5AF, UK
Interests: gastrointestinal health; training load monitoring; exercise as medicine; intermittent exercise

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current Special Issue is focused on the physiology and physical demands of intermittent exercise. In many sports, such as soccer, rugby, Gaelic football, badminton and tennis, athletes perform intermittent exercise. In other sports, such as running or road cycling, intermittent exercise is performed during training. High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) has gained popularity as a time-efficient alternative to regular exercise training. In untrained and recreationally active individuals, short-term HIIE is a potent stimulus to induce physiological remodelling similar to traditional endurance training despite a markedly lower total exercise volume and training time commitment.

Intermittent exercise induces various psychophysiological responses, which mediate adaptations in many organ systems. To maximise adaptation, coaches and scientists need to manage the training load (i.e., stress) applied to the participant at the individual level. Adequate training loads promote favourable physical and physiological adaptations and reduce the likelihood of illness and injury, and therefore increase the possibility of success during competition. The same applies to untrained and recreationally active individuals who wish to improve their health status. Therefore, it is important to understand the physiology and physical demands of intermittent exercise. We invite authors to submit investigations with male and female athletes from different sports, competitive levels, age categories, and training backgrounds. Original articles, reviews, case studies, short reports, and opinion pieces are welcomed.

Dr. Kieran Collins
Dr. Dominic Doran
Guest Editors

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Keywords

intermittent exercise
physiology
physical demands
performance
exercise load

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Repeated High Intensity Efforts (RHIE) across Different Competition Levels in Elite Rugby Union

by Adam Sheehan, Shane Malone, Anthony Weldon, Aled Waters and Kieran Collins

Sports 2022, 10(10), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10100151 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

The current investigation aimed to understand the differing positional demands across two elite rugby union competitions, with special reference to high-intensity effort (HIE) and repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity. Four hundred and forty-one (n = 441) individual game files from thirty-five competitive games from the European Rugby Champions Cup (tier 1; n = 8) and PRO12 League (tier 2; n = 24) were analysed. Players’ locomotor profiles were recorded using wearable global positioning system microtechnology (10 Hz Catapult S5, Catapult Innovations, Australia). Locomotor activities were classified as running (≥4.4 m∙s⁻¹), high-speed running (≥5.5 m∙s⁻¹), accelerations (≥2 m∙s⁻²) and decelerations (≤−2 m∙s⁻²). Data was gathered on collisions (≥4 g⁻¹), high-intensity efforts (HIE), repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE), average number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n) and maximal number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n). Overall locomotor differences between competitions were trivial to small in nature, with tier 1 competition associated with a larger number of RHIE bouts (6.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.7 ± 1.5, effect size, ES = 0.55) and efforts per bout (3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, ES = 0.52). Collisions comprised a greater proportion of total HIE for forwards within tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. The hooker (mean difference: 4 [−10 to 14]; ES = 0.30, small), lock (mean difference: 5 [−12 to 23]; ES = 0.36, small) and backrow (mean difference: 8 [−10 to 15]; ES = 0.54, small) positions engaged in more collisions during tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. These findings can be used by athletic performance staff to design game-specific drills and recovery strategies during different competition weeks to ensure players are appropriately prepared for the differing demands of elite rugby competition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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17 pages, 1090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Weekly Sprint Volume and Maximal Velocity Exposures on Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Professional Football Players

by Sunnan Shah, Kieran Collins and Lewis J. Macgregor

Sports 2022, 10(8), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080125 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5721

Abstract

Background: Hamstring strains are the most common moderate-major severity injuries in football. The majority of hamstring injuries occur during sprinting, with low eccentric hamstring strength being associated with an elevated risk. Objective: To examine the relationship between sprinting and eccentric hamstring strength by monitoring total weekly sprint distance and weekly efforts > 90% and >95% of maximum velocity. Methods: Fifty-eight professional male footballers were observed over one-and-a-half seasons. Players’ running was monitored during training and matches using GPS, and eccentric hamstring strength was measured weekly. Results: Weekly sprint distance (ρ = −0.13, p < 0.01) and weekly efforts >90% of maximum velocity (ρ = −0.08, p = 0.01) both displayed significant inverse relationships with the percentage change in eccentric hamstring strength; weekly efforts >95% of maximum velocity showed no relationship with hamstring strength (ρ = −0.02, p = 0.45). Only weekly efforts >90% of maximum velocity significantly influenced the mean percentage change in eccentric hamstring force, F_(3,58) = 3.71, p = 0.01, with significant differences occurring when comparing 7–8 sprint efforts with 0–2 efforts (0.11%, p = 0.03) and 5–6 efforts (0.12%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Eccentric hamstring strength levels significantly decrease when 7–8 weekly sprint efforts are completed at >90% of maximum velocity. Monitoring weekly sprint loading at velocities > 90% of maximum velocity may be valuable to help to reduce the risk of hamstring injuries in professional football. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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13 pages, 910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Pre-season Running Loads and Injury during the Subsequent Season in Elite Gaelic Football

by Paul Fisher, Maria Faulkner, Michael McCann and Rónán Doherty

Sports 2022, 10(8), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080117 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4450

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if the quantity of running load performed in pre-season affects the incidence of injury in elite Gaelic footballers. It was hypothesized that a greater quantity of running loads completed will reduce the incidence rate of injury. A cohort of elite male Gaelic football players (n = 25) was prospectively monitored throughout one full season. This longitudinal study involved the collection of GPS data and injury data. Participants were retrospectively divided into two groups and assigned to a high (HTL, completed >50% of pre-season sessions, n = 13) or low (LTL, completed <50% of pre-season sessions, n = 12) training load group based on the percentage of pre-season sessions completed. Data for total distance, PlayerLoad™, meters covered at running speeds (4.0–4.84 m/s), meters covered at high running speeds (4.85–6.39 m/s), meters covered at sprint speeds (>6.4 m/s) and high-intensity running meters (high-speed running meters and sprint meters combined) were collected during all sessions. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was completed to understand the variation of external training load data across the different phases of the season. A series of repeated measures of ANOVA were subsequently completed to understand the variation of external training load data across seasonal phases within the training groups. Although the LTL group had a higher incidence rate of non-contact injuries (large effect size) per 1000 h of exposure in each phase of the season, statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (F = 4.32, p = 0.173, partial η² = 0.684, large) between the HTL (14.9 ± 4.17/1000 h) and the LTL (24.5 ± 7.36/1000 h) groups. Additionally, the HTL group was able to sustain greater running loads in the competitive phases of the season compared to the LTL group, total distance (F = 8.10, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.299, large), high-speed running distance (F = 8.74, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.304, large) and high-intensity running distance (F = 7.63, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.276, large). Furthermore, players who complete a greater proportion of running loads in pre-season may alter their body composition levels to more optimal levels, which in turn may reduce the risk of injury while also helping increase or maintain performance-related fitness markers such as aerobic fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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9 pages, 220 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparing the Current Training Running Demands of Elite Camogie Players to Competitive Match-Play

by Philip Connors, Declan Browne, Des Earls, Paula Fitzpatrick and Paula Rankin

Sports 2022, 10(8), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080113 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Training to meet match-play demands is a primary objective in an athlete’s preparation for their games. Despite camogie match-play running demands being available, how current training practices compare, specifically individual training components, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate and compare current elite camogie training to match-play demands. Thirty-three (n = 33) elite camogie players wore 10 Hz Playertek GPS units during twenty-five training sessions and ten competitive matches. Training sessions were analysed using ball-in-play time and split into warm-ups, drills, small-sided games, running, and training matches. Metrics were converted into relative terms (per minute), to allow comparisons. Players cover significantly greater (p < 0.05) total distance (non-parametric standardised effect sizes (r = 0.45)), peak speed (r = 0.45), high-speed running (r = 0.13), sprint distance (r = 0.20), and total decelerations (r = 0.12–0.22) during match-play than training. Relatively, players cover significantly greater distance during running, small-sided games, and training matches compared to match-play (r = 0.21–0.29). Compared with match-play, running results in significantly greater high-speed running and sprint distance (r = 0.18–0.41), with greater accelerations (3–4 m∙s⁻²) during warm-ups, running, and small-sided games (r = 0.14–0.28). Current total training demands seem to fall behind match-play. However, relatively, training matches and small-sided games match or surpass competitive match-play demands. These findings may be utilised in preparing camogie teams for competition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

11 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Between-Competition Running Demands of Elite Hurling Match-Play

by Brendan Egan, Damien Young, Kieran Collins, Shane Malone and Giuseppe Coratella

Sports 2021, 9(11), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports9110145 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4393

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in running demands between the National Hurling League (NHL) and the Championship, and within playing positions. GPS (10 Hz, STATSports Apex GNSS) were used to analyse the running demands during 34 games (2017–2020 seasons) of the Championship and the NHL. The running demands (total-, relative-, high-speed- [>17 km·h⁻¹] and sprint [≥22 km·h⁻¹] distance, number and length of sprints, and peak speed) were compared between competitions. Greater total- [ES = 0.32], relative- [ES = 0.26], and sprint-distance [ES = 0.41], and number of sprints [ES = 1.29] were completed in the Championship. The high-speed distance was similar between competitions. Half-backs and half-forwards covered greater total- (ES = 0.91 and 0.21, respectively), relative- (ES = 1.14 and 0.68, respectively), high-speed- (ES = 0.69 and 0.44, respectively), and sprint-distance (ES = 0.50 and 1.26, respectively), number of sprints (ES = 2.66 and 1.73, respectively), and peak speed (ES = 1.09 and 1.32, respectively) in the Championship. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in the sprint distance covered between positions in the Championship. The results showed that the Championship is more physically demanding. The findings present key implications for the transition between competitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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10 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical, Physiological, and Technical Demands in Ultimate Frisbee Small-Sided Games: Influence of Pitch Size

by Masanobu Kajiki, Yuto Yamashita, Ryosuke Inada and Takaaki Matsumoto

Sports 2021, 9(8), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports9080104 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6467

Abstract

Small-sided games (SSGs) are common drills used in various team sports, but the exercise intensity in ultimate Frisbee SSG has not yet been investigated. To clarify the physical, physiological, and technical demands of ultimate Frisbee SSG, we investigated the influence of pitch size on exercise intensity during SSG. Nine male college ultimate Frisbee players played (3 vs. 3) SSG on small (SSG_S: 30 × 15 m) and large (SSG_L: 40 × 20 m) pitches; both SSGs comprised of four 4 min periods, interspersed by 5 min of passive recovery. Players’ mean heart rate (170 ± 8 and 171 ± 7 bpm), peak heart rate (184 ± 7 and 184 ± 5 bpm), and blood lactate concentration (11.3 ± 4.7 and 11.8 ± 4.6 mmol/L) were similar in SSG_S and SSG_L, respectively. The total distance covered (1984 ± 166 m and 1702 ± 80 m) and the distance covered during quick (860 ± 112 m and 696 ± 69 m) and high-intensity running (439 ± 95 and 255 ± 44) in SSG_L were significantly longer than those in SSG_S (p < 0.05). Conversely, the number of accelerations (45 ± 3 and 41 ± 3) and decelerations (44 ± 3 and 40 ± 4), catching errors (2 ± 1 and 1 ± 1), and turnovers (8 ± 2 and 6 ± 2) in SSG_S were significantly greater than those in SSG_L (p < 0.05). This study suggests that ultimate Frisbee SSG provides high-intensity training, which stimulates the glycolytic pathway. Furthermore, manipulating SSG pitch size effectively modulates the physical demands of SSG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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Review

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20 pages, 1842 KiB

Open AccessReview

Science and Hurling: A Review

by Kieran Collins, Thomas Reilly, Shane Malone, John Keane and Dominic Doran

Sports 2022, 10(8), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080118 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 9048

Abstract

Hurling is one of the world’s fastest field sports. Since the last review of science and Gaelic sports in 2008, there has been an increase in sports science provisions across elite and sub-elite cohorts, resulting in increased hurling-specific literature equating to an additional 111 research investigations into the game across all sports science disciplines. The present review aims to provide an updated analysis of the current research on the game and propose recommendations for future research. Overall, intermittent aerobic fitness remains an important physical quality during competition, with a focus on games-based training methodologies within the literature. Within the current review, we provide updated normative data on the running demands, physiological responses, and anthropometric and performance profiles of hurling players. The increased literature across the sport has led to the development of a hurling-specific simulation, that can now be utilised practically in training and research processes for hurling cohorts. Furthermore, the monitoring of internal and external training loads across training and match environments, in addition to response variables such as well-being, appears to have become more prominent, allowing practitioners to design training regimes to achieve optimal dose and response characteristics. Analysing the game from a scientific perspective can allow for more efficient preparatory practices, to meet the specific requirements of players at all age levels. Collaborative research among the various sports science disciplines, is required to identify strategies to reduce the incidence of injury and enhance performance in hurling. The current review provides updated information to coaches and practitioners regarding position-specific physical qualities, and match-play demands that can concurrently support the training process within hurling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Physical Demands of Intermittent Exercise)

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