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Green A, Coopoo Y, Tee J, McKinon W. A review of the biomechanical determinants of rugby scrummaging performance. S Afr J Sports Med 2019; 31:v31i1a7521. [PMID: 36817990 PMCID: PMC9924573 DOI: 10.17159/2078-516x/2019/v31i1a7521] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The scrum is a physical contest unique to the game of rugby union, important for determining match outcomes. Objective This review will describe the current understanding of the kinetic and kinematic determinants of successful scrum performance to support coaching interventions and inform on future research. Methods Literature review. Results Individual and combined scrumming forces increase with playing level but there is no concurrent increase in body mass or player strength. There is very little variation in individual kinematics between individuals and across levels of play, suggesting that there are limited possible techniques for successful scrummaging. Live scrum contests are dynamic and require constant adjustments to body positions in response to increased compressive force and exaggerated lateral and vertical force components. Skilled performers are able to exert high levels of horizontal force while maintaining effective body positions within this dynamic environment. Conclusion Success in scrummaging depends on the optimisation of joint angles and force production at the individual level, and the coordination of effort at a team level. The analysis presented here demonstrates that producing large scrum-specific forces and achieving the optimal 'body shape' are essential for successful scrum performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Green
- Department of Sport and Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg,
South Africa,Movement Physiology Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,
South Africa
| | - Y Coopoo
- Department of Sport and Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg,
South Africa
| | - J Tee
- Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology,
South Africa,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds,
United Kingdom
| | - W McKinon
- Movement Physiology Laboratory, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,
South Africa
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Dafkin C, Green A, Olivier B, McKinon W, Kerr S. Circadian variation of flexor withdrawal and crossed extensor reflexes in restless legs syndrome. Sleep Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dafkin C, McKinon W, Green A, Olivier B, Kerr S. Plantar reflex excitability fluctuations in restless legs syndrome patients. Sleep Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Green A, Kerr S, Olivier B, Meiring R, Dafkin C, McKinon W. A simulated rugby match protocol induces physiological fatigue without decreased individual scrummaging performance. S Afr j sports med 2017. [DOI: 10.17159/2078-516x/2017/v29i1a3084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A rugby union game consists of 80 minutes of strenuous exertion. Forwards are required to participate in the arduous activity of scrummaging throughout a game.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify whether rugby-match simulated fatigue modified individual scrummaging technique and reduced performance.Methods: Twelve forwards (body mass 106.2±13.3 kg; stature 179.5±8.4 cm) had individual scrum kinetics and kinematics assessed prior to and following a protocol that simulated a rugby match. The simulated rugby match protocol required participants to run at various velocities and perform rugby specific tasks. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was assessed using a 6-20 Borg scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Blood lactate, heart rate and RPE were measured prior to, at mid-point and after the simulated game, while markers of muscle damage (blood creatine kinase activity (CK) and urea) were measured prior to and following the protocol.Results: RPE (p<0.0001) and VAS (p<0.0001) showed significant increases between the pre- and post-simulation values. Of the physiological markers, heart rate (p<0.0001) and blood urea concentration (p=0.004) increased following the match simulation. No significant differences were observed for blood CK (p=0.281), individual scrummaging forces (p=0.433) or in the kinematic variables following the protocol. While physiological fatigue and subjective ratings of physiological fatigue may develop during a rugby simulation, no differences were observed in peak forces or in body kinematics at peak force.Conclusion: Physiological fatigue does not influence individual scrummaging performance and technique.
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Olivier B, Gillion N, Stewart AV, McKinon W. Reduced nondominant lumbar multifidi cross-sectional area is a precursor of low back injury in cricket fast bowlers. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2016; 27:1927-1933. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Olivier
- Department of Physiotherapy; School of Therapeutic Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - N. Gillion
- Department of Physiotherapy; School of Therapeutic Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - A. V. Stewart
- Department of Physiotherapy; School of Therapeutic Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - W. McKinon
- School of Physiology; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
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Bell-Jenje T, Olivier B, Wood W, Rogers S, Green A, McKinon W. The association between loss of ankle dorsiflexion range of movement, and hip adduction and internal rotation during a step down test. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:256-61. [PMID: 26432547 DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A pattern of excessive hip adduction and internal rotation with medial deviation of the knee has been associated with numerous musculo-skeletal dysfunctions. Research into the role that ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) play in lower limb kinematics is lacking. The objective of this cross-sectional, observational study was to investigate the relationship between ankle DF ROM, and hip adduction and hip internal rotation during a step-down test with and without heel elevation in a healthy female population. Hip and ankle ROM was measured kinematically using a ten-camera Optitrack motion analysis system. Thirty healthy female participants (mean age = 20.4 years; SD = 0.9 years) first performed a step-down test with the heel of the weight bearing foot flat on the step and then with the heel elevated on a platform. Ankle DF, hip adduction and hip internal rotation were measured kinematically for the supporting leg. Participants who had 17° or less of ankle DF ROM displayed significantly more hip adduction ROM (p = 0.001; Cohen's d effect size = 1.2) than the participants with more than 17° of DF during the step-down test. Participants with limited DF ROM showed a significant reduction in hip adduction ROM during the elevated-heel step-down test (p = 0.008). Hip internal rotation increased in both groups during the EHSD compared to the step-down test (p > 0.05) Reduced ankle DF ROM is associated with increased hip adduction utilised during the step-down test. Ankle DF should be taken into account when assessing patients with aberrant frontal plane lower limb alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bell-Jenje
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - B Olivier
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - W Wood
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - S Rogers
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - A Green
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - W McKinon
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Dafkin C, Green A, Kerr S, Raymond A, Veliotes D, Elvin A, Olivier B, McKinon W. Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the inter- and intra-applicator assessment of the Babinski reflex. Neurophysiol Clin 2014; 44:471-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Olivier B, Stewart AV, Olorunju SAS, McKinon W. Static and dynamic balance ability, lumbo-pelvic movement control and injury incidence in cricket pace bowlers. J Sci Med Sport 2013; 18:19-25. [PMID: 24268569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2013.10.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to establish the difference in lumbo-pelvic movement control, static and dynamic balance at the start and at the end of a cricket season in pace bowlers who sustained an injury during the season and those who did not. DESIGN This is a longitudinal, observational study. METHODS Thirty-two, healthy, injury free, male premier league fast, fast-medium and medium pace bowlers between the ages of 18 and 26 years (mean age 21.8 years, standard deviation 1.8 years) participated in the study. The main outcome measures were injury incidence, lumbo-pelvic movement control, static and dynamic balance ability. RESULTS Fifty-three percent of the bowlers (n=17) sustained injuries during the reviewed cricket season. Lumbo-pelvic movement control tests could not discriminate between bowlers who sustained an injury during the cricket season and bowlers who did not. However, performance in the single leg balance test (p=0.03; confidence interval 4.74-29.24) and the star excursion balance test (p=0.02; confidence interval 1.28-11.93) as measured at the start of the season was better in bowlers who did not sustain an injury during the season. CONCLUSIONS The improvement in the lumbo-pelvic movement control and balance tests suggests that the intensity and type of physical conditioning that happens throughout the season may have been responsible for this improvement. Poor performance in the single leg balance test and the star excursion balance test at the start of the cricket season may be an indication that a bowler is at heightened risk of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Olivier
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
| | - A V Stewart
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - S A S Olorunju
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa
| | - W McKinon
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Loram LC, McKinon W, Wormgoor S, Rogers GG, Nowak I, Harden LM. Determinants of ball release speed in schoolboy fast-medium bowlers in cricket. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2005; 45:483-90. [PMID: 16446679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Studies investigating determinants of ball release speed have examined the technique and anthropometry of fast bowlers with little work being done on muscular strength. The aim of our study was to determine whether knee biomechanics during bowling and strength of the shoulder and knee could predict ball release speed. METHODS Twelve cricketers, aged 16.6+/-0.7) years, from schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, volunteered for the study. Subjects were fast-medium bowlers (mean ball release speed of 29.2+/-1.8 m.s(-1)) and had been bowling for at least 5 years. Three accurate deliveries were filmed on an outdoor cricket pitch, in the sagittal plane with a high-speed digital camera recording at 250 frames per second. The mean ball release speed, knee angle at ball release and knee angle at front foot strike were determined using simple two-dimensional kinematics. On a separate day, peak concentric isokinetic muscle torque was measured for both knees and the dominant shoulder. RESULTS Ball release speed was positively correlated to a straight knee at front foot strike (r=0.72, P=0.009) and at ball release (r=0.71, P=0.011). No significant correlation was found between ball release speed and any of the peak torque values (knee extension peak torque, r=-0.11, knee flexion peak torque, r=-0.08, shoulder internal rotation peak torque, r=0.21 and shoulder external rotation, r=0.29, P>0.05). A multiple regression model using knee angle at front foot strike and at ball release, and the angle at which peak torque is generated during shoulder internal and external rotation, predicted ball release speed (adjusted r2=0.85, P<0.002). CONCLUSIONS We have confirmed that the angle of the front knee at the beginning and end of a delivery is an important correlate of ball release speed in schoolboy fast-medium bowlers. In addition we have also demonstrated that a multiple regression model based on knee kinematics and shoulder peak torque angles can be used to predict ball release speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Loram
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, School of Physiology, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cycling on sperm characteristics. Twenty subjects volunteered for the study, comprising 10 long distance competitive cyclists (median 25.5 y) and 10 sedentary controls (median 24.5 y). A questionnaire was used to obtain a history of training, health, nutrition and life style. Semen analysis consisted of a detailed evaluation of sperm characteristics that included semen volume, sperm count, viability, motility and morphology. Compared to controls, the cyclists had a significantly lower proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology (medians: 41.5 % versus 19.5 %; p < 0.01) and a significantly higher proportion of morphologically abnormal tapered forms (medians: 4.5 % versus 22.5 %; p < 0.01). No significant difference in semen volume and sperm motility, viability and count was observed between the two groups. We concluded that endurance cycling appears to be associated with a significant alteration in sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Gebreegziabher
- School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, South Africa
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