1
|
Rogowski I, Degot M, Hager JP, Del Moral B, Cardot N, Loursac R, Blache Y, Neyton L. Normative values for internal and external glenohumeral rotation strength in rugby players: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Shoulder Elbow 2024; 16:3-16. [PMID: 38425741 PMCID: PMC10901170 DOI: 10.1177/17585732221098738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to provide normative values for internal and external glenohumeral rotation strength in rugby players. From the inception to March 2021, the search strategy was (strength OR torque) AND shoulder AND rugby using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases, with no language restrictions. This systematic review includes 15 articles involving 573 rugby players and presenting internal or external glenohumeral rotation strength values. Two main methods are used to assess glenohumeral rotation strength in rugby players: isokinetic and isometric methods; in the isometric method, the upper arm is abducted at either 0° or 90°. Owing to differences in isokinetic procedures and a lack of studies assessing isometric strength when the upper arm is in a neutral position, normative internal or external glenohumeral rotation strength values are only provided for isometric contractions when the upper arm is abducted at 90° based on 311 shoulders of 163 male rugby union players, with 2.04 ± 0.15 N.kg-1 and 2.11 ± 0.13 N.kg-1 for internal and external glenohumeral rotation strength, respectively. These findings may help strength and conditioning coaches and physical therapists, provide objective evidence when deciding whether or not rugby union players should return to sport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Rogowski
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité – EA 7424, UFRSTAPS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - M Degot
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité – EA 7424, UFRSTAPS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - JP Hager
- Centre Orthopédique Santy, Fifa Medical Center of Excellence, Lyon, France
- Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby, Lyon, France
| | - B Del Moral
- Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby, Lyon, France
| | - N Cardot
- Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby, Lyon, France
| | - R Loursac
- Centre Orthopédique Santy, Fifa Medical Center of Excellence, Lyon, France
- Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby, Lyon, France
| | - Y Blache
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité – EA 7424, UFRSTAPS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - L Neyton
- Centre Orthopédique Santy, Fifa Medical Center of Excellence, Lyon, France
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tingelstad LM, Raastad T, Till K, Luteberget LS. The development of physical characteristics in adolescent team sport athletes: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296181. [PMID: 38128047 PMCID: PMC10735042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical development during adolescence is crucial for athletes in team sports, as it prepares them for the high sport demands at the senior level. While physical development in non-athletes are well-documented, a comprehensive understanding of adolescent athletes' development, including the potential effects of team sports participation and training load, is lacking. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to investigate the development of physical characteristics in team sport athletes during adolescence (12-20 years) and explore the impact of training load. METHODS A systematic search of the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science were conducted combining keywords related to physical characteristics, youth athletes, team sport and study design. Criteria for inclusion were: (1) team sport athletes aged 12-20 years, (2) cross-sectional or longitudinal designs investigating physical characteristics, (3) comparisons across different age groups, (4) peer-reviewed original article, (5) written in English, and (6) available results from physical testing. Results were normalized and weighted based on sample size. RESULTS 176 eligible articles were identified. The results showed consistent annual improvement in most physical characteristics from 12 to 16 years for both sexes (e.g., boys: lower body strength 14.3%; intermittent endurance 11%; countermovement jump height 6.7%; change of direction 2.8%; 30 m sprint 3.6%, and girls: lower body strength 9.4%; intermittent endurance 12.1%; countermovement jump 4.7%; change of direction 3.3%; 30 m sprint 1.9%). Only 4 studies investigated the effect of training load on physical development. CONCLUSIONS Although both sexes consistently improved through adolescence, girls tended to have less pronounced physical development compared to boys, likely due to lower increase in lean mass and limb length. The existing evidence do not definitively establish whether team sports participation, compared to studies examining non-athletes, or training load have an additive effect on physical development during this period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars M. Tingelstad
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Truls Raastad
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, England
| | - Live S. Luteberget
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Science, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mathisen TF, Ackland T, Burke LM, Constantini N, Haudum J, Macnaughton LS, Meyer NL, Mountjoy M, Slater G, Sundgot-Borgen J. Best practice recommendations for body composition considerations in sport to reduce health and performance risks: a critical review, original survey and expert opinion by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1148-1158. [PMID: 37752006 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of body composition (BC) in sport raises concern for athlete health, especially where an overfocus on being lighter or leaner increases the risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and disordered eating. METHODS We undertook a critical review of the effect of BC on performance (29 longitudinal, prospective or intervention studies) and explored current practice related to BC considerations via a follow-up to a 2013 internationally distributed survey. RESULTS The review found that a higher level of body fat was negatively associated with endurance performance, while a gain in muscle mass resulted in performance benefits across sports. BC did not contribute to early talent identification, and no unique cut-off to signify a performance advantage for BC was identified. BC appears to be one of an array of variables impacting performance, and its influence should not be overstated. The survey (125 practitioners, 61 sports and 26 countries) showed subtle changes in BC considerations over time, such as an increased role for sport dietitian/nutrition practitioners as BC measurers (2013: 54%, 2022: 78%); less emphasis on reporting of body fat percentage (2013: 68%, 2022: 46%) and reduced frequency of BC assessment if ≥every fourth week (2013: 18%, 2022: 5%). Respondents remained concerned about a problematic focus on BC (2013: 69%, 2022: 78%). To address these findings, we provide detailed recommendations for BC considerations, including an overview of preferable BC methodology. CONCLUSIONS The 'best practice' guidelines stress the importance of a multidisciplinary athlete health and performance team, and the treatment of BC data as confidential medical information. The guidelines provide a health focus around BC, aiming to reduce the associated burden of disordered eating, problematic low energy availability and REDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Ackland
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise M Burke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naama Constantini
- Sport Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judith Haudum
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Nanna L Meyer
- Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Margo Mountjoy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- REDs Consensus Writing Group, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
López-Jiménez A, Morán-Fagúndez L, Sánchez-Sánchez AM, Fernández-Pachón MS. The associations between anthropometric characteristics and nutritional parameters in male elite rugby union players. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2023; 74:707-718. [PMID: 37604816 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2023.2246699] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to analyse the associations between anthropometric characteristics and diet in male rugby players according to the playing position. A cross-sectional study was developed. The forwards had higher body weight (107 kg) and fat mass (FM; 12%) than the backs (87.8 kg and 8.47%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The quality of diet needs to improve (KIDMED value of 5.87 and 6.36 for forwards and backs, respectively). Nutritional imbalances, such as deficits in carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, and excess of fats, saturated fatty acid, cholesterol and sugars were found. Carbohydrates and proteins intake were significant associated (p < 0.05) with a minor FM. Forwards with a KIDMED index of less than 8 had a significantly higher FM than those who maintained an optimal diet (p < 0.05). The diet of rugby players should be more in line with dietary recommendations and take into account the player position to optimise sports performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Morán-Fagúndez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana M Sánchez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Economía, Área de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Métodos Cuantitativos e Historia Económica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María-Soledad Fernández-Pachón
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Trabelsi K, Ammar A, Boukhris O, Glenn JM, Clark CCT, Stannard SR, Slater G, Żmijewski P, Driss T, Ben Saad H, Chamari K, Chtourou H. Dietary Intake and Body Composition During Ramadan in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Meta-Regression. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023; 42:101-122. [PMID: 35512756 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2021.2000902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance on dietary intake and body composition in adult athletes. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources used were PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Taylor and Francis. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies were as follows: single-group, pre-/post-Ramadan, with or without control group, conducted in athletes aged ≥19 years training at least twice a week, and published in any language before August 25, 2021. Studies assessing dietary intake and/or body composition were deemed eligible. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using QualSyst. Nine studies evaluated dietary intake; 4 of these were rated as strong quality and the remaining as moderate. Of the 17 selected studies evaluating body composition, 7 were of strong quality and the remaining 10 were rated as moderate. Compared to pre-Ramadan, energy (number of studies, K = 7; number of participants, N = 78; g = -0.781; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.416 to -0.145; p = 0.016), carbohydrate (K = 5; N = 50; g = -1.643; 95% CI, -2.949 to -0.336; p = 0.014), and water (K = 4; N = 39; g = -1.081; 95% CI, -1.371 to -0.790; p = 0.000) intakes decreased during Ramadan. However, fat (K = 5; N = 50; g = -0.472; 95% CI, -1.085 to 0.140; p = 0.131) and protein (K = 5; N = 60; g = -0.574; 95% CI, -1.213 to -0.066; p = 0.079) intakes remained unchanged. Compared to pre-Ramadan, body mass (K = 16; N = 131; g = -0.262; 95% CI, -0.427 to -0.097; p = 0.002) and body fat percentage (K = 8; N = 81; g = -0.197; 95% CI, -0.355 to -0.040; p = 0.014) decreased in the fourth week of Ramadan. Lean body mass did not change during Ramadan (K = 4; N = 45; g = -0.047; 95% CI, -0.257 to 0.162; p = 0.658). Carbohydrate and total water intake decreased with the observance of Ramadan, but fat and protein intake were unchanged. Continued training of athletes during Ramadan was associated with a decreased body mass and body fat percentage, but not lean body mass, toward the end of the fasting month. Key pointsRamadan fasting decreases body mass and body fat percentage of athletes, but not lean body mass.Longer durations of fasting could provoke more pronounced decrements in body mass.Carbohydrate and total water intake decreased during Ramadan in athletes.Future studies, with greater methodological rigor, are required to better discern changes in dietary intake and body composition during Ramadan. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2000902 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, EM2S, LR19JS01, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, Magdeburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UPL, Paris Nanterre University, UFR STAPS, Nanterre, France
| | - Omar Boukhris
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Research Unit, "Physical Activity, Sport and Health", UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jordan M Glenn
- Department of Health, Exercise Science Research Center Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Cain C T Clark
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Stephen R Stannard
- School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Piotr Żmijewski
- School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tarak Driss
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UPL, Paris Nanterre University, UFR STAPS, Nanterre, France
- UFR STAPS (Faculty of Sports Sciences), Paris Nanterre University, Nanterre, France
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Hôpital Farhat Hached de Sousse, Laboratoire de Recherche "Insuffisance Cardiaque", Université de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Karim Chamari
- ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Laboratory ''Sport Performance Optimization'', (CNMSS), ISSEP Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Tunisie
| | - Hamdi Chtourou
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Research Unit, "Physical Activity, Sport and Health", UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hughes AC, Dixon J, Driscoll HF, Booth J, Carré MJ. Padded rugby clothing to prevent laceration and abrasion injuries from stud raking: a method of assessment. SPORTS ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12283-022-00369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPadded clothing (shoulder padding) is worn in Rugby Union to give players an opportunity to protect themselves. A performance specification for padded clothing has been set out by World Rugby™, with the intention that padded clothing only protects against lacerations and abrasions. Test protocols in this specification provide an assessment of the impact force attenuative properties of the material, this itself will not indicate what injuries they may have the potential to prevent or lessen the severity of. The current study has used previously established biomechanical parameters to develop a mechanical test procedure to assess the ability of padded clothing to prevent or lessen the severity of stud-induced laceration and abrasion injuries. A synthetic skin and soft tissue surrogate was developed and validated to mimic human anatomy. Without the addition of padded clothing, both wearing (abrasion) and tearing (laceration) of the synthetic tissue surrogate were seen. The addition of padded clothing saw no sign of stud-induced injury, even after six repeated trials of the same product, showing padded clothing can prevent or lessen the severity of lacerations and abrasions. The developed testing protocols could be used to assess the safety of any sports stud designs in relation to skin injury as well as the effectiveness of various protective clothing products across the sports industry.
Collapse
|
7
|
Minahan C, Newans T, Quinn K, Parsonage J, Buxton S, Bellinger P. Strong, Fast, Fit, Lean, and Safe: A Positional Comparison of Physical and Physiological Qualities Within the 2020 Australian Women's Rugby League Team. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:S11-S19. [PMID: 34319942 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Minahan, C, Newans, T, Quinn, K, Parsonage, J, Buxton, S, and Bellinger, P. Strong, Fast, Fit, Lean, and Safe: A positional comparison of physical and physiological qualities within the 2020 Australian Women's Rugby League team. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S11-S19, 2021-The purpose of the present study was to report the physical and physiological characteristics of elite women Rugby League (RL) players. Thirty-nine women (25.6 ± 4.3 years, 171.3 ± 7.7 cm, 83.5 ± 13.9 kg) from the 2020 Australian women's RL squad were recruited for this study. Players were categorized as adjustables (n = 7), backs (n = 15), or forwards (n = 17) for analysis. Each player was assessed for anthropometry, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), speed (5, 10 and 20 m sprint times), lower-body power (countermovement jump), upper-body power (medicine ball throw and explosive push up force), estimated one repetition maximum (e1RM) bench press, squat and bench pull, isometric mid-thigh pull strength, eccentric knee flexor strength, isometric hip abduction and adduction, and intermittent endurance performance (30-15 intermittent fitness test; 30-15 IFT). Linear mixed models were performed to compare positional groups. Forwards were significantly heavier and had greater fat mass, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage compared with backs and adjustables (P < 0.01). Backs were faster over 20 m compared with forwards (P = 0.025), whereas forwards had a lower 30-15 IFT peak velocity and estimated V̇o2peak compared with backs and adjustables. Nonetheless, when including body mass in the model, there were no differences between groups in 30-15 IFT peak velocity. There were no significant differences in other variables. These results provide contemporary benchmark physical, physiological, and anthropometric data for elite women RL players, which can inform recruitment, selection, training, and testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Minahan
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tim Newans
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- National Rugby League, Rugby League Central, Brisbane, Australia; and
- Sports Performance Innovation Knowledge and Excellence, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karlee Quinn
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- National Rugby League, Rugby League Central, Brisbane, Australia; and
- Sports Performance Innovation Knowledge and Excellence, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jo Parsonage
- National Rugby League, Rugby League Central, Brisbane, Australia; and
| | - Simon Buxton
- National Rugby League, Rugby League Central, Brisbane, Australia; and
| | - Phillip Bellinger
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Sports Performance Innovation Knowledge and Excellence, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scott TJ, Sanctuary CE, Tredrea MS, Gray AJ. Conceptualising Rugby League Performance Within an Ecological Dynamics Framework: Providing Direction for Player Preparation and Development. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2021; 7:87. [PMID: 34817742 PMCID: PMC8613325 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Across team sports, it is critically important to appropriately define, evaluate and then aptly describe individual and team performance. This is of particular significance when we consider that performance models govern the direction of player preparation (short term) and development (long term) frameworks. Within the context of rugby league, this has traditionally been undertaken through hierarchical and linear processes. Such approaches have resulted in research and performance analysis techniques which aim to support these operational outcomes. Yet, these methods may deliver limited application on how or why match-play unfolds and therefore might be sub-optimal in providing insights to truly support coaches. In this paper, we propose the conceptualisation of rugby league performance through the lens of ecological dynamics, which may offer a different view to this traditional approach. We propose that this approach eliminates the silos of disciplinary information (e.g. technical, physical and medical) that may currently exist, allowing for a holistic approach to performance, preparation and development. Specifically, we consider that through the implementation of this ecological approach, all performance coaches (technical, physical and medical) may (co-)design learning environments that more collaboratively develop players for rugby league match-play. As a result, we put forward a new rugby league performance model from which preparation and development programs can be anchored toward. We conclude the paper by offering practical examples where these concepts are contextualised within the landscape familiar to practitioners working within rugby league.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tannath J Scott
- Performance Department, New South Wales Rugby League, Sydney, Australia.
- 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, NSW, Australia.
| | - Colin E Sanctuary
- Performance Department, New South Wales Rugby League, Sydney, Australia
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Matthew S Tredrea
- Performance Department, New South Wales Rugby League, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian J Gray
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sprint and Jump Mechanical Profiles in Academy Rugby League Players: Positional Differences and the Associations between Profiles and Sprint Performance. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:sports9070093. [PMID: 34201958 PMCID: PMC8309902 DOI: 10.3390/sports9070093] [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: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study evaluated the sprint and jump mechanical profiles of male academy rugby league players, the differences between positions, and the associations between mechanical profiles and sprint performance. Twenty academy rugby league players performed 40-m sprints and squat jumps at increasing loads (0-80 kg) to determine individual mechanical (force-velocity-power) and performance variables. The mechanical variables (absolute and relative theoretical maximal force-velocity-power, force-velocity linear relationship, and mechanical efficiency) were determined from the mechanical profiles. Forwards had significantly (p < 0.05) greater vertical and horizontal force, momentum but jumped lower (unloaded) and were slower than backs. No athlete presented an optimal jump profile. No associations were found between jump and sprint mechanical variables. Absolute theoretical maximal vertical force significantly (p < 0.05) correlated (r = 0.71-0.77) with sprint momentum. Moderate (r = -0.47) to near-perfect (r = 1.00) significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between sprint mechanical and performance variables. The largest associations shifted from maximum relative horizontal force-power generation and application to maximum velocity capabilities and force application at high velocities as distance increased. The jump and sprint mechanical profiles appear to provide distinctive and highly variable information about academy rugby league players' sprint and jump capacities. Associations between mechanical variables and sprint performance suggest horizontal and vertical profiles differ and should be trained accordingly.
Collapse
|
10
|
Short and long-term differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between male rugby players that became professional or remained amateur. J Exerc Sci Fit 2021; 19:143-149. [PMID: 33680002 PMCID: PMC7895839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate which anthropometric and physical performance variables characterised players that advanced to professional teams (professionals) and how these variables changed over time, compared to those that did not secure professional contracts (i.e. remained amateurs). Methods Differences in anthropometry, strength, speed, power and intermittent running ability in 83 male rugby players collected between 2015 and 2019 were determined using repeated measures analysis. Results When arriving for the first year of the program, forwards that went on to become professional players were older (0.4 ± 0.3 yr, mean ± 95% CI, p = 0.004), heavier (4.6 ± 2.5 kg, p < 0.001) and stronger (range 6.2-16.4%) than forwards that remained amateur. Professional forwards were also slower at sprinting (range -2.7-2.9%, p < 0.001) and had lower Yo-Yo IRT L1 (-10.8%, p = 0.03). When first arrived on the program, professional backs were taller (3.5 ± 1.8 cm, p < 0.001), heavier (4.6 ± 2.4 kg, p < 0.001) and faster over 20 m (-1.9 ± 1.7%, p = 0.03) and 30 m (-1.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.04) compared to amateurs. Compared to amateurs, professionals had a smaller increase in body mass (-4.2 ± 2.0%, p < 0.001) and greater improvement in sprinting (3.7, 2.8, 2.8% over 10, 20 and 30-m, respectively) and Yo-Yo IRT L1 (14.7 ± 11.0%, p = 0.05) over 3 years training. Conclusion Characteristics that are likely to assist players in becoming professionals include being older, heavier, taller and stronger.
Collapse
|