Abstract:

The aim of this study was to compare the percentage levels of heart rate utilization between players in the Regional Amateur League and the Turkish Super League. A total of 49 players participated in the research, including 29 from the Turkish Super League and 20 from the Regional Amateur League. The Polar Team2 wearable athlete tracking system was used for real-time heart rate monitoring. The Yo-Yo IR1 intermittent recovery test was applied to the research group to determine heart rate levels and utilization percentages. T-Test for independent samples was used to compare means between groups. All analyses were performed using the SPSS 26.0 package program. The effect size of the study was determined as 0.80, research power as 0.80, and margin of error as 0.05. While the maximum heart rates and calories expended, as well as the 2nd zone heart rates and 4th zone heart rates, showed similarity between players in the Regional Amateur League and the Super League (p>0.05), there were differences observed in the lowest heart rate, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, 1st zone heart rate, 3rd zone heart rate, and 5th zone heart rate values between players in the Regional Amateur League and the Super League (p<0.05). In conclusion, in terms of heart rate utilization and averages, high-level players exhibit a more balanced use of heart rate. As the intensity increases, lower-level players are predicted to reach maximum levels of heart rate utilization and consequently deplete their energy faster during matches.