Table 2 Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

Original research articles

Reviews, author commentaries, editorials, conference posters/presentations

Competitive able-bodied athletes

GPS system sampling rate < 5 Hz, or GPS or accelerometer sampling rate not reported

GPS system sampling rate ≥ 5 Hz. (Where data were only derived from the accelerometer component sampling rate ≥ 100 Hz)

Non-competitive matches (ie; pre-season) and studies investigating junior players only

Full text available in English

Not in full English

Data only used in one study*

Studies reporting the exact same data sets as previous studies with no additional “new” data

Games played under standard rules for participation level

Missing data sets where average data were used instead

Reports at least 1 measurement of athlete motion for at least 1 specified time period

Studies which examined pre match interventions outside of their normal practice (ie; supplementation, carbohydrate loading) and the impact upon performance

Distances/ metrics reported only in time and/or percentage spent within a velocity band

GPS data not reported or are only reported in graphical format

Age of participants not reported

Micro-sensor technology metrics not sufficiently defined

Study only reports combined average data from more than 1 playing level (i.e., combined average for elite and sub-elite)

Unable to determine playing standard

Non-GPS or LPS measuring systems (ie; camera tracking)

Game load not separated from training load

Studies that investigated tackle counts only

Studies involving matches played with modified rules/ pitch sizes from those outlined within the rules of the specific competition