The importance of a multidisciplinary team and the conditioning services in elite clubs of roller hockey

Abstract

[Purpose] This study describes and compares the conditioning services of the roller hockey teams of the two most important leagues in Spain: the OK Liga and the First Division. [Subjects and Methods] A survey was administered to the people responsible for physical preparation. The response rate was 93%. [Results] 75% of the OK Liga teams have hired someone full time exclusively for training, with a university degree. The percentage was significantly lower in the First Division, at a 43.7%. A low percentage of the physical trainers continued with their academic training, and the consultation of scientific journals. The main deficiencies are associated with the strength training equipment and facilities. In the First Division teams, significant deficiencies were found in most of the variables associated with the training environment. These results show significant deficiencies in the conditioning services offered by the teams to their players, especially in non-professional and lower performance level teams. [Conclusion] Spanish physical trainers should take advantage of advances in scientific knowledge in the area of conditioning by studying Masters and consulting scientific journals. The clubs directors and/or coaches should be aware of the importance of conditioning to improve the training environment. Both aspects would offer a better training and rehabilitation procedure in the club.