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Kumazaki A, Fujimoto T, Matsuura Y. Longitudinal Development of Physical Characteristics and Function in Japanese Junior Rugby Union Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1038-1046. [PMID: 37500081 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0114] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To longitudinally investigate the development of physical characteristics and function during 3 years of high school among Japanese junior rugby players and examine the differences in these parameters between the positions. METHODS In 83 junior rugby players (forwards: n = 46, backs: n = 37) from one Japanese high school team who had participated in national high school competitions, anthropometric variables (height, body mass, fat and lean body mass, and body mass index), upper- and lower-body strength (eg, 1-repetition-maximum [1RM] bench press, isokinetic knee muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s), and sprint and jump performance were measured. Upper- and lower-body strength relative to body mass and lean body mass were also calculated. RESULTS All anthropometric indices improved with increasing age, and the values were higher in forwards than in backs (all P < .05). The 1-repetition maximum bench press (forwards: 40.8%, backs: 52.5%) and isokinetic knee strength (eg, extension at 60°/s, forwards: 15.4%, backs: 10.0%) improved with age (from 16 to 18 y), and they were higher in forwards than in backs (all P < .05). Meanwhile, the 1RM bench press relative to lean body mass did not differ between the positions. Isokinetic knee muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s relative to lean body mass and sprint and jump performance did not improve with age. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Japanese junior rugby players need to develop larger physiques and continuously increase their lower-body strength to improve sprint and jump performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kumazaki
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujimoto
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
| | - Yuiko Matsuura
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
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Psychosocial and Physiological Factors Affecting Selection to Regional Age-Grade Rugby Union Squads: A Machine Learning Approach. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10030035. [PMID: 35324643 PMCID: PMC8953722 DOI: 10.3390/sports10030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Talent selection programmes choose athletes for talent development pathways. Currently, the set of psychosocial variables that determine talent selection in youth Rugby Union are unknown, with the literature almost exclusively focusing on physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to use a novel machine learning approach to identify the physiological and psychosocial models that predict selection to a regional age-grade rugby union team. Age-grade club rugby players (n = 104; age, 15.47 ± 0.80; U16, n = 62; U18, n = 42) were assessed for physiological and psychosocial factors during regional talent selection days. Predictive models (selected vs. non-selected) were created for forwards, backs, and across all players using Bayesian machine learning. The generated physiological models correctly classified 67.55% of all players, 70.09% of forwards, and 62.50% of backs. Greater hand-grip strength, faster 10 m and 40 m sprint, and power were common features for selection. The generated psychosocial models correctly classified 62.26% of all players, 73.66% of forwards, and 60.42% of backs. Reduced burnout, reduced emotional exhaustion, and lower reduced sense of accomplishment, were common features for selection. Selection appears to be predominantly based on greater strength, speed, and power, as well as lower athlete burnout.
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Lentin G, Cumming S, Piscione J, Pezery P, Bouchouicha M, Gadea J, Raymond JJ, Duché P, Gavarry O. A Comparison of an Alternative Weight-Grading Model Against Chronological Age Group Model for the Grouping of Schoolboy Male Rugby Players. Front Physiol 2021; 12:670720. [PMID: 34177618 PMCID: PMC8223073 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.670720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Concerns regarding marked differences in the weights and body composition of young rugby players competing within the same age groups have led to the suggestion of alternative models for grouping young players. The aims of this study were (1) to compare variance in the body size and body composition of schoolboy rugby players (9 to 14 years), across weight- and age-grading models, and (2) to identify morphotypes for the weight model using Hattori’s body composition chart. Materials and Methods Skinfold thickness measurements were used to assess body fat mass (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat mass index (BFMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Standardized measure of height and weight were taken for all participants. Data were grouped according to the age categories of the French Rugby Federation (U11: Under 11 years, U13: Under 13 years, and U15: Under 15 years), and to the weight categories (W30–44.9; W45–59.9; and W60–79.9) carried out from 25th and 75th weight percentile in each age category. Body mass index status (NW normal-weight versus OW/OB overweight/obese) was considered. Extreme morphotypes are characterized from BFMI and FFMI in the weight-grading model on Hattori’s body composition chart. Results The dispersion of anthropometric characteristics decreased significantly for the weight model, except for height in all groups and BFMI for U13. Among NW, 3, 1.8, and 0% upgraded; 18.2, 68.7, and 45.5% downgraded; among OW, 50, 21.5, and 12.5%; and among OB, 91.3, 83.3, and 74.6% upgraded, respectively, in U11, U13, U15. FFMI/BFMI were correlated in U11 (r = 0.80, p < 0.001), U13 (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), and U15 (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation in W45–59.9 and low correlations in W30–44.9 (r = 0.25, p < 0.001) and W60–79.9 (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). Significant grading difference between the centroids (p < 0.05) and the distribution deviates from centroids of BFMI and FFMI (p < 0.0001) were noted between the two models. Thirteen players were located in adipo-slender, twenty-three in adipo-solid, twenty-two in lean-slender, and two located in the lean-solid morphotype in weight model. Conclusion A weight-grading model should be considered to limit mismatches in anthropometric variables. However, variations of body composition also persisted for this model. Hattori’s body composition chart allowed more detailed examination of morphological atypicalities among schoolboy rugby players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Lentin
- Research Unit "Impact of Physical Activity on Health" (IAPS n° 201723207F), University of Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Sean Cumming
- Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Piscione
- Department of Performance, French Rugby Federation, Marcoussis, France
| | - Patrick Pezery
- Research Unit "Impact of Physical Activity on Health" (IAPS n° 201723207F), University of Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Moez Bouchouicha
- Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LIS, Marseille, France
| | - José Gadea
- Ligue Sud Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur de Rugby, Le Pradet, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Raymond
- Research Unit "Impact of Physical Activity on Health" (IAPS n° 201723207F), University of Toulon, Toulon, France.,Sport Medicine and Traumatology Unit, CHITS, Toulon, France
| | - Pascale Duché
- Research Unit "Impact of Physical Activity on Health" (IAPS n° 201723207F), University of Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Olivier Gavarry
- Research Unit "Impact of Physical Activity on Health" (IAPS n° 201723207F), University of Toulon, Toulon, France
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Owen C, Till K, Weakley J, Jones B. Testing methods and physical qualities of male age grade rugby union players: A systematic review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233796. [PMID: 32497130 PMCID: PMC7272054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rugby union match demands are complex, requiring the development of multiple physical qualities concurrently. Quantifying the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players is vital for practitioners to support athlete preparation and long-term development. AIM This systematic review aimed to identify the methods used to quantify the physical qualities of male age grade (≤ Under-20) rugby union players, present the normative values for physical qualities, and compare physical qualities between age grades and positions. METHODS Electronic databases were systematically reviewed from the earliest record to November 2019 using key words relating to sex, age, sport and physical testing. RESULTS Forty-two studies evaluated the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players. Seventy-five tests were used to quantify body composition, muscular strength, muscular power, linear speed, change of direction ability, aerobic capacity and anaerobic endurance. Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria to present the physical qualities. Physical qualities differentiate between age groups below Under-16, while differences in older age groups (Under-16 to Under-20) are not clear. Positional differences are present with forwards possessing greater height, body mass, body fat percentage and strength while backs are faster and have greater aerobic capacities. CONCLUSIONS A wide variety of tests are used to assess physical qualities limiting between study comparisons. Although differences in older age grades are unclear, older age groups (Under-19-20) generally performed better in physical tests. Positional differences are associated with match demands where forwards are exposed to less running but a greater number of collisions. Practitioners can use the results from this review to evaluate the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players to enhance training prescription, goal setting and player development. Future research should consider the use of national standardised testing batteries due to the inconsistency in testing methods and small samples limiting the reporting of positional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Owen
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Till
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon Weakley
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
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Till K, Weakley J, Read DB, Phibbs P, Darrall-Jones J, Roe G, Chantler S, Mellalieu S, Hislop M, Stokes K, Rock A, Jones B. Applied Sport Science for Male Age-Grade Rugby Union in England. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2020; 6:14. [PMID: 32086645 PMCID: PMC7035403 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-020-0236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Rugby union (RU) is a skill-collision team sport played at junior and senior levels worldwide. Within England, age-grade rugby governs the participation and talent development of youth players. The RU player development pathway has recently been questioned, regarding player performance and well-being, which sport science research can address. The purpose of this review was to summarise and critically appraise the literature in relation to the applied sport science of male age-grade RU players in England focussing upon (1) match-play characteristics, (2) training exposures, (3) physical qualities, (4) fatigue and recovery, (5) nutrition, (6) psychological challenges and development, and (7) injury. Current research evidence suggests that age, playing level and position influence the match-play characteristics of age-grade RU. Training exposures of players are described as 'organised chaos' due to the multiple environments and stakeholders involved in coordinating training schedules. Fatigue is apparent up to 72 h post match-play. Well-developed physical qualities are important for player development and injury risk reduction. The nutritional requirements are high due to the energetic costs of collisions. Concerns around the psychological characteristics have also been identified (e.g. perfectionism). Injury risk is an important consideration with prevention strategies available. This review highlights the important multi-disciplinary aspects of sport science for developing age-grade RU players for continued participation and player development. The review describes where some current practices may not be optimal, provides a framework to assist practitioners to effectively prepare age-grade players for the holistic demands of youth RU and considers areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Till
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. .,Leeds Rhinos RLFC, Leeds, UK. .,Yorkshire Carnegie RUFC, Leeds, UK.
| | - Jonathon Weakley
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dale B Read
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Padraic Phibbs
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Leinster Rugby, Belfield, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Josh Darrall-Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Bath RUFC, Bath, UK
| | - Greg Roe
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Bath RUFC, Bath, UK
| | - Sarah Chantler
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Yorkshire Carnegie RUFC, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Keith Stokes
- University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Rugby Football Union, London, UK
| | | | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Leeds Rhinos RLFC, Leeds, UK.,Yorkshire Carnegie RUFC, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, UK.,School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chiwaridzo M, Munambah N, Oorschot S, Magume D, Dambi JM, Ferguson G, Smits-Engelsman BCM. Coaches' perceptions on qualities defining good adolescent rugby players and are important for player recruitment in talent identification programs: the SCRuM project. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:132. [PMID: 30867064 PMCID: PMC6417159 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4170-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Competitive rugby is increasingly becoming popular among adolescent players even in countries hardly known for rugby such as Zimbabwe. Given the increased participation rates, burgeoning talent identification (TID) programs and the reportedly high injury-risk associated with competitive youth rugby, the minimal qualities or skills needed for effective performance by all young players need further clarification. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceptions of high-school based rugby coaches on the key qualities or skills defining good adolescent rugby players and should be considered for player recruitment in TID programs. Currently, there is no consensus in literature from the coaches’ perspective on these qualities. Results The final sample had 22 coaches (median age = 45.5 years) with years of coaching high-school rugby ranging from 6 to 17 years. Using the conventional approach to inductive content analysis four broad themes emerged suggesting the multifaceted nature of the requirements imperative for effective and optimal rugby performance among adolescent rugby players as perceived by the coaches. Themes identified included: physiological characteristics, anthropometric attributes, psychological qualities and game-specific skills. Possibly, training approaches or design of rugby-specific test-batteries should consider all these important qualities and be multi-dimensional in composition. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4170-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chiwaridzo
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - N Munambah
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Rehabilitation Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P.O Box, A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - S Oorschot
- Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - D Magume
- Rehabilitation Clinic, Premier Service Medical Investment, 36 Josiah Tongogara, Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - J M Dambi
- Rehabilitation Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P.O Box, A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - G Ferguson
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - B C M Smits-Engelsman
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gavarry O, Lentin G, Pezery P, Delextrat A, Chaumet G, Boussuges A, Piscione J. A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Contributions of Body Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass to Body Mass Index Scores in Male Youth Rugby Players. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2018; 4:17. [PMID: 29721761 PMCID: PMC5931949 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-018-0130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background In some sports such as rugby, a large body size is an advantage, and the desire to gain weight can bring young players to become overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the contribution of body fat mass index (BFMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) to body mass index (BMI) changes among young male rugby players (15-a-side rugby). Methods The criteria of the International Obesity Task Force were used to define overweight and obesity from BMI. The method of skinfold thickness was used to assess percentage of body fat (%BF), BFMI, and FFMI. Excess body fat was defined by using BFMI and %BF above the 75th percentile. Data were grouped according to the age categories of the French Rugby Federation (U11, under 11 years; U13, under 13 years; U15, under 15 years) and to BMI status (NW normal-weight versus OW/OB overweight/obese). Results Overall, 32.8% of the young players were overweight, and 13.8% were obese. However, 53% of young players classified as obese and overweight by BMI had an excess body fat by using BFMI above the 75th percentile. FFMI increased significantly between U11 and U13 in both groups, without significant change in BMI and BFMI. Both groups had similar significant gains in BMI and FFMI between U13 and U15, while BFMI only increased significantly in OW/OB (+ 18.5%). The strong correlations between BMI and %BF were systematically lower than those between BMI and BFMI. FFMI was strongly or moderately associated with BFMI. Conclusions Chart analysis of BFMI and FFMI could be used to distinguish changes in body composition across age categories in young male rugby players classified as normal-weight, overweight, and obese by BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gavarry
- UFR STAPS, Université de Toulon, BP 20132, 83957, La Garde Cedex, France.
| | - Gregory Lentin
- UMR MD2 Dysoxie-Suractivité, IFR Jean Roche, Faculté de Médecine, Université Aix-Marseille, France-Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Patrick Pezery
- UFR STAPS, Université de Toulon, BP 20132, 83957, La Garde Cedex, France
| | - Anne Delextrat
- Sport and Health Science Department, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Alain Boussuges
- UMR MD2 Dysoxie-Suractivité, IFR Jean Roche, Faculté de Médecine, Université Aix-Marseille, France-Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Julien Piscione
- Département Recherche et Développement, Fédération Française de Rugby, 3-5 rue Jean de Montaigu, 91463, Marcoussis, France
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Till K, Morley D, O’Hara J, Jones BL, Chapman C, Beggs CB, Cooke C, Cobley S. A retrospective longitudinal analysis of anthropometric and physical qualities that associate with adult career attainment in junior rugby league players. J Sci Med Sport 2017; 20:1029-1033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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