Browsing by Author "Romero Moraleda, Blanca"
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Item A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Differences in Mean Propulsive Velocity between Men and Women in Different Exercises.(Sports, 2023) Nieto-Acevedo, Raúl; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Díaz Lara, Francisco Javier; De la Rubia, Alfonso; González García, Jaime; Mon-López, DanielThe purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the differences in the mean propulsive velocities between men and women in the different exercises studied (squat, bench press, inclined bench press and military press). Quality Assessment and Validity Tool for Correlational Studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Six studies of good and excellent methodological quality were included. Our meta-analysis compared men and women at the three most significant loads of the force–velocity profile (30, 70 and 90% of 1RM). A total of six studies were included in the systematic review, with a total sample of 249 participants (136 men and 113 women). The results of the main meta-analysis indicated that the mean propulsive velocity is lower in women than men in 30% of 1RM (ES = 1.30 ± 0.30; CI: 0.99–1.60; p < 0.001) and 70% of 1RM (ES = 0.92 ± 0.29; CI: 0.63, 1.21; p < 0.001). In contrast, for the 90% of the 1RM (ES = 0.27 ± 0.27; CI: 0.00, 0.55), we did not find significant differences (p = 0.05). Our results support the notion that prescription of the training load through the same velocity could cause women to receive different stimuli than men.Item Acute caffeine intake increases performance in the 15-s Wingate test during the menstrual cycle.(British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2019) Lara, Beatriz; Gutiérrez Hellín, Jorge; Ruiz Moreno, Carlos; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Del Coso, JuanAims: In male athletes, caffeine is considered an ergogenic aid to increase anaerobic performance during the Wingate anaerobic test (WANT). However, information about the effect of caffeine on WANT performance in female athletes is contradictory. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the ergogenicity of caffeine is present during all the phases of the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine intake on WANT performance during 3 phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Thirteen well-trained eumenorrhoeic triathletes participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over experimental trial. On 2 different days in each phase, and in randomized order, participants ingested caffeine (3 mg kg−1 ) or a placebo (cellulose). The menstrual cycle phases were individually characterized as follows: (i) early follicular; (ii) preovulatory; and (iii) midluteal. In each trial, participants performed a 15-s adapted version of the WANT. Results: In comparison to the placebo, caffeine increased peak power during the WANT in the early follicular (8.6 ± 0.8 vs 8.9 ± 0.9 W/kg, P = .04; effect size [d] = 0.45), preovulatory (8.6 ± 0.9 vs 8.9 ± 0.9 W/kg, P = .04; d = 0.23) and mid-luteal phases (8.6 ± 0.8 vs 8.9 ± 0.9 W/kg, P < .01; d = 0.52). Conclusion: The ergogenic effect of caffeine on WANT peak cycling power was of a similar magnitude in the follicular, preovulatory, and mid-luteal phases. These results suggest that caffeine increases performance in the 15-s Wingate test in women athletes and it might be considered an ergogenic aid to increase anaerobic performance in eumenorrhoeic women during their menstrual cycle.Item Analysis of congested schedule on competition external load in field hockey.(RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte, 2020) Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Torres Ronda, Lorena; Casamichana, DavidThis study aimed to investigate the variation in players’ physical demands profile during a major national men field hockey tournament which consisted of 3 matches on consecutive days. Ten Spanish National League hockey players participated in the study (age: 24.2 ± 2.6 years; body mass: 74.2 ± 5.7 kg; height 176.8 ± 5.1 cm). Participants´ physical demands were monitored using global positioning system devices (SPI Elite, GPSports). Activity was categorized into total distance (m), relative total distance (m·min-1), low speed running (LSR; <15.0 km·h-1 m·min-1); moderate speed running (MSR; 15.1-18.9 km·h-1 m·min-1), high speed running (HSR; >19 km·h-1 m·min-1), sprinting relative to minute played (SR; >23.0 km·h-1 m·min-1) and number of sprints (SN; >23.0 km·h-1/ n/min). The number of acceleration and deceleration efforts were analyzed using intensity thresholds (low: 1-1.9 m·s-2 n·min-1; moderate: 2-2.9 m·s-2 n·min-1; high: >3 m·s-2 n·min-1). The data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA coupled with magnitude-based inferences. Players reduced distance covered at moderate- and high-speed running, sprints relative minute played and the number of moderate accelerations, and moderate and high decelerations per minute played in the third match compared to the first match. The results of this investigation show that intensity activity were the most affected variables with congestion scheduleItem Delayed potentiation effects on neuromuscular performance after optimal load and high load resistance priming sessions using velocity loss.(European Journal of Sport Science, 2021) González García, Jaime; Giráldez Costas, Verónica; Ruiz-Moreno, Carlos; Gutiérrez Hellín, Jorge; Romero Moraleda, BlancaAim: (i) to compare the effects of two different low-volume resistance priming sessions, where the external load is modified on neuromuscular performance after 6 h of rest; and (ii) to identify the effects on psychological readiness in participants with resistance training experience. Methods: Eleven participants (Body mass: 77.0 ± 8.9 kg; Body height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; Half squat repetition maximum: 139.8 ± 22.4 kg) performed the priming session under three experimental conditions in a randomized and cross-over design during the morning. The control (CON) condition: no resistance training, “optimal load” (OL) condition: two half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the “optimal load”, and 80% of repetition maximum (80% RM) condition: 2 half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the 80% RM. Countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power with OL (MPOL) and 80% RM (MP80RM), and mean velocity with OL (MVOL) and 80% RM (MV80RM) were assessed six hours after the intervention. Subjective readiness was also recorded prior to resistance training and evaluation. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CMJ was higher after the 80% RM intervention than CON (p < 0.001; Δ = 6.5% [3.4–9.5]). MPOL and MVOL seemed to be unaffected by both morning sessions. Higher MP80RM (p = 0.044; Δ = 9.7% [4.0–15.6]; d = 0.24[0.10–0.37]) and MV80RM (p = 0.004; Δ = 8.1% [3.2–13.3]; d = 0.32[0.13–0.52]) after 80% RM than after CON were observed. No effect was observed on psychological readiness. Conclusions: 80% RM priming session increased CMJ height and the capacity to generate power and velocity under a high-load condition without any effect on psychological readiness.Item Demandas cinemáticas de competición internacional en el hockey hierba masculino.(Apunts. Educación Física y Deportes, 2021) Haro, Xavier; Torres, Lorena; Casamichana, David; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Rodas, GilEl objetivo de esta investigación fue describir las características cinemáticas durante partidos internacionales de hockey hierba masculino. Dieciséis jugadores (edad: 25.12 ± 3.66 años; altura: 177.12 ± 4.96 cm; peso: 72.45 ± 5.01 kg; internacionalidades: 79.12 ± 78.96) pertenecientes a la selección absoluta española, fueron monitorizados mediante sistemas de posicionamiento global y acelerometría durante 5 partidos del Campeonato de Europa de 2017. Los análisis se hicieron en función del cuarto de juego (C1, C2, C3 y C4), las demarcaciones (defensas, centrocampistas y delanteros), y los minutos jugados (por partido). Los datos analizados incluyeron distancias, aceleraciones y desaceleraciones en diferentes rangos de intensidad. Los defensas presentaron menor actividad cinemática a alta intensidad (velocidades, número de esprints, metros/min) respecto a medios y delanteros. El análisis por cuartos mostró que en el C1 hubo actividad cinemática mayor para todas las demarcaciones. En cuanto a minutos jugados, el análisis clúster agrupó a los jugadores en 3 grupos (<37, 37-48 y >48 minutos). Aquellos que jugaron <37 minutos, realizaron la mayor cantidad de metros a esprint (>21km/h) y de m/min en comparación con los otros grupos, mientras que los que disputaron entre 37-48 minutos, fueron los que más distancia a alta intensidad (>16km/h) recorrieron y mayor cantidad de esprints realizaron. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que las demandas físicas de los jugadores de élite de hockey hierba, dependen de la demarcación en el campo, del tiempo de juego, con mayor actividad en el C1, y con una menor actividad cinemática de alta intensidad relativa en aquellos jugadores que acumulan más minutos durante el partido.Item Demandas cinemáticas de competición internacional en el hockey sobre hierba femenino.(Apunts: Educación Física y Deportes, 2019) Morencos Martínez, Esther; Casamichana, David; Torres, Lorena; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Haro, Xavier; Rodas, GilObjective. To compare the kinematic demands on international women field hockey players during official competition matches. Materials and methods. Sixteen women players (age: 24.7 ± 2.8; weight: 57.9 ± 5.9 kg; height: 165.2 ± 4.9 cm) belonging to the Spanish national team were monitored during 5 matches of the European Championship using global positioning systems (GPS). The analyses were carried out according to the players’ positions (defenders, midfielders and forwards), the quarters in the game (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), and the number of minutes played. The data analysed included distances, accelerations and decelerations in different intensity ranges. Results. The defenders showed less high-intensity activity (speeds, accelerations and decelerations) than midfielders and forwards (9.4 ± 2.4%; ES: 0.78 with the midfielders and 33.1 ± 7.2%; ES: 2.1, with the defenders). The analysis by quarters showed that in Q4 activity was the highest for all positions. In terms of the number of minutes played, the cluster analysis grouped the players into 3 groups according to the number of minutes played (<32, 32-45 and >45 minutes). The athletes who played <32 covered the greatest distance at a sprint (>21 km/h) and high-intensity distance (>15 km/h) per minute of play compared to the group who played >45 minutes. Conclusions. The results of this study show that the physical demands on élite women hockey players depend on their position on the field, and that there is more activity in the last quarter and less relative high-intensity kinematic activity among the players who play more minutes during the match.Item Effects of 7-Week Hip Thrust Versus Back Squat Resistance Training on Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players.(Sports, 2019) González García, Jaime; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Balsalobre-Fernández, Carlos; Cuéllar Rayo, Ángel; Romero Moraleda, BlancaHip thrust (HT) is a loaded bridging exercise that requires more hip extension than a back squat (SQ) does, while in a back squat, triple flex extension occurs. Due to the specificity of each exercise, it is claimed that HT gains can be better transferred to actions where hip extension occurs. In addition, strength improvements during squatting can be transferred in a greater way to vertical plane movement, such as vertical jumping. However, its effects on the performance of female soccer players are unclear. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to analyze a 7-week training program on performance variables using either HT or SQ exercises in female adolescent soccer players without lifting experience (N = 24, age = 16.82 ± 1.56 years, height = 1.64 ± 0.55 cm, body mass = 58.35 ± 6.28 kg). Players were randomized into three groups: A back squat group (SQG; N = 8), hip thrust group (HTG; N = 8), and control group (CG; N = 8). Participants in the HTG and SQG joined a progressive resistance training program twice per week for 7 weeks with either HT or SQ exercises. A countermovement jump, 10–20 m sprint, T-test, and barbell velocity during HTs and SQs (with the load that represents ~60 and ~80% RM) were measured before and after the intervention. The HTG showed greater improvements in the 10-m sprint (d = 0.7), 20-m sprint (d = 0.46), T-test (d = 0.36), and barbell velocity at 80% repetition maximal (RM) (d = 0.53) and 60% RM (d = 1.02) during hip thrusts, while the SQG showed higher barbell velocity at 80% RM (d = −0.7) during back squats. These results may be useful for strength and conditioning coaches working with adolescent female soccer athletes, since both strengthening exercises improved performance in different ways due to the nature of the exercise.Item Effects of Vibration and Non-Vibration Foam Rolling on Recovery after Exercise with Induced Muscle Damage.(Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2019) Romero Moraleda, Blanca; González García, Jaime; Cuéllar Rayo, Ángel; Balsalobre Fernández, Carlos; Muñoz García, Daniel; Morencos Martínez, EstherWe aimed to compare the effects between non-vibration foam rolling (NVFR) and vibration foam rolling (VFR) on visual analogic scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), oxygen saturation (SmO2), countermovement jump (CMJ) and hip and knee range of movement (ROM) after eliciting muscle damage through eccentric acute exercise using an inertial flywheel. Thirty-eight healthy volunteers (32 men, 6 women; aged 22.2±3.2 years) were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced fashion to either a VFR or NVFR protocol group. All participants performed a 10x10 (sets x repetitions) eccentric squat protocol to induce muscle damage. The protocols were administered 48-h post-exercise, measuring VAS, PPT, SmO2, CMJ and ROM, before and immediately post-treatment. The treatment technique was repeated on both legs for 1 minute for a total of five sets, with a 30-s rest between sets. The VFR group showed substantially greater improvements (likely to very likely) in the passive VAS (VFR -30.2%, 90% CI -66.2 to -12.8) with chances for lower, similar or greater VAS compared with the NVFR group of 82%, 14% and 4%, respectively and passive extension hip joint ROM (VFR 9.3%, 90% CI 0.2–19.2) with chances for lower, similar or greater ROM compared with the NVFR group of 78%, 21% and 1%, respectively. For intragroup changes, we observed substantial improvements in VAS (p=.05), lateral vastus, rectus femoris and medial vastus PPT. The results suggest that the VFR group achieved greater short-term benefits in pain perception and passive extension hip joint ROM. Both protocols were effective in improving PPT, SmO2, CMJ and knee joint ROM. The enhanced improvement in VAS and hip ROM measures could have significant implications for VFR treatment.Item Ergogenic effects of caffeine on peak aerobic cycling power during the menstrual cycle(European Journal of Nutrition, 2019) Lara, Beatriz; Gutiérrez Hellín, Jorge; García Bataller, Alberto; Rodríguez Fernández, Paloma; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Del Coso, JuanPurpose Recent investigations have established that the ingestion of a moderate dose of caffeine (3–6 mg kg−1) can increase exercise and sports performance in women. However, it is unknown whether the ergogenicity of caffeine is similar during all phases of the menstrual cycle. The aim of this investigation was to determine the ergogenic effects of caffeine in three phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods Thirteen well-trained eumenorrheic triathletes (age = 31 ± 6 years; body mass = 58.6 ± 7.8 kg) participated in a double-blind, cross-over, randomised experimental trial. In the (1) early follicular (EF); (2) preovulation (PO); (3) and mid luteal (ML) phases, participants either ingested a placebo (cellulose) or 3 mg kg−1 of caffeine in an opaque and unidentifiable capsule. After a 60-min wait for substance absorption, participants performed an incremental maximal cycle ergometer test until volitional fatigue (25 W/min) to assess peak aerobic cycling power (Wmax). Results In comparison to the placebo, caffeine increased Wmax in the EF (4.13 ± 0.69 vs. 4.24 ± 0.71 W kg−1, Δ = 2.7 ± 3.3%, P = 0.01), in the PO (4.14 ± 0.70 vs. 4.27 ± 0.73 W kg−1, Δ = 3.3 ± 5.0%; P = 0.03) and in the ML (4.15 ± 0.69 vs. 4.29 ± 0.67 W kg−1, Δ = 3.6 ± 5.1%; P = 0.01) phases. The magnitude of the caffeine ergogenic effect was similar during all of the menstrual cycle phases (P = 0.85). Conclusion Caffeine increased peak aerobic cycling power in the early follicular, preovulatory, and mid luteal phases. Thus, the ingestion of 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass might be considered an ergogenic aid for eumenorrheic women during all three phases of the menstrual cycle.Item External and internal loads during the competitive season in professional female soccer players according to their playing position: differences between training and competition.(Research in Sports Medicine, 2021) Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Nedergaard, Niels J.; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Casamichana, David; Ramírez Campillo, Rodrigo; Vanrenterghem, JosThe aim of this study was to compare external (EL) and internal loads (IL) during training sessions compared to official matches between elite female soccer players according to their playing position. Training and match data were obtained during the 2017/18 season from eighteen players (age: 26.5±5.7 years; height: 164.4±5.3 cm; body mass: 58.56±5.58 kg) from a first Division Spanish team. The EL (total distance covered; high-speed running distance; number of accelerations and decelerations) was assessed with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and triaxial accelerometer. The IL was assessed with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; and session-RPE). The EL and the IL from official matches were higher compared to training sessions (p<0.05; effect size [ES]:0.6–5.4). In matches, the EL was greater in Attackers (AT) and Central Midfielders (CM) versus Central Backs (p<0.05; ES:0.21–1.74). During training sessions, the EL was similar between playing positions (p>0.05; ES:0.03–0.87). The EL and the IL are greater in matches compared to training sessions, with greater match-related EL in AT and CM players. Current results may help practitioners to better understand and modulate training session’s loads according to playing position, potentially contributing to their performance readiness and injury risk reduction.Item Internal workload in elite female football players during the whole in-season: starters vs non-starters(Biology of Sport, 2023) Romero Moraleda, Blanca; González García, Jaime; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Giráldez-Costas, Verónica; Moya, José María; Ramirez-Campillo, RodrigoThe aim of this study was to quantify weekly internal workload across the in-season and compare the workload variables between starter and non-starter Spanish female first league (Liga Iberdrola) football players. Twenty-six participants belonging to the same team (age, height, and mass: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, 167.4±4.8 cm and 57.96±6.28 kg, respectively) participated in this study. Training loads (TL) and match loads(ML) were assessed through breath-cardiovascular (RPEbreath), leg-musculature (RPEleg) and cognitive (RPEcog) rating of perceived exertion (RPE0–10) for each training session and match during the in-season phase (35 weeks). Session-RPE (sRPE) was calculated by multiplying each RPE value by session duration (minutes). From these, total weekly TL (weekly TL+ML), weekly TL, weekly ML, chronic workload, acute:chronic workload ratio, training monotony, and training strain were calculated. Linear mixed models were used to assess differences for each dependent variable, with playing time (starter vs non-starter players) used as a fixed factor, and athlete, week, and team asrandom factors. The results showed that total weekly TL(d = 1.23–2.04), weekly ML(d = 4.65–5.31), training monotony (d = 0.48–1.66) and training strain (d = 0.24–1.82) for RPEbreath, RPEleg and RPEcog were higher for starters in comparison with non-starters (p = 0.01). Coaches involved in elite female football should consider implementing differentialsRPE monitoring strategiesto optimize the weekly load distribution for starters and non-starters and to introduce compensatory strategies to equalise players’ total weekly load.Item Positional comparisons in the impact of fatigue on movement patterns in hockey.(International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2018) Morencos Martínez, Esther; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Castagna, Carlo; Casamichana, DavidThe aim of this study was to examine the influence of match period on the movement patterns of hockey players according to their playing position under the introduction of quarters. Methods: Sixteen sub-elite level Spanish National League male hockey players participated in the study (age: 25.5 ± 2.9 years; body mass: 74.6 ± 5.5 kg). Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices were used to monitor players running performance during 17 competitive matches (113 match-play profiles). Only players who played for at least 85% of the game were analyzed. Players were categorized into three positions: backs, midfield and forwards. Results: Moderate to large differences in relative total distance were found between midfielders and both backs and forwards in all quarters (ES: 0.4-1.2). ES for total distance was moderate for midfields compared to backs during the first quarter (moderate ES: 0.7). Midfields and forwards covered more distance (m and m·min-1) in high velocity zones compared to backs (ES: 0.6). Acceleration activities (n·min-1) at moderate and high intensities decreased in all groups across quarters with ES moderate-to-very-large (ES: 0.4-1.4). Relative sprinting distance decreased in back players, (ES: 0.8). Backs sprinted had fewer repeated sprint bouts (n and n·min-1) less as game progressed (ES: 1.0). Conclusions: During competitive match-play a degree of positional variation can be observed across the quarters. The relative distance and the number of accelerations and decelerations at moderate and high intensity decreased across the quarters. No between quarters differences in regards to high-speed activity were reported.Item Principal component analysis identifies different representative match load profiles in international women’s field hockey based on playing positions(RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte, 2021) Morencos Martínez, Esther; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Rico González, Markel; Rojas Valverde, Daniel; Pino Ortega, JoséThe aim of this study was to assess the principal components (PC) of women’s field hockey players´ TL distinguishing by playing positions (i.e., back, midfielder, forward). Data were collected from sixteen players belonging to the Spanish National women’s field hockey team during 13 official matches from the European Championship, World Series, and Pre-Olympic tournament. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) grouped a total of 16 variables in five to six PC, explaining between 68.6 and 80% of the total variance. Different variables formed the PC that explain the player’s performance in different field positions. There were differences by positions in the distance covered at 21 to 24 km·h-1 (midfielders>forwards), decelerations from 5 to 4 m·s-2 (midfielders>forwards), and in maximum accelerations (midfielders>backs). Overall, strength and conditioning coaches should combine exercises which induce a high degree of aerobic endurance and power. However, some specification should be made by playing position: (1) defenders should perform training sessions with at least the same amount of volume as in the matches; (2) forwards should perform training efforts that ensure high repeated sprint ability; and (3) midfielders should perform a high training volume to develop high-intensity aerobic endurance, in combination with short-term efforts.Item The Effect of Caffeine on the Velocity of Half-Squat Exercise during the Menstrual Cycle: A Randomized Controlled Trial(Nutrients, 2019) Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Del Coso, Juan; Gutiérrez Hellín, Jorge; Lara, BeatrizRecent literature confirms the ergogenic effect of acute caffeine intake to increase muscle strength and power in men. However, the information about the effect of caffeine on muscle performance in women is uncertain and it is unknown whether its ergogenicity is similar during the menstrual cycle. The goal of this investigation was to assess the effect of acute caffeine intake on mean and peak velocity of half-squat exercise during three different phases of the menstrual cycle. Thirteen trained eumenorrheic athletes (age = 31 ± 6 years; body mass = 58.6 ± 7.8 kg) participated in a double-blind, crossover and randomized experimental trial. In the early follicular (EFP), late follicular (LFP) and mid luteal phases (MLP), participants either ingested a placebo (cellulose) or 3 mg/kg/bm of caffeine in an opaque and unidentifiable capsule. In each trial, participants performed a half-squat exercise at maximal velocity with loads equivalent to 20%, 40% 60% and 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM). In each load, mean and peak velocity were measured during the concentric phase of the exercise using a rotatory encoder. In comparison to the placebo, a two-way ANOVA showed that the ingestion of 3 mg/kg/bm of caffeine increased mean velocity at 60% 1RM in EFP (Δ = 1.4 ± 2.7%, p = 0.04; ES: 0.2 ± 0.2) and LFP (Δ = 5.0 ± 10.4%, p = 0.04; ES: 0.3 ± 0.4). No other statistical differences were found for the caffeine-placebo comparison for mean velocity, but caffeine induced an ergogenic effect of small magnitude in all of the menstrual cycle phases. These results suggest that the acute intake of 3 mg/kg/bm of caffeine induces a small effect to increase movement velocity during resistance exercise in eumenorrheic female athletes. The positive effect of caffeine was of similar magnitude in all the three phases of the menstrual cycle.Item The use of generic and individual speed thresholds for assessing the competitive demands of field hockey.(Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2018) Casamichana, David; Morencos Martínez, Esther; Romero Moraleda, Blanca; Gabbett, Tim J.The current study compared the running demands of professional field hockey players using individualized speed zones and generic default settings of the GPS manufacturer. In addition, the differences in slow, moderate and fast players were studied. Sixteen male players from the same club participated in the study (age: 25.5 ± 2.9 years; body mass: 74.6 ± 5.5 kg; stature 1.77 ± 0.05 m). The peak speed of each participant was established at the end of the data collection period by analyzing all training and playing data throughout the season. Using players peak speed achieved for each participant during the season, individualized speed zones were retrospectively applied to all match-play data. Peak speed was used to categorize players into three groups, slow (5 players: 29.2-30.2 kmꞏh–1), moderate (6 players: 30.7-31.5 kmꞏh–1) and fast (5 players: 32.2-33.7 kmꞏh–1). Significant differences were observed between generic and individual thresholds for the distance covered in moderate, high, and very high-speed running in all positions (p = 0.01). Our findings show that the distances covered at high-speeds in midfielders and forwards were overestimated, while the very high-speed running and sprinting in backs were underestimated. Generic speed thresholds should be used if comparisons between positions is of importance. However, based on the different capacities of field hockey players, individual speed thresholds may be more suitable when addressing the relative stress on individual athletes.