"Analysis of internal and external loads in official ultimate frisbee competition: A comparison match performance outcome and playing position."

Abstract

In this study, we examined and compared internal and external loads during an official Ultimate Frisbee (UF) competition, focusing on match performance outcomes and playing positions. The research involved 56 UF players from 8 teams competing in mixed-gender championship Thailand. Each team comprised 4 male and 3 female players, and all participants were observed across 4 competitive matches, including the first round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The heart rate and distance covered in each speed zone were collected using Polar Team Pro™ throughout 4 official matches, After each match, athletes were separated for statistical analysis based on performance (winners vs. losers) and position (handler, cutter, and deeper positions). Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. All tests used the 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that for the winners, the HR (heart rate), % HRmax, distance covered, and number of sprints were higher (P<0.05) than for the losers; in addition, the winners spent more (P<0.05) time at high intensity and very high-intensity levels than the losers, as well as more (P<0.05) time doing highspeed running and sprinting than the losers. Comparing the playing positions in the match, the deeper was higher (P<0.05) than the handler and cutter positions, as well as spending more (P<0.05) time at high intensity, very high intensity, high-speed running and sprinting levels than the handler and cutter positions. The data from this study should be helpful for coaches and athletes for the development of a specific training program to improve the performance of UF players, which is an essential instrument in the modern planning and application of training loads.