The physical characteristics of elite camogie players.

Background: The aim of the current investigation was to establish the positional physical characteristics of elite intercounty camogie players and compare them to current female field sport athlete norms.

Methods: Forty-five elite intercounty camogie players (age: 23.31±3.47 years; height: 168.97±5.60 cm; body mass: 68.37±7.44 kg) completed preseason physical performance testing. Physical characteristics including isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force, IMTP relative peak force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, 10 to 5 repeated jump test Reactive Strength Index (RSI), 5-, 10- and 20-m sprint times and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) accumulated distance were assessed. All players were subdivided into their playing positions (defenders, mid-fielders, forwards) by self-reported means, to investigate if any positional differences existed.

Results: A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed no significant positional difference for any physical tests (P>0.05). Moderate main effects for RSI between mid-fielders and forwards (ES=0.64) and for 20-m sprint time between defenders and midfielders (ES=0.63) were noted. Trivial to small main positional effects were evident for all other tests (ES=0.03-0.60).

Conclusions: The relative homogeneity of results across performance measures indicates no obvious position specific characteristics within this cohort. This data will provide normative values for coaches to better inform training and return to play practices in camogie.