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Davidow D, Smith M, Ross T, Laura James G, Paul L, Lambert M, Jones B, Hendricks S. Mental Fatigue Impairs Tackling Technique in Amateur Rugby Union Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:960-967. [PMID: 37463669 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the effects of mental fatigue (MF) on tackling technique on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in rugby union. METHODS Twenty male amateur rugby union players and a total of 953 tackles were analyzed. A randomized crossover counterbalanced design was used across a non-MF (control) and an MF condition. During each condition, each player performed 24 tackles, divided into 4 sets of 6 tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder). In the MF condition, players performed the Stroop Task between each set of tackles. A video recording of each tackle was used to evaluate each player's technical proficiency. A score of 1 point was awarded if a specific technique was performed correctly, and 0 point was given if not. The total score, measured in arbitrary units (AU) out of 11, represents the player's overall tackling proficiency. RESULTS Overall, players displayed a significantly lower technical proficiency score in the MF condition compared to control (set 2: control 7.30 [7.04-7.57] AU vs MF 6.91 [6.70-7.12] AU, P = .009, effect size (ES) = 0.30 small and set 3: control 7.34 [7.11-7.57] AU vs MF 6.88 [6.66-7.11] AU, P = .002, ES = 0.37 small). For the nondominant shoulder, players had a significantly lower technical proficiency score during the MF condition at set 2 (control 7.05 [6.68-7.41] AU vs MF 6.69 [6.42-6.96] AU, P = .047, ES = 0.29 small) and set 3 (control 7.14 [6.83-7.45] AU vs MF 6.61 [6.35-6.87] AU, P = .007, ES = 0.49 small). CONCLUSIONS MF can diminish a player's overall tackling proficiency, especially when tackling on the nondominant shoulder. The physiological mechanism for this finding may be impaired executive function and suboptimal functioning of neural signals and pathways, which result in less skillful coordination of movement. To further understand and explain MF-induced physiological changes in tackling, the feasibility of monitoring brain activity (such as electroencephalogram) and neuromuscular function (such as electromyogram) needs to be investigated. The findings from this study may also contribute to the development of more effective tackle training programs for injury prevention and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
| | - Mitchell Smith
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW,Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Ourimbah, NSW,Australia
| | - Tayla Ross
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
| | - Gwyneth Laura James
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
| | - Lara Paul
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
| | - Michael Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds,United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds,United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Leeds,United Kingdom
- Premiership Rugby, London,United Kingdom
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town,South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds,United Kingdom
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Seminati E, Cazzola D, Trewartha G, Preatoni E. Tackle direction and preferred side affect upper body loads and movements in rugby union tackling. Sports Biomech 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37092582 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2023.2201248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Tackling in Rugby Union is associated with most match injuries. New tackle regulations have been explored to reduce injuries, but limited quantitative evidence is available to inform any law changes. Using a novel tackle simulator, we investigated upper body loading under different tackling conditions: direction of approach (0° - frontal, 45° and 90° to the ball carrier direction) and side of body (dominant vs. non-dominant). Peak impact force between tackler and simulator , and head and upper trunk segment motions were measured from 10 male players. Impact load averages were 17% higher at (0°) compared with (90°), across the two different tackling sides (p = 0.093), with the highest impact force measured during dominant-side shoulder tackles at 0° (5.63 ± 1.14 kN). Trunk resultant accelerations were higher (+19%, p = 0.010) at 0° compared with 90°, with the highest resultant acceleration measured in frontal tackles with the dominant shoulder (17.52 ± 3.97 g). We observed higher head lateral bending around the impact when tackling with the non-dominant shoulder at 45° (p = 0.024) and 90° (p = 0.047). Tackling from an offset angle from frontal may be safer. Deficiencies in tackling techniques on the non-dominant side should be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Seminati
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Grant Trewartha
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Ezio Preatoni
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Davidow D, Watson M, Lambert M, Jones B, Smith M, Kraak W, Hendricks S. Video-based technical feedback and instruction improves tackling technique of community rugby union players. Eur J Sport Sci 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36533306 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2160937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to test the change and retention of player's overall tackling technique and technical components following a player-specific video-based technical feedback and instruction intervention on both their dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Twenty-four (n = 24) rugby union players participated in a non-randomized control-intervention, which consisted of a video-based technical feedback and instruction group (video-based technical feedback) and a no video-based technical feedback and instruction group (control). During 3 sessions (baseline, intervention, retention) separated by one week, participants in each group performed six tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder) on a tackle simulator. In total, 432 tackles (video-based technical feedback = 216, control = 216) were analysed. Each tackle was analysed using a standardized list of technical criteria (arbitrary units, AU). For the dominant shoulder, tackling technique scores significantly improved from baseline to intervention for both groups. For the non-dominant shoulder, only the video-based technical feedback group improved their tackling technique from baseline to intervention (baseline 6.89 [6.33-7.45] AU vs. intervention 7.72 [7.35-8.10] AU p = .001, ES = 0.60 moderate). For the retention session, the video-based technical feedback group scored significantly higher than the control group, for dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.00 [7.60-8.40] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.83-7.62] AU p = .014, ES = 0.66 moderate) and non-dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.11 [7.81-8.41] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.90-7.55] p = .004, ES = 0.96 moderate) tackles. This study demonstrates the efficacy of video-based technical feedback as a method to optimize tackle training for player safety and performance. HIGHLIGHTSVideo-based technical feedback can improve tackling technique in both dominant and non-dominant shoulders.Video-based technical feedback group continued to improve following a retention interval of one week.The video-based technical feedback group showed a significant (with a moderate effect size) improvement from baseline for two techniques - namely, "body position - upright to low" and "drive through contact with legs and shoulders".Video-based technical feedback can be used as a method to optimize tackle training for injury prevention and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mikeala Watson
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public & Occupational Health and the EMGO Institute Health and Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Mitchel Smith
- Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wilbur Kraak
- Division of Sport Science, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Paul L, Davidow D, James G, Ross T, Lambert M, Burger N, Jones B, Rennie G, Hendricks S. Tackle Technique and Changes in Playerload™ During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study. J Sports Sci Med 2022; 21:383-393. [PMID: 36157385 PMCID: PMC9459770 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In collision sports, the tackle has the highest injury incidence, and is key to a successful performance. Although the contact load of players has been measured using microtechnology, this has not been related to tackle technique. The aim of this study was to explore how PlayerLoad™ changes between different levels of tackling technique during a simulated tackle. Nineteen rugby union players performed twelve tackles on a tackle contact simulator (n = 228 tackles). Each tackle was recorded with a video-camera and each player wore a Catapult OptimEyeS5. Tackles were analysed using tackler proficiency criteria and split into three categories: Low scoring(≤5 Arbitrary units (AU), medium scoring(6 and 7AU) and high scoring tackles(≥8AU). High scoring tackles recorded a higher PlayerLoad™ at tackle completion. The PlayerLoad™ trace was also less variable in the high scoring tackles. The variability in the PlayerLoad™ trace may be a consequence of players not shortening their steps before contact. This reduced their ability to control their movement during the contact and post-contact phase of the tackle and increased the variability. Using the PlayerLoad™ trace in conjunction with subjective technique assessments offers coaches and practitioners insight into the physical-technical relationship of each tackle to optimise tackle skill training and match preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Paul
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gwyneth James
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tayla Ross
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Burger
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Gordon Rennie
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- Catapult Sports, Melbourne
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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5
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Naughton M, McLean S, Scott TJ, Weaving D, Solomon C. Quantifying Fatigue in the Rugby Codes: The Interplay Between Collision Characteristics and Neuromuscular Performance, Biochemical Measures, and Self-Reported Assessments of Fatigue. Front Physiol 2021; 12:711634. [PMID: 34776996 PMCID: PMC8586499 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.711634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotor and collision actions that rugby players complete during match-play often lead to substantial fatigue, and in turn, delays in recovery. The methods used to quantify post-match fatigue and recovery can be categorised as subjective and objective, with match-related collision characteristics thought to have a primary role in modulating these recovery measures. The aim of this review was to (1) evaluate how post-match recovery has been quantified in the rugby football codes (i.e., rugby league, rugby union, and rugby sevens), (2) to explore the time-course of commonly used measures of fatigue post-match, and (3) to investigate the relationships between game-related collisions and fatigue metrics. The available evidence suggests that upper-, and lower-body neuromuscular performance are negatively affected, and biomarkers of muscular damage and inflammation increase in the hours and days following match-play, with the largest differences being at 12–36 h post-match. The magnitude of such responses varies within and between neuromuscular performance (Δ ≤ 36%, n = 13 studies) and tissue biomarker (Δ ≤ 585%, n = 18 studies) measures, but nevertheless appears strongly related to collision frequency and intensity. Likewise, the increase in perceived soreness in the hours and days post-match strongly correlate to collision characteristics across the rugby football codes. Within these findings, there are specific differences in positional groups and recovery trajectories between the codes which relate to athlete characteristics, and/or locomotor and collision characteristics. Finally, based on these findings, we offer a conceptual model of fatigue which details the multidimensional latent structure of the load to fatigue relationship contextualised to rugby. Research to date has been limited to univariate associations to explore relationships between collision characteristics and recovery, and multivariate methods are necessary and recommended to account for the latent structures of match-play external load and post-match fatigue constructs. Practitioners should be aware of the typical time windows of fatigue recovery and utilise both subjective and objective metrics to holistically quantify post-match recovery in rugby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Naughton
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott McLean
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Tannath J Scott
- New South Wales Rugby League, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Weaving
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Solomon
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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6
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Davidow D, Redman M, Lambert M, Burger N, Smith M, Jones B, Hendricks S. The effect of physical fatigue on tackling technique in Rugby Union. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 23:1105-1110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Validating Tackle Mechanics in American Football: Improving Safety and Performance. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2691-2700. [PMID: 33000449 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Research has helped to understand the risks of injuries of tackling in American football and rugby; however, approaches to teaching and analysis are not well-documented. Shoulder-led tackling has been proposed as a safer approach to tackling even though data on the effectiveness for safety and defensive performance is limited. Additionally, some have argued that safety and effectiveness are incompatible. The purpose of the study was to validate a specific sequence of tackling actions as a tool for teaching safer and more effective tackling skills. Results suggested tackle scores help predict presence of head contact, and that higher tackle scores were associated with reductions in Yards After Contact (YAC). Eight hundred and thirty-two (832) American high school football tackles were rated using a 12-element rating system. Estimated Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) was employed to identify the factor structure of the elements with three factors identified: Track, Engage, and Finish. ANOVA, along with logistic and linear equation models were run to determine relationships between tackle scores and outcomes. Tackle scores predicted head-contact category (binary logistic regression accuracy = .76). Yards after contact (YAC) were significantly reduced [Finish factor: MANOVA F(3, 828) = 105.825, p < .001]. Construct and predictive validity were demonstrated and show that these tackle elements provide valid foci for teaching better tackling as well as analyzing both teaching effectiveness and performance.
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Naughton M, Jones B, Hendricks S, King D, Murphy A, Cummins C. Quantifying the Collision Dose in Rugby League: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Critical Analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2020; 6:6. [PMID: 31970529 PMCID: PMC6976075 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collisions (i.e. tackles, ball carries, and collisions) in the rugby league have the potential to increase injury risk, delay recovery, and influence individual and team performance. Understanding the collision demands of the rugby league may enable practitioners to optimise player health, recovery, and performance. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to (1) characterise the dose of collisions experienced within senior male rugby league match-play and training, (2) systematically and critically evaluate the methods used to describe the relative and absolute frequency and intensity of collisions, and (3) provide recommendations on collision monitoring. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science) using keywords was undertaken. A meta-analysis provided a pooled mean of collision frequency or intensity metrics on comparable data sets from at least two studies. RESULTS Forty-three articles addressing the absolute (n) or relative collision frequency (n min-1) or intensity of senior male rugby league collisions were included. Meta-analysis of video-based studies identified that forwards completed approximately twice the number of tackles per game than backs (n = 24.6 vs 12.8), whilst ball carry frequency remained similar between backs and forwards (n = 11.4 vs 11.2). Variable findings were observed at the subgroup level with a limited number of studies suggesting wide-running forwards, outside backs, and hit-up forwards complete similar ball carries whilst tackling frequency differed. For microtechnology, at the team level, players complete an average of 32.7 collisions per match. Limited data suggested hit-up and wide-running forwards complete the most collisions per match, when compared to adjustables and outside backs. Relative to playing time, forwards (n min-1 = 0.44) complete a far greater frequency of collision than backs (n min-1 = 0.16), with data suggesting hit-up forwards undertake more than adjustables, and outside backs. Studies investigating g force intensity zones utilised five unique intensity schemes with zones ranging from 2-3 g to 13-16 g. Given the disparity between device setups and zone classification systems between studies, further analyses were inappropriate. It is recommended that practitioners independently validate microtechnology against video to establish criterion validity. CONCLUSIONS Video- and microtechnology-based methods have been utilised to quantify collisions in the rugby league with differential collision profiles observed between forward and back positional groups, and their distinct subgroups. The ball carry demands of forwards and backs were similar, whilst tackle demands were greater for forwards than backs. Microtechnology has been used inconsistently to quantify collision frequency and intensity. Despite widespread popularity, a number of the microtechnology devices have yet to be appropriately validated. Limitations exist in using microtechnology to quantify collision intensity, including the lack of consistency and limited validation. Future directions include application of machine learning approaches to differentiate types of collisions in microtechnology datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Naughton
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ben Jones
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doug King
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Sports Performance Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Aron Murphy
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Cloe Cummins
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,National Rugby League, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Kraak W, Bam J, Kruger S, Henderson S, Josias U, Stokes K. Sanctioning of Illegal and Dangerous Ruck Cleanouts During the 2018 Super Rugby Competition. Front Psychol 2019; 10:803. [PMID: 31024414 PMCID: PMC6461009 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rugby is a high contact sport that results in many injuries. The majority of injuries at senior elite levels result from contact phases during match-play. It is estimated that 10% of all match injuries are associated with the ruck in professional and community rugby. Surveillance of legal and illegal ruck cleanouts and the sanctions imposed by the on-field referees will help identify whether referees are actually enforcing the law according to the laws of the game, which will consequently contribute to the creation and implementation of further injury prevention strategies. Players should play the game in accordance with the laws of the game and be mindful of their own safety and that of others. Coaches and trainers of the game have the responsibility to ensure that players are prepared in a manner that comply with the World Rugby (WR) laws of the game and safe practices. Laws and law amendments are fundamental to the development of sport and introduced for a variety of reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of sanctioning of illegal and dangerous ruck cleanouts during the 2018 Super Rugby competition by using Nacsport Basic+ video software; 120 round robin matches from the 2018 Super Rugby competition were coded and analyzed. The analysis of the intra reliability showed an almost perfect (>0.95) agreement between all the performance indicators. In total, 22,281 ruck cleanouts were coded of which 9% (n = 2111) were illegal ruck cleanouts and 93% were not sanctioned by the referees; 57% (1087 out of 1953) of the illegal ruck cleanouts not sanctioned by the referees were deemed dangerous. The majority of dangerous illegal ruck cleanouts not sanctioned by the referees were "shoulder charge" (88%, n = 280), "neck roll" (86%, n = 100), and "contact above the shoulder" (81%, n = 201). To aid injury prevention efforts in rugby, future research studies should investigate why on-field referees are not sanctioning all illegal and dangerous ruck cleanouts according to WR Laws of the Game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilbur Kraak
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jenna Bam
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Kruger
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Henderson
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ugan Josias
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Keith Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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