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Naughton M, Scott T, McLean S, Solomon C, Walsh J, Weaving D. The influence of external loads on post-match neuromuscular fatigue in international rugby union: A partial least squares correlational analysis. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:1421-1431. [PMID: 39258624 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2394745] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The aims were to determine the relationship(s) between match-play external load and post-match neuromuscular fatigue as latent constructs, the contribution of the specific measured variables to these latent constructs, and how these differ between forwards and backs in elite rugby union. Forty-one elite male rugby union players (22 forwards and 19 backs) from the same international rugby union team were tested, with data included from the 2020 and 2021 international seasons (11 matches; 146 player appearances). Player's match-play external loads were quantified using microtechnology (for locomotor activities) and video analysis (for collision actions). Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified using countermovement jump tests on force plates which were conducted ~ 24 to 48 hours pre- and post-match. Partial least squares correlation (PLSC) leave one variable out (LOVO) procedure established the relative variable contribution to both external load (X matrix) and neuromuscular fatigue (Y matrix) constructs. Linear mixed-effects models were then constructed to determine the variance explained by the latent scores applied to the variables representing these constructs. For external load, both locomotor and collision variables were identified for the forwards and the backs, although the identified variables differed between groups. For neuromuscular fatigue, jump height was identified as a high contributor for the forwards and the backs, with concentric impulse and reactive strength index high contributors only for the backs. The explained variance between the external load and neuromuscular fatigue latent constructs at the individual player level was 4.4% and 32.2% in the forwards and the backs models, respectively. This discrepancy may be explained by differences in match-play external loads and/or the specificity of the tests to measure indicators of fatigue. These may differ due to, for example, the activities undertaken in the different positional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Naughton
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- Applied Sports Science and Exercise Testing Laboratory, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tannath Scott
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott McLean
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colin Solomon
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jack Walsh
- Performance Department, Scottish Rugby Union, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dan Weaving
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
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Menzies FA, Walsh J, Boyd AJ, Turner AP. Assessment of contact involvements and scrums in international rugby union match-play using video analysis and microsensor technology methods. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:2129-2137. [PMID: 38329895 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2313837] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to assess the validity of contact involvement (CI) detection using microsensor technology (MST, Catapult Vector) within the context of a Tier One national rugby union (RU) squad, consisting of 44 players. Sensitivity of MST units to detect CI and scrums was assessed in eight test matches, by comparison with match data obtained by video analysis. This paper is the first to assess the sensitivity of MST to the full range of skilled CI which occur in RU, including evaluating "non-performance" collisions, such as incidental collisions or foul play. Sensitivity to tackles made (52.9-84.9%) and ruck hits (53.3-87.2%) was lower than previous research, although ball carries (71.9-93.5%) showed broadly similar sensitivity to established results. The sensitivity of the MST to detect scrums was substantially lower than previous findings, with large positional variation evident (51.4-91.5%). Further refinement of MST software should be considered in order to facilitate valid monitoring of RU performance and injury risk. An additional finding was that video analysis generally demonstrated satisfactory intrarater reliability. This result supports the use of video analysis as a reliable method of assessing RU performance, including CI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser A Menzies
- Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- High Performance Department, Scottish Rugby Union, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jack Walsh
- High Performance Department, Scottish Rugby Union, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andy J Boyd
- High Performance Department, Scottish Rugby Union, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anthony P Turner
- Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Paul L, Davidow D, James G, Ross T, Lambert M, Burger N, Jones B, Rennie G, Hendricks S. Tackle Technique and Changes in Playerload™ During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study. J Sports Sci Med 2022; 21:383-393. [PMID: 36157385 PMCID: PMC9459770 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.383] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In collision sports, the tackle has the highest injury incidence, and is key to a successful performance. Although the contact load of players has been measured using microtechnology, this has not been related to tackle technique. The aim of this study was to explore how PlayerLoad™ changes between different levels of tackling technique during a simulated tackle. Nineteen rugby union players performed twelve tackles on a tackle contact simulator (n = 228 tackles). Each tackle was recorded with a video-camera and each player wore a Catapult OptimEyeS5. Tackles were analysed using tackler proficiency criteria and split into three categories: Low scoring(≤5 Arbitrary units (AU), medium scoring(6 and 7AU) and high scoring tackles(≥8AU). High scoring tackles recorded a higher PlayerLoad™ at tackle completion. The PlayerLoad™ trace was also less variable in the high scoring tackles. The variability in the PlayerLoad™ trace may be a consequence of players not shortening their steps before contact. This reduced their ability to control their movement during the contact and post-contact phase of the tackle and increased the variability. Using the PlayerLoad™ trace in conjunction with subjective technique assessments offers coaches and practitioners insight into the physical-technical relationship of each tackle to optimise tackle skill training and match preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Paul
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gwyneth James
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tayla Ross
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Burger
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Gordon Rennie
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- Catapult Sports, Melbourne
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Tackle and ball carrier demands of rugby league: a seven-year league-wide study including over 1,000,000 tackle events. J Sci Med Sport 2022; 25:850-854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Paul L, Naughton M, Jones B, Davidow D, Patel A, Lambert M, Hendricks S. Quantifying Collision Frequency and Intensity in Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens: A Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:12. [PMID: 35050440 PMCID: PMC8776953 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collisions in rugby union and sevens have a high injury incidence and burden, and are also associated with player and team performance. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these collisions is therefore important for coaches and practitioners to adequately prepare players for competition. The aim of this review is to synthesise the current literature to provide a summary of the collision frequencies and intensities for rugby union and rugby sevens based on video-based analysis and microtechnology. METHODS A systematic search using key words was done on four different databases from 1 January 1990 to 1 September 2021 (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science). RESULTS Seventy-three studies were included in the final review, with fifty-eight studies focusing on rugby union, while fifteen studies explored rugby sevens. Of the included studies, four focused on training-three in rugby union and one in sevens, two focused on both training and match-play in rugby union and one in rugby sevens, while the remaining sixty-six studies explored collisions from match-play. The studies included, provincial, national, international, professional, experienced, novice and collegiate players. Most of the studies used video-based analysis (n = 37) to quantify collisions. In rugby union, on average a total of 22.0 (19.0-25.0) scrums, 116.2 (62.7-169.7) rucks, and 156.1 (121.2-191.0) tackles occur per match. In sevens, on average 1.8 (1.7-2.0) scrums, 4.8 (0-11.8) rucks and 14.1 (0-32.8) tackles occur per match. CONCLUSIONS This review showed more studies quantified collisions in matches compared to training. To ensure athletes are adequately prepared for match collision loads, training should be prescribed to meet the match demands. Per minute, rugby sevens players perform more tackles and ball carries into contact than rugby union players and forwards experienced more impacts and tackles than backs. Forwards also perform more very heavy impacts and severe impacts than backs in rugby union. To improve the relationship between matches and training, integrating both video-based analysis and microtechnology is recommended. The frequency and intensity of collisions in training and matches may lead to adaptations for a "collision-fit" player and lend itself to general training principles such as periodisation for optimum collision adaptation. Trial Registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020191112.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Paul
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Mitchell Naughton
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amir Patel
- Department of Electrical Engineering, African Robotics unit, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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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] [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.
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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
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