Match demands in elite badminton: A multidimensional comparison across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles during national championships

This study aimed to compare activity profiles, heart rate (HR) responses, and internal match load (IML), and to examine their relationships in all badminton events during national tournament matches. Seventy national-level badminton athletes (men = 42; women = 28) were monitored in national tournaments across all badminton events, men's singles (MS), women's singles (WS), men's doubles (MD), women's doubles (WD), and mixed doubles (XD). Matches were video recorded to determine temporal variables ( i.e., total time, effective playing time – EPT, rally time, rest time, longest rally, and work density). HR was continuously monitored to determine mean and maximum HR ( i.e., HR mean and HR max ) and IML. WD is showing greater EPT, longer rally times, a longer longest rally, and higher work density. Singles events also showed greater EPT and rally times than MD and XD. Singles events elicited greater HR max , HR mean , and higher IML per minute (IML _min ) than doubles events. Additionally, IML showed significant associations with temporal variables ( β = 0.32–0.61). These findings indicate that the temporal and physiological demands differ across events, with singles eliciting greater IML _min. The IML may be a useful indicator for monitoring the relationship between activity profile and physiological stress.