Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) studies conducted "in-season" are scarce. This study investigated the effect of discontinuous, running-based RSH, on repeated-sprint treadmill performance in hypoxia in a team sport cohort, prior to international competition. Over a 6-week "in-season" period, 11 elite male players (Malaysia national team) completed eight multi-set RSH sessions on a non-motorized treadmill in a normobaric hypoxic chamber (FiO2 = 13.8%). Three testing sessions (Sessions 1, 5, and 8), involved three sets of 5 × 8-s sprints, with 52-s recovery between sprints and 4-5 min between sets. Training sessions (Sessions 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7) consisted of four to five sets of 4-5 × 8-s sprints. During testing sessions, maximum sprinting speed was recorded for each sprint with values averaged for each set. For each set, a peak speed and fatigue index were calculated. Data were compared using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (sessions × sets). Average speed per set increased between testing sessions (p = 0.001,
η
p
2
= 0.49), with higher values in Session 8 (25.1 ± 0.9 km.h-1, +4 ± 3%, p = 0.005), but not Session 5 (24.8 ± 1.0 km.h-1, +3 ± 3%, p = 0.405), vs. Session 1 (24.2 ± 1.5 km.h-1). Peak sprinting speed in each set also increased across testing sessions (p = 0.008,
η
p
2
= 0.382), with Session 8 (26.5 ± 1.1 km.h-1) higher than Session 5 (25.8 ± 1.0 km.h-1, +1 ± 4%, p = 0.06) and Session 1 (25.7 ± 1.5 km.h-1, +4 ± 4%, p = 0.034). Fatigue index differed between sessions (p = 0.04,
η
p
2
= 0.331, Session 1; -6.8 ± 4.8%, Session 5; -3.8 ± 2%, Session 8; -5.3 ± 2.6%). In international field hockey players, a 6-week in-season RSH program improved average and peak, repeated treadmill sprint speeds following eight, but not five sessions.
Introduction: Hockey is a team sport that involves running, sprinting, and making sudden changes in directions of movement to control a ball against the opposing team. Therefore, due to its nature of fast movement, hockey players may be at risk of various musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries sustained among Malaysian Hockey League players.
Materials and Method: Data were collected from 84 field hockey players that participated in the Malaysian Hockey League competition from June 2016 until December 2016. All injuries were recorded by the participating medical team using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-Square test were used to explore the prevalence of the injury.
Result: More than half of the players were reported to have lower limb injuries (51.6%). Sprain and strain were the most prevalent injuries (63%) and mostly affected the ankle (29%). Male players sustained more injuries (50.8%) compared to female players (49.2%).
Conclusion: This study suggests that a guideline is needed for injury prevention strategies that will benefit the hockey players in preventing injuries.
This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of SET pedagogical style training that combined teaching style E (Inclusion style) from Mosston Spectrum of Teaching Styles (Mosston & Ashworth, 2002) with Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), in hockey. A total of n=25, Form One low-skilled students (LSS) secondary school boys were involved in this study using Physical Education class for the duration of nine weeks. The effectiveness of the SET pedagogical style of training on LSS in hockey was measured using speed and accuracy executing general hockey skills, acquisition of declarative and procedural hockey knowledge as well as ball control, decision making (passing, tackling, dribbling and scoring) and skill execution (passing, tackling, dribbling and scoring) in 3 vs 3 game play. The data was analysed using MANCOVA together with other two training styles, which was not disclosed in this article. Findings indicated there were significant improvements in speed and accuracy executing hockey general skills, declarative and procedural knowledge using SET pedagogical style of training. Findings too revealed the SET style was able to develop significantly game components of ball control, decision makng and skill execution in 3 vs 3 game plays at posttest among LSS group. Conclusion, further research has to be done to validate the SET pedagogical style of training across many invasion games.
Although more Malaysians are taking part in International Multisport Games, these athletes well-being at such events have not been fully explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of injury and illness among Malaysian athletes during the XVII Asian Games 2014. Clinical and socio-demographic information of athletes diagnosed with injury or illness during the centralised training camp and at the Games were recorded in a standardised report form. Throughout the study period, 83 injuries and 64 illnesses were recorded from 276 athletes. Muscle strains and tears were the most common injury followed by ligamentous injury and soft tissues contusion. The number of injuries was highest among badminton players followed by hockey and rugby. Significantly higher incidence of injuries was observed among men than women hockey players. Athletes in individual events had higher proportion of more severe injury than those in team events. Respiratory tract infection was the most frequent illness diagnosed among athletes. Most injuries and illnesses diagnosed among athletes were minor and did not result in time away from participation. The incidence of injuries and illnesses among Malaysian athletes at the XVII Asian Games were comparable with those reported by previous authors. Injury and illness rate were influenced by gender and sports. Fortunately, majority of injuries and illnesses were minor and did not prevent athletes from participation.
The purpose of the present study was to develop a hydration strategy for use by female English field hockey players at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia. An additional aim was to initiate the process of acclimation. Fifteen elite players, mean age (+/-SEM) 24.1 +/- 1.19 years, height 1.67 +/- 0.01 m, and body mass 62.8 +/- 1.76 kg, took part in a 5-day training camp immediately prior to departure for the Games. In order to develop the hydration strategy, training took place under similar environmental conditions to those to be experienced in Malaysia (i.e., 32 degrees C, 80% humidity). Acclimation training consisted of 30-50 min of either continuous, low intensity cycling or high intensity intermittent cycling, which more closely replicated the pattern of activity in field hockey. Body mass measures taken each morning, and pre and post training, together with urine color measures, were used to assess hydration status. Pre-loading with up to 1 L of a 3% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or water immediately prior to acclimation training, as well as regular drinks throughout, ensured that players avoided significant dehydration, with percent body mass changes ranging from -0.34% to +4.24% post training. Furthermore, the protocol used was sufficient to initiate the process of acclimation as demonstrated by a significant reduction in exercising heart rate and core temperature at all time points by days 4 and 5. In conclusion, although labor intensive and time consuming, the camp was successful in developing a hydration strategy that players were able to utilize once at the Games.
Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the physical health as well as the performance of athletes. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to determine vitamin D intake, sun exposure and skin types of both indoor and outdoor Malaysian athletes in the National Sports Institute, Bukit Jalil. Method: A total of 28 indoor (badminton, shooting, wushu and fencing) and 36 outdoor (athletics, football and hockey) athletes were recruited for this study. The dietary vitamin D intake was estimated using Vitamin D-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The Sun Exposure Index (SEI) was calculated from Seven-day Sun Exposure Record while the skin types of athletes were determined using Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 21.02±4.11 years and their mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.20±2.22 kg/m2. The mean body fat percentage of outdoor athletes was significantly lower than indoor athletes (p
Participation in contact sports has been shown to carry a considerable risk of sustaining dental injuries. It is important for athletes to use available preventive gear to protect themselves from these injuries. Aim of the study: To assess the knowledge, habit and preferences of using mouthguards among university athletes. Materials and Method: Self-administered questionnaires, consisting of Part A - Age, gender, type of sporting activities, total hours dedicated to sports training, level of sports representation; Part B - Awareness of risk of dental injuries, knowledge on mouthguards such as definition of a mouthguard, role of mouthguard, use of mouthguards and reasons for not wearing mouthguards; and Part C — Experience of sustaining dental injuries during sports activities, were distributed. Athletes who were university students over 18 years and under 30 years of age and athletes who claimed to know about mouthguards were included in the study. Results: Data of a total of 225 respondents were analysed, consisting of 68% (n=154) male and 32% female (n=71) with the mean age of 21 years old. Only 46% (n=104) knew exactly about mouthguards and its role in the prevention of dental injuries during sports. Thirty seven percent of them (n=84) have used mouthguards and they were mostly in the martial arts group. The mouthguards were usually provided by the management team (62%). Forty percent of the respondents (n=91) claimed to have sustained dental injuries while playing sports and the injuries occurred more frequently in hockey (65.3%), basketball (60%) and soccer (45.2%). Conclusions: The incidence of dental trauma in contact sports shows that the awareness and use of mouthguards must be intensified. Awareness campaigns focusing on dental trauma should be organized to improve the knowledge of athletes.