Monitoring modifiable injury risk factors over an in-season mesocycle in semi-professional female field hockey players

This study aimed to determine changes of modifiable injury risk factors and fatigue parameters during a mesocycle (4 months of the competitive season) in semi-professional female field hockey players (Spanish 2nd Division).

Fourteen female field hockey players (age: 22.6 ± 4.9 years) participated in the study over 4 months of the competitive season (September–December 2019). The players were tested each month for their: maximal isometric knee flexion, hip adduction, and abduction muscle strength; passive straight leg raise and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM); countermovement jump height; and perceptual fatigue (through a perceived well-being questionnaire).

Statistical differences were reported in isometric knee flexion torque in the dominant and non-dominant limb (p = < 0.001, η_p² = 0.629,0.786 respectively), non-dominant isometric hip abductors torque (p = 0.016, η_p² = 0.266) and isometric hip adductors torque in dominant and non-dominant limbs (p = < 0.001, η_p² = 0.441–546). Also, significant differences were reported in the straight leg raise test (p = < 0.001, η_p² = 0–523, 0.556) and ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.001, η_p² = 0.376, 0.377) for the dominant and non-dominant limb respectively. Finally, the jump height measured showed significant differences (p = <.001, η_p² = 0.490), while no differences were reported in perceived well-being parameters (p = 0.089–0.459).

Increments in isometric muscle strength and fluctuations in ROM values and vertical jumping capacity are reported over an in-season mesocycle (i.e., 4 months of the competitive season). This information can be used to target recovery strategies to make them more efficient.