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González-Cano H, Martín-Olmedo JJ, Baz-Valle E, Contreras C, Schoenfeld BJ, García-Ramos A, Jiménez-Martínez P, Alix-Fages C. Do Muscle Mass and Body Fat Differ Between Elite and Amateur Natural Physique Athletes on Competition Day? A Preliminary, Cross-Sectional, Anthropometric Study. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:951-956. [PMID: 38662887 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT González-Cano, H, Martín-Olmedo, JJ, Baz-Valle, E, Contreras, C, Schoenfeld, BJ, García-Ramos, A, Jiménez-Martínez, P, and Alix-Fages, C. Do muscle mass and body fat differ between elite and amateur natural physique athletes on competition day? A preliminary, cross-sectional, anthropometric study. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 951-956, 2024-Natural physique athletes strive to achieve low body fat levels while promoting muscle mass hypertrophy for competition day. This study aimed to compare the anthropometric characteristics of natural amateur (AMA) and professional (PRO) World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) competitors. Eleven male natural physique athletes (6 PRO and 5 AMA; age = 24.8 ± 2.3 years) underwent a comprehensive anthropometric evaluation following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol within a 24-hour time frame surrounding the competition. The 5-component fractionation method was used to obtain the body composition profile of the muscle, adipose, bone, skin, and residual tissues. Five physique athletes exceeded the 5.2 cutoff point of muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) for natural athletes. Professional physique athletes were older than AMA physique athletes (p = 0.05), and they also presented larger thigh girths (p = 0.005) and bone mass (p = 0.019) compared with AMA physique athletes. Although no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in body mass, height, or body fat levels, PRO physique athletes exhibited a higher body mass index (BMI; AMA: 24.45 ± 0.12; PRO: 25.52 ± 1.01; p = 0.048), lean body mass (LBM; AMA: 64.49 ± 2.35; PRO: 69.80 ± 3.78; p = 0.024), fat-free mass (FFM; AMA: 71.23 ± 3.21; PRO: 76.52 ± 4.31; p = 0.05), LBM index (LBMI; AMA: 20.65 ± 0.52; PRO: 21.74 ± 0.85; p = 0.034), and fat-free mass index index (FFMI; AMA: 22.80 ± 0.22; PRO: 23.83 ± 0.90; p = 0.037) compared with AMA physique athletes. These findings highlight the unique characteristics and anthropometric differences between PRO and AMA natural physique athletes on competition day, emphasizing the significance of age, thigh girth, bone mass, BMI, LBM, FFM, and FFMI in distinguishing these 2 groups. Based on our findings, the established boundaries for muscle mass in natural physique athletes, based on FFMI and MBR, warrant reconsideration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan J Martín-Olmedo
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Eneko Baz-Valle
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, University of País Vasco, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Carlos Contreras
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Brad J Schoenfeld
- Department of Exercise Science and Recreation, Applied Muscle Development Laboratory, CUNY Lehman College, Bronx, New York
| | - Amador García-Ramos
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Conditioning, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pablo Jiménez-Martínez
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group in Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; and
| | - Carlos Alix-Fages
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group in Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; and
- Applied Biomechanics and Sport Technology Research Group, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Scanlon S, Norton C. Investigating Nutrition and Hydration Knowledge and Practice among a Cohort of Age-Grade Rugby Union Players. Nutrients 2024; 16:533. [PMID: 38398857 PMCID: PMC10891571 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040533] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Optimal athletic performance relies on meeting specific nutritional requirements, encompassing adequate calorie intake, macronutrient intake, and hydration. Misinformation or misconceptions about these necessities are prevalent among young athletes. This study investigated nutrition and hydration knowledge and practices among 28 male rugby union players aged 16 to 17, participating in Munster Rugby's 2023 Summer Age-Grade Development Programme, specifically the U18's Schools Squad. The Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire assessed nutrition knowledge, while the Hydration Assessment Questionnaire evaluated hydration knowledge. Urinalysis for hydration status utilised urine specific gravity measurements pre-exercise on five separate days (1.018 ± 0.008 Usg). Dietary intake was recorded using a 3-day estimated food intake record on the Libro App, analysed with Nutritics software(Version 9.50). Suboptimal nutrition knowledge (49.6 ± 8.2%) and dietary practices were observed, with incongruent nutrient intakes compared to recommendations for adolescent athletes. While superior hydration knowledge (79.0 (77.3, 83.6) %) was evident, pre-exercise urine specific gravity readings indicated significant variation (p < 0.001) and signs of dehydration (USG > 1.020 Usg). No statistically significant correlations were found between knowledge and practices. The study highlights suboptimal nutrition and hydration knowledge and practices in youth athletes, suggesting the need for tailored support and educational interventions to enhance their overall health and performance. Further investigation into barriers and facilitators to dietary adherence is recommended for more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Scanlon
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Catherine Norton
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Sport & Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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Wild JJ, Bezodis IN, North JS, Bezodis NE. Enhancing the Initial Acceleration Performance of Elite Rugby Backs. Part I: Determining Individual Technical Needs. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1012-1018. [PMID: 37500082 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0090] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to quantify the within-individual relationships between spatiotemporal variables and initial acceleration sprint performance in elite rugby backs and to establish a normative data set of relevant strength-based measures. METHODS First, the spatiotemporal variables, ratios of step length to step rate and of contact time to flight time, and initial acceleration performance were obtained from 35 elite male rugby backs (mean [SD] age 25 [3] y) over the first 4 steps of 3 sprints. Angular and linear kinematic aspects of technique and strength-based qualities were collected from 25 of these participants. Second, the same spatiotemporal variables were collected from 19 of the participants on 3 further occasions (12 trials in total) to determine the within-individual associations of these variables and initial acceleration performance. RESULTS Moderate to very large meaningful within-individual relationships (|r| = .43-.88) were found between spatiotemporal variables and initial acceleration performance in 17 of the 19 participants. From these relationships, a theoretically "desirable" change in whole-body kinematic strategy was individually determined for each participant, and normative strength-based measures to contextualize these were established. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful within-individual relationships are evident between sprint spatiotemporal variables and initial acceleration performance in elite rugby backs. Individualized approaches are therefore necessary to understand how aspects of technique relate to initial acceleration performance. This study provides an objective, evidence-based approach for applied practitioners to identify the initial acceleration technical needs of individual rugby backs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Wild
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford,United Kingdom
| | - Ian N Bezodis
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff,United Kingdom
| | - Jamie S North
- Research Center for Applied Performance Sciences, Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham,United Kingdom
| | - Neil E Bezodis
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Center, Swansea University, Swansea,United Kingdom
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Imbert S, Piscione J, Couderc A, Joncheray H, Daussin FN. Evolution of the physical characteristics of the French women's rugby players: A 10-year longitudinal analysis by position and team. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1120162. [PMID: 37090820 PMCID: PMC10113647 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1120162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe study aimed to interpret the evolution of the physical performance of rugby sevens and rugby union French international players from 2009 to 2020.Methods631 players from the French national teams were divided into three groups: forwards, backs and sevens. The performances evaluated were anthropometric characteristics, strength tests (1 RM bench press and 1 RM pull-up), aerobic capacity (YoYo IR1 test) and speed tests (10 m, 20 m and 50 m). The best performance of each player over a two-year period was kept for the analysis. Fluctuations were observed across the decade.ResultsThe anthropometric characteristics of female rugby sevens players tend to be taller and lighter than rugby union players. In rugby sevens, a moderate increase in maximal aerobic capacity was observed while sprint performances remained similar. Improvements in height and weight were observed over the last 10 years in rugby union players with a difference between the position. A moderate increase in sprinting performances and strength were observed both in backs and forwards.DiscussionThe overall improvement of strength and conditioning performances and anthropometrical evolution reflects the rugby environment characterized by the arrival of professional contracts and the structuration process of the clubs which allows a better quality of training and easier access to the infrastructures of the very high level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Imbert
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
- Ligue des Hauts-de-France de Rugby, Villeneuve D’ascq, France
| | - Julien Piscione
- Department of Performance, Fédération Française de Rugby, Marcoussis, France
| | - Anthony Couderc
- Department of Performance, Fédération Française de Rugby, Marcoussis, France
| | - Hélène Joncheray
- Laboratoire Sport, Expertise, Performance, Unité de la Recherche, Institut National du Sport, de L’Expertise et de la Performance (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Frédéric N. Daussin
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
- Correspondence: Frédéric N. Daussin
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Daly E, Blackett AD, Pearce AJ, Ryan L. Protect the Player, Protect the Game: Reflections from Ex-Professional Rugby Union Players on Law Changes, Protective Equipment, and Duty of Care in the Professional Game. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7040091. [PMID: 36278752 PMCID: PMC9624300 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7040091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emphasis of this study was to interview ex-professional male rugby union players (n = 23, mean age 35.5 ± 4.7 years) and discuss concussion management during their careers. In this study, two major themes were identified: (1) the duty of care to professional rugby union players by medical personnel, coaching staff, and owners of professional clubs and (2) the use of protective equipment and law changes to enhance player safety. In total, twenty-three ex-professional rugby union players were interviewed, and the majority (61%) had represented their countries at international test-level rugby. These interviews highlighted the belief that medical teams should be objective, independent entities within a professional rugby club. Furthermore, medical teams should not be in a position of being pressurised by head coaches, members of the coaching team, or club owners regarding return-to-play (RTP) protocols specific to concussion. The interviewees believed that they were pressured by coaches or members of the coaching team to play with concussion or concussive symptoms and other physical injuries. The results indicated that they had manipulated concussion testing themselves or with assistance to pass standard concussion testing protocols. The interviewees indicated that club owners have a duty of care to players even in retirement due to the high incidence of physical and mental injuries endured as a professional rugby player. Most participants indicated that a reduction in match playing time and reducing the amount of time engaged in contact training (workload volume) may assist in reducing concussion incidence. The participants suggested that changes to the current laws of the game or the use of protective equipment did not mitigate against concussion risk in the game of rugby union. The main limitation to the study is that participants had retired in the past ten years, and conditions for players may have changed. This study has highlighted that additional efforts are required by professional clubs to ensure the highest duty of care is delivered to current players and recently retired players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Daly
- School of Science & Computing, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
| | - Alexander D. Blackett
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Alan J. Pearce
- College of Sport, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Lisa Ryan
- School of Science & Computing, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Bevan T, Chew S, Godsland I, Oliver NS, Hill NE. A game for all shapes and sizes? Changes in anthropometric and performance measures of elite professional rugby union players 1999–2018. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001235. [PMID: 35295371 PMCID: PMC8867314 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rugby union player size has increased since the game turned professional in 1995. Changes in physical and performance capability over this period have yet to be fully described. Hypothesis Increases in player momentum would result from changes in body mass. Methods Within-player rates of change in anthropometric and kinetic variables with season played were sampled in three successively studied professional rugby union club cohorts playing at the highest level of European competition between 1999 and 2019. Data comprised 910 seasons of observation for 291 elite male players. Most players had 2, 3 or 4 seasons of observation. Mixed-effects modelling distinguished changes independent of position played, club and international status. Results With each season played, player body mass, fat-free mass and maximum speed increased significantly, while per cent fat decreased. The mean maximal velocity of a rugby player in 1999 was 8.2 (±0.18) m/s, which in 2019 had risen to 9.1 (±0.10) m/s. Player’s momentum in 2019 was 14% more than those playing in 1999. In the Front Five, momentum increased in this period by >25%, mainly driven by greater running speed, disproving our hypothesis. Conclusions The momentum of players, particularly forwards, increased markedly over 20 seasons of professional rugby. The resulting forces generated in collisions are thus significantly greater, although these may be mitigated by better player conditioning. Proactive regulation to address player safety may be required to address the changing nature of anthropometric measures and physical performance, minimising injury rates and potential long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Chew
- Endocrinology & Diabetes, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ian Godsland
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nick S Oliver
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neil E Hill
- Endocrinology & Diabetes, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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