Welcome back to the Research Decode. This time around, we are reviewing a study looking at how the demands of a competitive athletic season impacts power and fatigue.
The Effect of In-Season Demands on Lower-Body Power and Fatigue in Male Collegiate Hockey Players.
This study was designed to determine the effects of in-season demands (games, travel, etc.) on lower-body power and fatigue for male college hockey players. This is important to consider as we think about preparing for the season, but can fail to think about how to maintain performance throughout the season.
The Study Design
This study measured lower-body power and fatigue over the course of a men’s collegiate hockey season. The measured changes in power through testing squat jump and the countermovement jump. Fatigue was measured through a questionnaire asking about the perceived difficulty of training, quality of sleep, leg pain, getting sick, concentration, work efficiency, irritability, and general stress.
27 Division I male hockey players participated and the study lasted for 18 weeks. Each week, the players completed the questionnaire and performed the two jump tests. Additionally, travel requirements and mode (bus, plane, etc.) were noted.
Results
Over the course of the season, jump height decreased and markers of fatigue increased. However, the biggest increases in fatigue and decreases in power occurred after airplane travel to away games. Other research has shown that airplane travel can have a negative impact on performance. The researchers also found that increases in fatigue mirrored a decrease in jump performances.
What does this all mean?
This study supports previous studies as well as the observations made by many strength coaches: over the course of a competitive season, power is going to decrease. This is due to a few different factors including increased fatigue from competition, decreased recovery time, and injuries.
So the general findings weren’t surprising; however, the fact that perceived fatigue related to lower jump heights is important. If you are an athlete, listen to your body. If you are a coach or parent of an athlete, pay attention to indicators of fatigue. By paying attention to fatigue, you can better plan your training to include needed recovery.
In the study, the largest dips in jump performance and increases in fatigue occurred after flights, especially those across time zones. If you are planning to compete after traveling, keep in mind the effect of airplane travel on your performance. If possible, give yourself time to recover from the trip before competing. If that isn’t possible, formulate a plan to deal with the stress that will come from the travel.
Being aware of the decrease of power and increased fatigue over the course of the season is critical for any competitor. This allows for better-constructed training plans designed to mitigate losses in power through specific training and planned recovery. Managing fatigue over the season is crucial for preventing injuries. By better understanding the cumulative effects of fatigue, we can achieve optimal performance.
If you are an athlete preparing for your season or you may be in the middle of the season and are looking to manage fatigue and maintain power, but don’t know where to start, contact us. Working with us, we can create a plan to keep you performing at your best.
Whitehead, P. N., Conners, R. T., & Shimizu, T. S. The effect of in-season demands on lower-body power and fatigue in male collegiate hockey players. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(4), 1035-1042.