Kelly Foreman

Supervisors:Dr. Jo HanischMs. 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 AreasFitness and Strength Monitoring fatigue and

decision makingGarrett & Domrow 2007; Royal et al. 2003; Marcora et al. 2009; Dawson et al. 2004

Strategical and Tactical Team structure and player movement; Rolling zones; Interchange; Benchmarking individual players

Rucci 2009; Gill 2009; Wellman 2008

Rehabilitation Tailored training; Recovery training; Early injury detection and intervention management

Finch 2006; Killgallon 2009; Pizzari et al. 2008

Methodology

• Survey Research – Questionnaire• 6 survey sections• 146 Surveys sent to clubs• Data analysis• Leximancer• Calculated percentage of quantitative data

Code Responses

Received

Completed

Responses

Incomplete

Responses

Percentage of Valid Responses

NRL 8 6 2 75%

AFL 12 9 3 75%

TOTAL 20 15 5 75%

Methodology (cont.)

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?