Position-Specific Movement Characteristics and Heart Rate Profile of Hearing-Impaired Futsal Players: A Simulated Game Analysis.

The aim of this study is to compare the movement characteristics and heart rate (HR) response of hearing-impaired futsal players based on their playing positions during a simulated game. The study involved twelve players from the Turkish Deaf Men's Futsal National Team, and PlayerLoad (PL) metrics such as total PL (PL_TOTAL), PL per minute (PL·min⁻ ¹), peak PL (PL_PEAK), low to very high PL bands (PL_LOW-PLV_HIGH), and external load variables such as acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), explosive efforts (EXP_EFF), and right/left change of direction (COD-R, COD-L), were analyzed using inertial movement analysis (IMA). Additionally, the internal load metrics, including minimum, average, and maximum HR (HR_MIN, HR_AVE, HR_MAX), percentage of HR_MAX (%HR_MAX) and percentage of time spent in different HR zones (HR_ZONE1 to HR_ZONE4) were continuously monitored. IMA variables and HR metrics, based on playing position, were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction was applied. As a result, PL variables change with notable distinctions between defenders and wingers. Additionally, the PL_VHIGH stands out as the only significant difference when comparing wingers and pivots. Wingers generally exhibit different external load, including ACC and COD-L, compared to defenders. Additionally, differences were observed in COD-L between pivots and defenders, as well as in COD-R between pivots and wingers. In conclusion, external and internal load metrics during the simulated game vary depending on the players’ positions in hearing-impaired futsal players, highlighting the importance for coaches to consider this diversity in their athlete monitoring approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]