The physiological demands of hurling match-play

Despite the participant and spectator appeal, research into the practice of hurling has lagged considerably behind that of other field games. The physiological demand of hurling has been hypothesised to resemble Gaelic football. The aim of the present study was to determine the work rate and physiological stress imposed during elite level competitive match-play. The results indicate that during match-play elite hurling players were subjected to a high physical load during the game. The aerobic load during the game is high, with episodes of high anaerobic activity. Some, corollary between current data and that reported for Gaelic football is apparent. Based on these findings, specific training regimens should be implemented that replicate the demands of math-play to help improve the fitness perpetration of elite players.