An investigation into the variation that exists between the physical performance indicators of hurling players at different levels of participation

Background: There is a paucity of research profiling the anthropometric measures and physical performance indicators of hurling athletes. Such profiles are essential to optimising the physical preparation structures of hurling athletes. Methods: A battery of tests profiling the anthropometric measures and physical performance indicators of 95 hurling athletes from three different levels of participation, senior elite (n1=34), senior sub- elite (n2=28) & junior elite (n3=33) were evaluated on two separate occasions during the season. Data was collected on all squads describing height, body mass, upper and lower extremity power, sprint performance, local muscular endurance, anaerobic endurance and aerobic endurance. Additional body composition measurements were conducted using DXA on the senior elite team. Results: There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) between measures of body mass, lower extremity power, sprint performance and endurance between senior elite and senior sub elite squads. Significant differences were also present (p≤0.05) between measures of height, body mass, upper and lower extremity power and sprint performance in the senior elite and junior elite squads. The findings also revealed selecte anthropometric measures and physical performance indicators are subject to significant seasonal change (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The results of this research provide normative data for the population of hurling athletes. The results also show that selected anthropometric measures and physical performance indicators illustrate a progressive improvement as level of participation increases. Such measures and indicators are subject to seasonal change but are dependent on the training programme content and initial pre-season levels.