Byrkjedal has followed the Ph.D. programme at Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences.
- Trial lecture starts at 10:15
- Public defence starts at 12:30
Title of trial lecture: "Physiological markers in the assessment of fatigue in team sports"
Assessment committee:
- First opponent: Dr. Franck Brocherie, Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et de la Performance (INSEP), Paris, France
- Second opponent: Associate Professor Morten Bredesgaard Randers, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- Chair of assessment committee: Professor Gudrun Elin Rohde, Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder
Supervisors in the doctoral work:
Main supervisor: Professor Matthew Ronald Spencer, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder
Co-supervisors:
- Associate Professor Thomas Bjørnsen former Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, now University of Stavanger
- Associate Professor Live Steinnes Luteberget, Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Science
Summary of thesis
This thesis investigated the use of external training and match load from position-based wearable tracking systems in ice-hockey and football. Specifically, this thesis explored the potential relations between measures of players physical test performance and external load variables from training and match situations. Three main objectives were incorporated into the present work. Firstly, we aimed to investigate the use of external load tracking systems in ice-hockey players and how external match load demands could be simulated in training. Secondly, we wanted to explore the relationships between team sport players' physical test performance and external training and match load data. Lastly, we wanted to investigate whether external training and match load data could be reflective of changes in players' physical test performance
The thesis comprises of two distinct studies and four papers to address these objectives. In study one, youth male players were included. We quantified and described external training and match load demands in ice-hockey and performed physical performance testing. Paper I compared the demands of official match play to a simulated match design (scrimmage), while paper II assessed the association between players' external scrimmage load and physical test performance results in typical ice-hockey tests. Study two included a male professional football team and involved a strength intervention period to improve players' physical test performance and examine if external match load data could reflect changes in physical test performance following such training period. Paper III investigated the effects of the strength intervention, while the paper IV explored whether external match load could reflect players' changes in physical test performance post-intervention.
Our results indicated that a simulated game-play resulted in higher relative external load demand, compared to official ice-hockey matches. Furthermore, a limited number of credible associations were observed when exploring the connections between physical test performance and external training and match load in both ice-hockey and football players. No significant differences were observed between pre- and post-test in paper III. Paper IV identified players with meaningful improvements in physical test performance following the intervention. However, these improvements were not reflected when assessing the changes in external match load data.
In conclusion, this thesis underscores the intricate relationships between physical test performance and external training and match load data in male youth ice-hockey and professional football players. While some associations were found between physical test performance and external scrimmage and match load variables, the overall number of meaningful associations was limited.
The data suggests that physical test performance may not be accurately reflected in external training and match load data. With the limited associations between physical test performance and external load data, the lack of associations between changes within the same measures was expected. It is crucial to note that the absence of relationships between these measures should not diminish the importance of physical performance testing or external training and match load data. These measures and data can still offer valuable insights and contribute to enhancing players' performance and facilitating their development.
What to do as an online audience member
The disputation is open to the public. To follow the trial lecture and the public defence online, register on Zoom.
We ask online audience members to join no earlier than 10 minutes in advance. After these times, you can leave and rejoin the meeting at any time.
Opponent ex auditorio:
Deadline for the public to pose questions is during the break between the two opponents. Questions ex auditorio can be submitted to disputation chair.