1
|
Wing C, Hart NH, Ma'ayah F, Nosaka K. Physical and technical demands of offence, defence, and contested phases of play in Australian Football. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:33. [PMID: 35232457 PMCID: PMC8889669 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background This study compared the physical demands and effect of field location for different phases of play (offence, defence and contested), and examined the physical and technical demands of successful and unsuccessful phases of play during Australian Football matches. Methods Global positioning system (GPS) and technical performance data were collected from 32 male Australian Football players in one club over 19 games in the 2019 season. The GPS data was aligned with phases of play acquired using Champion Data. Linear mixed models were used to detect differences between phases of play and field location which were further contextualized using Cohen’s d effect size. Results Physical demands were greatest (p < 0.001) in defensive phases for backs (ES 0.61 to 1.42), and offensive phases for midfielders (ES 0.65 to 0.96) and forwards (ES 0.84 to 1.94). Additionally, distance and high-speed running were lowest in contested phases irrespective of playing position. Distance and high-speed running were greatest in larger field locations (e.g., full ground). No pattern was evident for accelerations or decelerations. Successful offensive plays demonstrated greater physical and technical outputs for midfielders and forwards, whereas the opposite was found for backs. Physical output was largely greater in unsuccessful defensive plays for all positions; however, the rate of tackles and marks was greater during successful defence. Conclusion These findings enable a greater understanding of the demands of Australian Football matches, and can be utilized to inform both representative training design, and the evaluation of player performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Wing
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fadi Ma'ayah
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,School of Education, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheehan A, Malone S, Walters A, Gabbett T, Collins K. Match-play profile of elite rugby union, with special reference to repeated high-intensity effort activity (RHIE). Sport Sci Health. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-021-00879-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
3
|
Wing C, Hart NH, McCaskie C, Djanis P, Ma'ayah F, Nosaka K. Running Performance of Male Versus Female Players in Australian Football Matches: A Systematic Review. Sports Med Open 2021; 7:96. [PMID: 34923616 PMCID: PMC8685186 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Australian Football is a fast paced, intermittent sport, played by both male and female populations. The aim of this systematic review was to compare male and female Australian Football players, competing at elite and sub-elite levels, for running performance during Australian Football matches based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Methods Medline, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science searches, using search terms inclusive of Australian Football, movement demands and microsensor technology, returned 2535 potential manuscripts, of which 33 were included in the final analyses. Results Results indicated that male athletes performed approximately twice the total running distances of their female counterparts, which was likely due to the differences in quarter length (male elite = 20 min, female elite = 15 min (plus time-on). When expressed relative to playing time, the differences between males and females somewhat diminished. However, high-speed running distances covered at velocities > 14.4 km·h−1 (> 4 m·s−1) were substantially greater (≥ 50%) for male than female players. Male and female players recorded similar running intensities during peak periods of play of shorter duration (e.g., around 1 min), but when the analysis window was lengthened, females showed a greater decrement in running performance. Conclusion These results suggest that male players should be exposed to greater training volumes, whereas training intensities should be reasonably comparable across male and female athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Wing
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, , Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, , Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.,Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Callum McCaskie
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, , Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Petar Djanis
- South Fremantle Football Club, Parry Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Murdoch Applied Sport Science Laboratory, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fadi Ma'ayah
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, , Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.,School of Education, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, , Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bridgeman LA, Gill ND. The Use of Global Positioning and Accelerometer Systems in Age-Grade and Senior Rugby Union: A Systematic Review. Sports Med - Open 2021; 7:15. [PMID: 33616786 PMCID: PMC7900280 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Global positioning systems (GPS) imbedded with accelerometer systems (AS) are used in rugby union (RU) to collect information on absolute and relative distances, distances in different speed zones, high-speed running (HSR) distances, repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) and collisions and impacts. This information can be used to monitor match play which can then be used to plan training sessions. The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of studies which have reported the use of GPS and AS.
Methods
A systematic review of the use of GPS and AS in both age-grade and senior rugby was conducted. The authors systematically searched electronic databases from January 2010 until March 2020. Keywords included rugby union, GPS, global position* and microtechnology.
Results
A total of 51 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a total of 34 studies utilising GPS and AS in senior RU players (mean ± SD; age 26.2 ± 1.9 years; height 185.7 ± 2.6 cm; mass 101.3 ± 4.2 kg) and 17 studies in age-grade RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.6 ± 1.5 years; height 182.1 ± 3.3 cm; mass 87.1 ± 8.6 kg). The results of this review highlighted that there are differences between backs and forwards and within these positions in these groups during both match play and training sessions. The backs covered greater total absolute, relative and HSR distance compared to forwards. Forwards are involved in more collisions and impacts than backs. When investigating the most intense periods of match play, studies in this review highlighted that the demands during these periods outweigh the average demands of the game. It was proposed that a rolling average over different time epochs is the best way to assess this and ensure that the most intense periods of play are assessed and monitored.
Conclusions
The information highlighted in this review can be used to help coaches assess performances in match play, allow them to plan appropriate training sessions and monitor training load.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hudson JF, Phelan MM, Owens DJ, Morton JP, Close GL, Stewart CE. "Fuel for the Damage Induced": Untargeted Metabolomics in Elite Rugby Union Match Play. Metabolites 2021; 11:544. [PMID: 34436485 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic perturbations caused by competitive rugby are not well characterized. Our aim is to utilize untargeted metabolomics to develop appropriate interventions, based on the metabolic fluctuations that occur in response to this collision-based team sport. Seven members of an English Premiership rugby squad consented to provide blood, urine, and saliva samples daily, over a competitive week including gameday (GD), with physical demands and dietary intake also recorded. Sample collection, processing and statistical analysis were performed in accordance with best practice set out by the metabolomics standards initiative employing 700 MHz NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were employed to reveal the acute energy needs of this high intensity sport are met via glycolysis, the TCA cycle and gluconeogenesis. The recovery period after cessation of match play and prior to training recommencing sees a re-entry to gluconeogenesis, coupled with markers of oxidative stress, structural protein degradation, and reduced fatty acid metabolism. This novel insight leads us to propose that effective recovery from muscle damaging collisions is dependent upon the availability of glucose. An adjustment in the periodisation of carbohydrate to increase GD+1 provision may prevent the oxidation of amino acids which may also be crucial to allay markers of structural tissue degradation. Should we expand the ‘Fuel for the work required’ paradigm in collision-based team sports to include ‘Fuel for the damage induced’?
Collapse
|
6
|
Tierney P, Blake C, Delahunt E. Physical characteristics of different professional rugby union competition levels. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:1267-1271. [PMID: 34144858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether differences in physical characteristics (running-related and collision-related metrics) exist between four different professional rugby union competition levels. DESIGN We collected and retrospectively analysed microsensor technology data from players of two professional rugby union clubs that competed across four different competition levels: International rugby union, European Rugby Champions Cup, PRO14 club competition, and British and Irish Cup. METHODS Differences between competition levels were analysed using a one-way ANOVA test. The Tukey HSD test was completed to perform multiple pairwise-comparisons between the means of the competition levels and player positional groups. RESULTS Ten of the 12 microsensor technology derived physical characteristics were significantly different between competition levels. Collision load-, collisions-, and high metabolic load efforts-per minute all increased at higher competition levels. These differences were also noted across player positional groups. CONCLUSIONS The physical characteristics of rugby union match-play differ across competitions levels. Our data suggest that professional rugby union players require specific physical preparation for different competition levels. In particular, players are likely to need specific preparation and recovery for the higher collision intensity observed at higher competition levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tierney
- The Football Association, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Blake
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamonn Delahunt
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fox JL, Green J, Scanlan AT. Not All About the Effort? A Comparison of Playing Intensities During Winning and Losing Game Quarters in Basketball. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021;:1-4. [PMID: 33662929 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare peak and average intensities encountered during winning and losing game quarters in basketball players. METHODS Eight semiprofessional male basketball players (age = 23.1 [3.8] y) were monitored during all games (N = 18) over 1 competitive season. The average intensities attained in each quarter were determined using microsensors and heart-rate monitors to derive relative values (per minute) for the following variables: PlayerLoad, frequency of high-intensity and total accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, jumps, and total inertial movement analysis events combined, as well as modified summated-heart-rate-zones workload. The peak intensities reached in each quarter were determined using microsensors and reported as PlayerLoad per minute over 15-second, 30-second, 1-minute, 2-minute, 3-minute, 4-minute, and 5-minute sample durations. Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to compare intensity variables between winning and losing game quarters. RESULTS Nonsignificant (P > .05), unclear-small differences were evident between winning and losing game quarters in all variables. CONCLUSIONS During winning and losing game quarters, peak and average intensities were similar. Consequently, factors other than the intensity of effort applied during games may underpin team success in individual game quarters and therefore warrant further investigation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fornasier-Santos C, Millet GP, Stridgeon P, Girard O, Brocherie F, Nottin S. High-intensity Activity in European vs. National Rugby Union Games in the best 2014-2015 Team. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:529-536. [PMID: 33197944 DOI: 10.1055/a-1144-3035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of competition level on running patterns for five playing position in the most successful 2014-2015 European rugby union team. Seventeen French rugby union championship and seven European rugby Champions Cup games were analysed. Global positioning system (sampling: 10 Hz) were used to determine high-speed movements, high-intensity accelerations, repeated high-intensity efforts and high-intensity micro-movements characteristics for five positional groups. During European Champions Cup games, front row forwards performed a higher number of repeated high-intensity efforts compared to National championship games (5.8±1.6 vs. 3.6±2.3; +61.1%), and back row forwards travelled greater distance both at high-speed movements (3.4±1.8 vs. 2.4±0.9 m·min-1; +41.7%) and after high-intensity accelerations (78.2±14.0 vs. 68.1 ±13.4 m; +14.8%). In backs, scrum halves carried out more high-intensity accelerations (24.7±3.1 vs. 14.8±5.0; +66.3%) whereas outside backs completed a higher number of high-speed movements (62.7±25.4 vs. 48.3±17.0; +29.8%) and repeated high-intensity efforts (13.5±4.6 vs. 9.7±4.9; +39.2%). These results highlighted that the competition level affected the high-intensity activity differently among the five playing positions. Consequently, training programs in elite rugby should be tailored taking into account both the level of competition and the high-intensity running pattern of each playing position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charly Fornasier-Santos
- LAPEC EA4278 - F84000, Avignon University, Avignon, France.,Department of Performance, Rugby Club Toulonnais, Toulon, France
| | - Gregoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Stridgeon
- Department of Performance, Rugby Club Toulonnais, Toulon, France
| | - Olivier Girard
- School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Franck Brocherie
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance - EA 7370 - Research Department, INSEP, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vázquez-Guerrero J, Ayala F, Garcia F, Sampaio J. The Most Demanding Scenarios of Play in Basketball Competition From Elite Under-18 Teams. Front Psychol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32373001 PMCID: PMC7187750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to describe the most demanding scenarios of match play in basketball through a number of physical demand measures (high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, relative distance covered, and relative distance covered in established speed zones) for four different rolling average time epochs (30, 60, 180, and 300 s) during an official international tournament. A secondary purpose was to identify whether there were significant differences in physical demand measures among playing positions (centers, guards, and forwards) and levels (two best classified teams in the tournament and remaining teams), match scoring (winning, losing, and drawing), and playing periods (match quarter) at the moment of the most demanding scenarios. Data were collected from 94 male under 18 (U18) elite basketball players (age: 17.4 ± 0.7 years; stature: 199.0 ± 11.9 cm; body mass: 87.1 ± 13.1 kg) competing in a Euroleague Basketball Tournament. Measures were compared via a Bayesian inference analysis. The results revealed the presence of position-related differences [Bayesian factor (BF) > 10 (at least strong evidence) and standardized effect size (δ) > 0.6 (at least moderate)] so that centers covered a lower relative distance at speed zone 1 and had lower high-intensity accelerations and decelerations than guards. However, the Bayesian analysis did not demonstrate the existence of significant differences in any physical demand measure in relation to the playing level, match scoring, and playing periods at the moment of the most demanding scenarios. Therefore, this study provides coaches and strength and conditioning specialists with a most demanding scenario reference on physical demands that can be used as an upper limit threshold in the training and rehabilitation monitoring processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Ayala
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Franc Garcia
- Sports Performance Area, FC Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Sampaio
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, CreativeLab Research Community, Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alonso E, Miranda N, Zhang S, Sosa C, Trapero J, Lorenzo J, Lorenzo A. Peak Match Demands in Young Basketball Players: Approach and Applications. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17072256. [PMID: 32230798 PMCID: PMC7177956 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to describe the peak match demands and compare them with average demands in basketball players, from an external load point of view, using different time windows. Another objective is to determine whether there are differences between positions and to provide an approach for practical applications. Methods: During this observational study, each player wore a micro technology device. We collected data from 12 male basketball players (mean ± SD: age 17.56 ± 0.67 years, height 196.17 ± 6.71 cm, body mass 90.83 ± 11.16 kg) during eight games. We analyzed intervals for different time windows using rolling averages (ROLL) to determine the peak match demands for Player Load. A separate one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify statistically significant differences between playing positions across different intense periods. Results: Separate one-way ANOVAs revealed statistically significant differences between 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, and full game periods for Player Load, F (3,168) = 231.80, ηp2 = 0.76, large, p < 0.001. It is worth noting that guards produced a statistically significantly higher Player Load in 5 min (p < 0.01, ηp2 = −0.69, moderate), 10 min (p < 0.001, ηp2 = −0.90, moderate), and full game (p < 0.001, ηp2 = −0.96, moderate) periods than forwards. Conclusions: The main finding is that there are significant differences between the most intense moments of a game and the average demands. This means that understanding game demands using averages drastically underestimates the peak demands of the game. This approach helps coaches and fitness coaches to prepare athletes for the most demanding periods of the game and present potential practical applications that could be implemented during training and rehabilitation sessions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alonso
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (J.L.); Tel.: +34-628-148-747 (E.A.); +34-619-330-330 (J.L.)
| | | | - Shaoliang Zhang
- Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Carlos Sosa
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Trapero
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain;
| | - Jorge Lorenzo
- Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (J.L.); Tel.: +34-628-148-747 (E.A.); +34-619-330-330 (J.L.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
HUDSON JAMESF, COLE MATTHEW, MORTON JAMESP, STEWART CLAIREE, CLOSE GRAEMEL. Daily Changes of Resting Metabolic Rate in Elite Rugby Union Players. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 52:637-644. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
12
|
Read DB, Jones B, Williams S, Phibbs PJ, Darrall-Jones JD, Roe GAB, Weakley JJS, Rock A, Till K. The Physical Characteristics of Specific Phases of Play During Rugby Union Match Play. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2018; 13:1331-1336. [PMID: 29745789 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the frequencies and timings of rugby union match-play phases (ie, attacking, defending, ball in play [BIP], and ball out of play [BOP]) and then compare the physical characteristics of attacking, defending, and BOP between forwards and backs. METHODS Data were analyzed from 59 male rugby union academy players (259 observations). Each player wore a microtechnology device (OptimEye S5; Catapult, Melbourne, Australia) with video footage analyzed for phase timings and frequencies. Dependent variables were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model and assessed with magnitude-based inferences and Cohen d effect sizes (ES). RESULTS Attack, defense, BIP, and BOP times were 12.7 (3.1), 14.7 (2.5), 27.4 (2.9), and 47.4 (4.1) min, respectively. Mean attack (26 [17] s), defense (26 [18] s), and BIP (33 [24] s) phases were shorter than BOP phases (59 [33] s). The relative distance in attacking phases was similar (112.2 [48.4] vs 114.6 [52.3] m·min-1, ES = 0.00 ± 0.23) between forwards and backs but greater in forwards (114.5 [52.7] vs 109.0 [54.8] m·min-1, ES = 0.32 ± 0.23) during defense and greater in backs during BOP (ES = -0.66 ± 0.23). CONCLUSIONS Total time in attack, defense, and therefore BIP was less than BOP. Relative distance was greater in forwards during defense, whereas it was greater in backs during BOP and similar between positions during attack. Players should be exposed to training intensities from in-play phases (ie, attack and defense) rather than whole-match data and practice technical skills during these intensities.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cunningham DJ, Shearer DA, Carter N, Drawer S, Pollard B, Bennett M, Eager R, Cook CJ, Farrell J, Russell M, Kilduff LP. Assessing worst case scenarios in movement demands derived from global positioning systems during international rugby union matches: Rolling averages versus fixed length epochs. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195197. [PMID: 29621279 PMCID: PMC5886488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of competitive movement demands in team sports has traditionally relied upon global positioning system (GPS) analyses presented as fixed-time epochs (e.g., 5-40 min). More recently, presenting game data as a rolling average has become prevalent due to concerns over a loss of sampling resolution associated with the windowing of data over fixed periods. Accordingly, this study compared rolling average (ROLL) and fixed-time (FIXED) epochs for quantifying the peak movement demands of international rugby union match-play as a function of playing position. Elite players from three different squads (n = 119) were monitored using 10 Hz GPS during 36 matches played in the 2014-2017 seasons. Players categorised broadly as forwards and backs, and then by positional sub-group (FR: front row, SR: second row, BR: back row, HB: half back, MF: midfield, B3: back three) were monitored during match-play for peak values of high-speed running (>5 m·s-1; HSR) and relative distance covered (m·min-1) over 60-300 s using two types of sample-epoch (ROLL, FIXED). Irrespective of the method used, as the epoch length increased, values for the intensity of running actions decreased (e.g., For the backs using the ROLL method, distance covered decreased from 177.4 ± 20.6 m·min-1 in the 60 s epoch to 107.5 ± 13.3 m·min-1 for the 300 s epoch). For the team as a whole, and irrespective of position, estimates of fixed effects indicated significant between-method differences across all time-points for both relative distance covered and HSR. Movement demands were underestimated consistently by FIXED versus ROLL with differences being most pronounced using 60 s epochs (95% CI HSR: -6.05 to -4.70 m·min-1, 95% CI distance: -18.45 to -16.43 m·min-1). For all HSR time epochs except one, all backs groups increased more (p < 0.01) from FIXED to ROLL than the forward groups. Linear mixed modelling of ROLL data highlighted that for HSR (except 60 s epoch), SR was the only group not significantly different to FR. For relative distance covered all other position groups were greater than the FR (p < 0.05). The FIXED method underestimated both relative distance (~11%) and HSR values (up to ~20%) compared to the ROLL method. These differences were exaggerated for the HSR variable in the backs position who covered the greatest HSR distance; highlighting important consideration for those implementing the FIXED method of analysis. The data provides coaches with a worst-case scenario reference on the running demands required for periods of 60-300 s in length. This information offers novel insight into game demands and can be used to inform the design of training games to increase specificity of preparation for the most demanding phases of matches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Cunningham
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - David A. Shearer
- School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - Neil Carter
- Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | | | | | - Mark Bennett
- The Rugby Football Union, Greater London, England
| | - Robin Eager
- The Rugby Football Union, Greater London, England
| | - Christian J. Cook
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Mark Russell
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, England
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pollard BT, Turner AN, Eager R, Cunningham DJ, Cook CJ, Hogben P, Kilduff LP. The ball in play demands of international rugby union. J Sci Med Sport 2018; 21:1090-1094. [PMID: 29559318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rugby union is a high intensity intermittent sport, typically analysed via set time periods or rolling average methods. This study reports the demands of international rugby union via global positioning system (GPS) metrics expressed as mean ball in play (BiP), maximum BiP (max BiP), and whole match outputs. DESIGN Single cohort cross sectional study involving 22 international players, categorised as forwards and backs. METHODS A total of 88 GPS files from eight international test matches were collected during 2016. An Opta sportscode timeline was integrated into the GPS software to split the data into BiP periods. Metres per min (mmin-1), high metabolic load per min (HML), accelerations per min (Acc), high speed running per min (HSR), and collisions per min (Coll) were expressed relative to BiP periods and over the whole match (>60min). RESULTS Whole match metrics were significantly lower than all BiP metrics (p<0.001). Mean and max BiP HML, (p<0.01) and HSR (p<0.05) were significantly higher for backs versus forwards, whereas Coll were significantly higher for forwards (p<0.001). In plays lasting 61s or greater, max BiP mmin-1 were higher for backs. Max BiP mmin-1, HML, HSR and Coll were all time dependant (p<0.05) showing that both movement metrics and collision demands differ as length of play continues. CONCLUSIONS This study uses a novel method of accurately assessing the BiP demands of rugby union. It also reports typical and maximal demands of international rugby union that can be used by practitioners and scientists to target training of worst-case scenario's equivalent to international intensity. Backs covered greater distances at higher speeds and demonstrated higher HML, in general play as well as 'worst case scenarios'; conversely forwards perform a higher number of collisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Pollard
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, United Kingdom; Saracens RFC, United Kingdom.
| | - Anthony N Turner
- School of Science and Technology, London Sports Institute, Middlesex University, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel J Cunningham
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, United Kingdom
| | - Christian J Cook
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, United Kingdom; University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Health, University of Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sport Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, United Kingdom; Welsh Institute of Performance Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|