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Grainger A, Comfort P, Twist C, Heffernan SM, Tarantino G. Real-World Fatigue Testing in Professional Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024; 54:855-874. [PMID: 38114782 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional rugby union is a high-intensity contact sport with position-specific high training and match volumes across a season that may lead to periods of fatigue if above a typically experienced threshold. This study assesses the influence of match play and/or training on fatigue levels in rugby union players. OBJECTIVE We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of measures used to assess fatigue status in male professional rugby union players. METHODS Using electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE), a systematic review of fatigue testing in rugby union was conducted on (1) neuromuscular, (2) subjective self-report, (3) biochemical, and (4) heart rate-derived measures. RESULTS Thirty-seven articles were included in this systematic review, of which 14 were further included in a meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed small, yet not significant, decreases in countermovement jump height immediately after (effect size [ES] = - 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.64 to 0.06), 24 h (ES = - 0.43; 95% CI - 3.99 to 3.21), and 48 h (ES = - 0.22; 95% CI - 0.47 to 0.02) after exposure to rugby union match play or training. Reported wellness (ES = - 0.33; 95% CI - 1.70 to 1.04) and tiredness (ES = - 0.14; 95% CI - 1.30 to 1.03) declined over a period of a few weeks (however, the results were not-statistically significant), meanwhile muscle soreness increased (ES = 0.91; 95% CI 0.06 to 1.75) within the 96 h after the exposure to rugby union match play or training. Finally, while cortisol levels (ES = 1.87; 95% CI - 1.54 to 5.29) increased, testosterone declined (ES = - 1.54; 95% CI - 7.16 to 4.08) within the 24 h after the exposure. However, these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Subjective measures of muscle soreness can be used to assess fatigue after match play and training in rugby union players. Within-study and between-study variability for countermovement jump height, biochemical markers, and heart rate-derived measures means the utility (practical application) of these measures to assess fatigue in professional rugby union players after matches and training is unclear. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID: CRD42020216706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Grainger
- Kitman Labs, Dublin, Ireland.
- Institute of Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Paul Comfort
- University of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Craig Twist
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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2
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Leabeater A, Vickery-Howe D, Perrett C, James L, Middleton K, Driller M. Evaluating the effect of sports compression tights on balance, sprinting, jumping and change of direction tasks. Sports Biomech 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38190250 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2023.2298955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Compression garments are commonly used during athletic tasks. However, the effect of compression garments on balance, sprinting, jumping and change of direction performance requires further investigation. In the current study, 24 recreationally active participants (12 males, 12 females, age 27 ± 3 years) completed single-leg balance tasks, countermovement jumps, drop jumps, 10 m straight line sprints and change of direction tasks wearing either compression tights (COMP) or regular exercise tights (CON). There was a significant main effect of the condition for 10 m sprint time (p = 0.03, d = -0.18) and change of direction time (p = 0.03, d = -0.20) in favour of COMP. In addition, there was a significant, small difference (p = 0.05, d = -0.30) in ellipse area and a small (p = 0.16, d = 0.21) difference in balance time in favour of COMP during a single-leg balance task. There were no significant differences between trials for any of the other balance or jump tests (p > 0.05). The application of compression tights during exercise may offer small benefits to the performance of balance and change of direction tasks, though these benefits are likely within the typical error of measurement for the tests used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Leabeater
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Vickery-Howe
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Corey Perrett
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lachlan James
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kane Middleton
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Driller
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Henderson MJ, Grandou C, Chrismas BCR, Coutts AJ, Impellizzeri FM, Taylor L. Core Body Temperatures in Intermittent Sports: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:2147-2170. [PMID: 37526813 PMCID: PMC10587327 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01892-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperthermia (and associated health and performance implications) can be a significant problem for athletes and teams involved in intermittent sports. Quantifying the highest thermal strain (i.e. peak core body temperature [peak Tc]) from a range of intermittent sports would enhance our understanding of the thermal requirements of sport and assist in making informed decisions about training or match-day interventions to reduce thermally induced harm and/or performance decline. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise and characterise the available thermal strain data collected in competition from intermittent sport athletes. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on Web of Science, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus to identify studies up to 17 April 2023. Electronic databases were searched using a text mining method to provide a partially automated and systematic search strategy retrieving terms related to core body temperature measurement and intermittent sport. Records were eligible if they included core body temperature measurement during competition, without experimental intervention that may influence thermal strain (e.g. cooling), in healthy, adult, intermittent sport athletes at any level. Due to the lack of an available tool that specifically includes potential sources of bias for physiological responses in descriptive studies, a methodological evaluation checklist was developed and used to document important methodological considerations. Data were not meta-analysed given the methodological heterogeneity between studies and therefore were presented descriptively in tabular and graphical format. RESULTS A total of 34 studies were selected for review; 27 were observational, 5 were experimental (2 parallel group and 3 repeated measures randomised controlled trials), and 2 were quasi-experimental (1 parallel group and 1 repeated measures non-randomised controlled trial). Across all included studies, 386 participants (plus participant numbers not reported in two studies) were recruited after accounting for shared data between studies. A total of 4 studies (~ 12%) found no evidence of hyperthermia, 24 (~ 71%) found evidence of 'modest' hyperthermia (peak Tc between 38.5 and 39.5 °C), and 6 (~ 18%) found evidence of 'marked' hyperthermia (peak Tc of 39.5 °C or greater) during intermittent sports competition. CONCLUSIONS Practitioners and coaches supporting intermittent sport athletes are justified to seek interventions aimed at mitigating the high heat strain observed in competition. More research is required to determine the most effective interventions for this population that are practically viable in intermittent sports settings (often constrained by many competing demands). Greater statistical power and homogeneity among studies are required to quantify the independent effects of wet bulb globe temperature, competition duration, sport and level of competition on peak Tc, all of which are likely to be key modulators of the thermal strain experienced by competing athletes. REGISTRATION This systematic review was registered on the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/vfb4s ; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EZYFA , 4 January 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell J Henderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia.
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia.
| | - Clementine Grandou
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
| | - Bryna C R Chrismas
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aaron J Coutts
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
| | - Franco M Impellizzeri
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
| | - Lee Taylor
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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4
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James C, Rees J, Chong H, Taylor L, Beaven CM, Henderson M, Baker JS. Blood Lactate Responses of Male and Female Players Across an International Rugby Sevens Tournament. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:927-936. [PMID: 37597843 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated within- and between-matches blood lactate (La-) responses across an international Rugby Sevens tournament (5 matches over 2 d) in male and female players. METHODS Earlobe blood samples were taken from 25 professional players around matches: before warm-up (PRE), immediately upon finishing match participation (POST), and 30 minutes postmatch (30 min). RESULTS POST [La-] (mean [SD], range) for males was 10.3 (3.2; 2.9-20.2) mmol·L-1 and for females was 9.1 (2.3; 3.4-14.6) mmol·L-1. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a decrease in POST [La-] after match 5, compared to match 1. Increased PRE [La-] was found before match 2 (+0.8 [0.6-1.1] mmol·L-1), match 3 (+0.8 [0.5-1.1] mmol·L-1), and match 5 (+0.6 [0.4-0.9] mmol·L-1) compared to match 1 (all P < .001). The [La-] remained elevated at 30 min, compared to PRE (+1.7 [1.4-2.0] mmol·L-1, P < .001), with ∼20% of values persisting >4 mmol·L-1. Higher POST was observed in males compared to females (+1.6 [0.1-3.2] mmol·L-1, P = .042); however, no differences between sexes were found across 30 min or PRE [La-]. No [La-] differences between positions (backs and forwards) were identified. CONCLUSIONS Lactate concentrations above 10 mmol·L-1 are required to effectively simulate the anaerobic demands of international Rugby Sevens matches. Practitioners are advised to individualize anaerobic training prescription due to the substantial variability observed within positional groups. Additionally, improving athletes' metabolic recovery capacity through training, nutrition, and recovery interventions may enhance physical preparation for subsequent matches within a day, where incomplete lactate clearance was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl James
- Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), Hong Kong,Hong Kong
| | - James Rees
- Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU), Hong Kong,China
| | - Henry Chong
- Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), Hong Kong,Hong Kong
| | - Lee Taylor
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), Loughborough,United Kingdom
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, NSW,Australia
| | | | - Mitch Henderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, NSW,Australia
- Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, NSW,Australia
| | - Julien S Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong,China
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Oyama T, Fujii M, Nakajima K, Takakura J, Hijioka Y. Validation of upper thermal thresholds for outdoor sports using thermal physiology modelling. Temperature (Austin) 2023; 11:92-106. [PMID: 38577294 PMCID: PMC10989705 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2023.2210477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermal safety guidelines with upper thresholds aim to protect athletes' health, yet evidence-based sport-specific thresholds remain unestablished. Experimenting with athletes in severely hot conditions raises ethical concerns, so we used a thermo-physiological model to validate the thresholds of guidelines for outdoor sports. First, the reproducibility of the joint system thermoregulation model (JOS-3) of core temperature has been validated for 18 sports experiments (n = 213) and 11 general exercise experiments (n = 121) using the Bland - Altman analysis. Then, core temperatures were predicted using the JOS-3 in conditions corresponding to the upper thresholds, and if the 90th-99.7th percentile core temperature value (corresponding to 0.3%-10% of the participants) exceeded 40°C, the thresholds were judged as potentially hazardous. Finally, we proposed revisions for sports with potentially hazardous thresholds. As a result, the JOS-3 could simulate core temperature increases in most experiments (27/29) for six sports and general exercises with an accuracy of 0.5°C. The current upper thresholds for marathons, triathlons, and football are potentially hazardous. Suggested revisions, based on specified percentiles, include: Football: revise from wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) 32°C to 29-31°C or not revise. Marathon: revise from WBGT 28°C to 24-27°C. Triathlon: revise from WBGT 32.2°C to 23-26°C. If conducting sports events under the revised upper thresholds proves difficult, taking measures for a possible high incidence of heat illness becomes crucial, such as placing additional medical resources, assisting heat acclimatization and cooling strategies for participants, and rule changes such as shorter match times and increased breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Oyama
- Department of Environment Systems, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Center for Climate Change Adaptation, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Minoru Fujii
- Social Systems Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakajima
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Jun’ya Takakura
- Social Systems Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Hijioka
- Center for Climate Change Adaptation, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
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Ullersperger E, Hills SP, Russell M, Waldron M, Shearer D, Lonergan B, Farrow T, Eager R, Kilduff LP. Assessing climatic, travel, and methodological influences on whole-match and worst-case scenario locomotor demands of international men's rugby sevens match-play. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35912815 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2109065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study assessed the influence of environmental factors, air travel, and epoch estimation method on locomotor demands of international men's rugby sevens match-play. Eighteen men's rugby sevens players wore 10 Hz Global Positioning Systems (STATsport) during 52 international matches over nine global tournaments (418 observations). Whole-match average speed was recorded, whilst average speed and relative high-speed distance (>5.0 m·s-1) were quantified using FIXED and ROLL methods over 60-420 s epochs (60 s increments) to establish worst-case scenario demands. Linear mixed models compared FIXED versus ROLL estimation methods and assessed whether temperature, humidity, travel duration, number of time-zones crossed, and travel direction were associated with locomotor responses. Temperature and humidity were positively associated with overall and worst-case scenario average speed (effect estimates; b: 0.18 to 0.54), whilst worst-case scenario high-speed distance at 300 s was also related to temperature (b: 0.19). Easterly air travel compromised overall and 180 and 300 s worst-case scenario average speed (b: -8.31 to-7.39), alongside high-speed distance over 300 s (b: -4.54). For worst-case scenario average speed and high-speed distance, FIXED underestimated ROLL at all epoch lengths (∼9.9 to 18.4%, p≤0.001). This study indicated that international rugby sevens match-play locomotor responses were greater as air temperature increased but reduced following eastward air travel. Underestimation of demands in FIXED vs ROLL over 60-420 s epochs was confirmed. Such climatic and travel influences warrant the adoption of strategies targeted at maximising performance and safety according to the tournament conditions. Knowing the most demanding periods of match-play facilitates training specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Ullersperger
- Applied Sports Technology, Exercise Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel P Hills
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Russell
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Waldron
- Applied Sports Technology, Exercise Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - David Shearer
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Lonergan
- West Ham United Football Club, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Farrow
- Wolverhampton Football Club, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Eager
- Rugby Football Union, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sports Technology, Exercise Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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7
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Fenemor S, Driller MW, Gill N, Mills B, Casadio J, Beaven CM. Practical application of a mixed active and passive heat acclimation protocol in elite male Olympic team sport athletes. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:981-991. [PMID: 35793560 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate effectiveness and retention of heat acclimation (HA) integrated within an elite rugby sevens team training program, 12 elite male rugby sevens athletes undertook 10-days of mixed active/passive HA across two-weeks of normal training. Physiological and performance variables were assessed using a sport specific, repeated high-intensity heat-response test Pre-HA; after five days (Mid-HA); after 10 days (Post-HA); and 16-days post-HA (Decay). Resting, submaximal, and end-exercise core temperature were lower at Mid-HA (≤ -0.26 °C; d ≥-0.47), Post-HA (≤ -0.30 °C; d ≥-0.72), and Decay (≤ -0.29 °C; d ≥-0.56), compared to Pre-HA. Sweat rate was greater Post-HA compared to Pre-HA (0.3 ± 0.3 L·hr-1; d =0.63). Submaximal HR was lower at Mid (-9 ±4 bpm; d =-0.68) and Post-HA (-11 ± 4 bpm; d =-0.90) compared to Pre-HA. Mean and peak 6-s power output improved Mid-HA (83 ± 52 W; 112 ± 67 W; d ≥0.47) and Post-HA (125 ± 62 W; 172 ± 85 W; d ≥0.72) compared to Pre-HA. Improvements in HR and performance persisted at Decay (d ≥0.66). The initial five days of mixed-methods HA elicited many typical HA adaptations, with an additional five days eliciting further thermoregulatory, sudomotor, and performance improvements. Adaptations were well-retained after 16-days of normal training, without any further heat stimulus. The trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000732785).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Fenemor
- University of Waikato, 3717, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, Waikato, New Zealand.,High Performance Sport New Zealand, 540744, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Matthew W Driller
- La Trobe University School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport, 110570, Sport and Exercise Science, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia;
| | - Nicholas Gill
- University of Waikato, 3717, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, Waikato, New Zealand.,New Zealand Rugby Union, Wellington, New Zealand;
| | - Blair Mills
- New Zealand Rugby Union, Wellington, New Zealand;
| | - Julia Casadio
- High Performance Sport New Zealand, 540744, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Christopher Martyn Beaven
- University of Waikato, 3717, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, Waikato, New Zealand;
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