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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF ELITE JUNIOR AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALLERS DURING MATCH-PLAY |
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James P. Veale and Alan J. Pearce  |
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School of Sport and Exercise Science, Centre for Ageing, Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2009) 8, 314 - 319 |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| Australian Football (AF) is Australia's major football code. Despite
research in other football codes, to date, no data has been published on
the physiological responses of AF players during match play. Fifteen athletes
(17.28 ± 0.76 yrs) participated in four pre-season matches, sanctioned by
Australian Football League (AFL) Victoria, investigating Heart Rate (HR),
Blood Lactate (BLa), Core Temperature (Tcore), and Hydration status. Match
HR was measured continuously using HR monitors. BLa was measured via finger
prick lancet at the end of each quarter of play. Tcore was measured by use
of ingestible temperature sensor and measured wirelessly at the end of each
quarter of play. Hydration status was measured using refractometry, measuring
urine specific gravity, and body weight pre and post-match. Environmental
conditions were measured continuously during matches. Results of HR responses
showed a high exertion of players in the 85-95% maximum HR range. Elevated
mean BLa levels, compared to rest, were observed in all players over the
duration of the matches (p = 0.007). Mean Tcore rose 0.68 °C between start
and end of matches. Mean USG increased between 0.008 g/ml (p = 0.001) with
mean body weight decreasing 1.88 kg (p = 0.001). This study illustrates
physiological responses in junior AF players playing in the heat as well
as providing physiological data for consideration by AF coaching staff when
developing specific training programs. Continued research should consider
physiological measurements under varying environments, and at all playing
levels of AF, to ascertain full physiological responses during AF matches.
Key words: Australian football, junior athletes, competition, cardiovascular, heat stress, thermoregulation. |
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