Author(s): WANG, H., ZHAO, K., Institution: CHINA INSTITUTE OF SPORTS SCIENCE, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 1093

INTRODUCTION:
This study utilized the VX Sport performance monitoring system (integrated GPS and heart rate technology) to quantify the internal and external match load characteristics of elite male field hockey players during full matches and individual quarters. The aim was to explore positional differences in physical demands (Forwards, Midfielders, and Defenders) and the temporal evolution of fatigue across match segments.
METHODS:
Seventeen elite national-level male field hockey players were monitored across 11 official matches, yielding 564 valid segment samples. Players were categorized into Forwards (FW, n=5), Midfielders (MF, n=4), and Defenders (DF, n=8). Monitored metrics included Total Distance (TD), High-Intensity Running distance (HID), Sprints, Maximum Speed (Max Speed), Player Load (PL), High-Intensity Acceleration (HIA), High-Intensity Deceleration (HIDecel), Average Heart Rate (Avg HR), and Maximum Heart Rate (Max HR). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed for statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
1. Positional Comparison of Match Totals: (1) Total TD: MF (4653.5 ± 2145.3 m) and FW (4581.6 ± 1515.3 m) were significantly higher than DF (3712.2 ± 2206.4 m) (P < 0.01); (2) Total HID: FW (405.7 ± 299.8 m) was significantly higher than MF (259.1 ± 157.6 m) and DF (134.1 ± 110.8 m) (P < 0.001); (3) Total Sprints: MF (144.6 ± 64.3) and FW (141.0 ± 46.1) were significantly higher than DF (109.0 ± 66.1) (P < 0.001); (4) Total Max Speed: FW (32.7 ± 2.0 km/h) was significantly higher than MF (30.9 ± 3.2 km/h) and DF (28.6 ± 6.4 km/h) (P < 0.05); (5) Total Player Load: FW (43.1 ± 13.3 AU) and MF (40.6 ± 14.0 AU) were significantly higher than DF (32.8 ± 13.5 AU) (P < 0.001); (6) Total HIA and HIDecel: FW (126.0 ± 50.8 and 87.8 ± 37.4 counts, respectively) were significantly higher than both MF and DF (P < 0.001); (7) Physiological Load: No statistically significant differences were observed among FW, MF, and DF regarding Avg HR (113–118 bpm) or Max HR (146–149 bpm) (P > 0.05).2. Quarterly Temporal Evolution of Nine Metrics: (1) TD, Sprints, and Player Load: Maintained a high-level plateau during Q1–Q3 (approx. 1295–1308 m, 39 counts, and 11.6 AU, respectively), followed by a systemic decline in Q4, with TD decreasing by 22.1% (P < 0.01); (2) HID and Max Speed: Reached peak values in Q3 (82.7 m and 25.7 km/h, respectively) and significantly declined to match nadirs in Q4 (54.9 m and 21.5 km/h, respec
CONCLUSION:
(1) The total distance, sprint frequency, and player load of Midfielders and Forwards are significantly higher than those of Defenders; (2) The total high-intensity running distance, maximum speed, and frequencies of high-intensity acceleration and deceleration of Forwards are significantly higher than those of Midfielders and Defenders; (3) Physiological strain (Avg HR and Max HR) remains consistent across all elite positions; (4) Match loads across all nine internal and external metrics in the fourth quarter are significantly lower than those in the preceding three quarters.