Kelly Foreman
Supervisors:
Dr. Jo Hanisch
Ms. Gaye Lewis
11th September 2009
Research Question
• “What are the influences of using GPS as a data
collection tool on the performance and injury
management of elite athletes?”
• How does the use of GPS influence the fitness
and strength of players?
• How does the use of GPS aid in tactical and
strategical analysis?
• How does the use of GPS assist in the
rehabilitation of players from injuries?
Literature Research Areas
Fitness and Strength
Monitoring fatigue and
decision making
Garrett & Domrow 2007;
Royal et al. 2003; Marcora
et al. 2009; Dawson et al.
2004
Strategical and Tactical
Team structure and player Rucci 2009; Gill 2009;
movement; Rolling zones; Wellman 2008
Interchange;
Benchmarking individual
players
Rehabilitation
Tailored training; Recovery Finch 2006; Killgallon
training; Early injury
2009; Pizzari et al. 2008
detection and
intervention management
Methodology
•
•
•
•
Survey Research – Questionnaire
6 survey sections
146 Surveys sent to clubs
Data analysis
• Leximancer
• Calculated percentage of quantitative data
Methodology (cont.)
Code
Percentage of Valid
Responses
Responses
Completed
Incomplete
Received
Responses
Responses
NRL
8
6
2
75%
AFL
12
9
3
75%
TOTAL
20
15
5
75%
Results
• 60% of clubs using GPS to manage injuries at
training
• Hamstring strains account for 16% of playing
time missed
• Hamstring recurrence rate of 35%
• Groin pain occurs second only to hamstring
strains
Results
•
•
•
•
•
Rotations have increased over 250%
70% of AFL teams monitor fatigue
20% of NRL teams monitor fatigue
Over all 53% of teams
Primary consideration for rotating players in
their RSA (Repeated Sprint Ability)
Results
• Players are hit/tackled by a force over 10g
• 20% of clubs monitor collisions during games
• GPS is used to assist with player rehabilitation
Results – GPS Units (cont.)
Figure 1 - Leximancer Results from Question 50: To what extent do you
reply on GPS data when planning player rehabilitation from injury?
Results
“Where possible we try to eventually build up the rehab player’s
workload/intensity to match that of game/main training session”
(Club 1),
“Used to monitor fitness capacity of returning player and his
workload during rehab phase” (Club 20),
“Must reach game level demands prior to return” (Club 26) and
“Need to meet previous benchmarks before return” (Club 13).
Results
• 73% of clubs use GPS for injury prevention
• Fatigue can elevate chances of injury
• Only 40% of teams are monitoring players for
fatigue
• 21% of clubs immediately remove a fatigued
player from the field
Conceptual Framework – Part 1
Conceptual Framework – Part 2
Conceptual Framework – Part 3
Expected Outcomes
• Link to be established between the 3 parts of
the conceptual framework
• GPS is a key data collection tool for player
performance
• GPS has key role to play in injury prevention
Questions?