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Campoya Morales ÁF, Hernández Arellano JL, Maldonado Macías AA, Rodríguez Y, Ochoa-Ortiz CA. Comparing workload and performance during demanding push force and mental tasks. Work 2022; 75:303-314. [PMID: 36591682 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220067] [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: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of performing occupational tasks that demand physical and mental efforts in combined and simultaneous approaches are unknown, especially when pushing force is analyzed as a physical effort and solving arithmetic problems as a mental effort. OBJECTIVE In this study, physical and mental demands were simulated in a lab environment to assess the workload. METHODS Using a push force dynamometer, the maximum push force strength of each participant was recorded, and the physical demand was simulated exerting the push force in low, medium, and high levels. Mental demands were simulated solving arithmetic tasks in low, medium, and high levels. Two experimental conditions were defined: (1) task with combined physical and mental workload (performing physical demands first and mental demands after) and (2) task in a simultaneous way (performing both demands at the same time. NASA-TLX Traditional and RAW were applied to assess the workload. RESULTS The time to complete the tasks was significantly longer in the combined than the simultaneous approach, and performance was significantly higher in the combined than the simultaneous tasks. CONCLUSION The combined approach obtained better results than simultaneous and Traditional NASA-TLX presented a significantly higher level of global workload index than RAW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Fabián Campoya Morales
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Computación, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
| | - Juan Luis Hernández Arellano
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Computación, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
| | | | - Yordán Rodríguez
- Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Carlos Alberto Ochoa-Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial y Manufactura, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
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Guthrie B, Jagim AR, Jones MT. Ready or Not, Here I Come: A Scoping Review of Methods Used to Assess Player Readiness Via Indicators of Neuromuscular Function in Football Code Athletes. Strength Cond J 2022. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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3
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Bridgeman LA, Gill ND. The Use of Global Positioning and Accelerometer Systems in Age-Grade and Senior Rugby Union: A Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2021; 7:15. [PMID: 33616786 PMCID: PMC7900280 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Global positioning systems (GPS) imbedded with accelerometer systems (AS) are used in rugby union (RU) to collect information on absolute and relative distances, distances in different speed zones, high-speed running (HSR) distances, repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) and collisions and impacts. This information can be used to monitor match play which can then be used to plan training sessions. The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of studies which have reported the use of GPS and AS.
Methods
A systematic review of the use of GPS and AS in both age-grade and senior rugby was conducted. The authors systematically searched electronic databases from January 2010 until March 2020. Keywords included rugby union, GPS, global position* and microtechnology.
Results
A total of 51 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a total of 34 studies utilising GPS and AS in senior RU players (mean ± SD; age 26.2 ± 1.9 years; height 185.7 ± 2.6 cm; mass 101.3 ± 4.2 kg) and 17 studies in age-grade RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.6 ± 1.5 years; height 182.1 ± 3.3 cm; mass 87.1 ± 8.6 kg). The results of this review highlighted that there are differences between backs and forwards and within these positions in these groups during both match play and training sessions. The backs covered greater total absolute, relative and HSR distance compared to forwards. Forwards are involved in more collisions and impacts than backs. When investigating the most intense periods of match play, studies in this review highlighted that the demands during these periods outweigh the average demands of the game. It was proposed that a rolling average over different time epochs is the best way to assess this and ensure that the most intense periods of play are assessed and monitored.
Conclusions
The information highlighted in this review can be used to help coaches assess performances in match play, allow them to plan appropriate training sessions and monitor training load.
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Simmons R, Doma K, Sinclair W, Connor J, Leicht A. Acute Effects of Training Loads on Muscle Damage Markers and Performance in Semi-elite and Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2021; 51:2181-2207. [PMID: 34097298 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) indicators and acute training loads (TL) is yet to be reviewed extensively in semi-elite and elite athlete populations. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were threefold: (1) to evaluate studies of EIMD following the initial period of the preseason in semi-elite and elite athletes: (2) to examine acute physiological and performance responses across two periods of the season with similar TL; and (3) to examine acute physiological and performance responses to acute changes in TL during the season. METHODS The CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies that investigated: (1) semi-elite or elite athletes in team or individual sports following a periodised training programme; and (2) measured acute responses to training. Studies were excluded if: (1) conducted in animals; (2) non-English language; or (3) a conference abstract, review or case report. The Kmet Quality Scoring of Quantitative Studies tool was used for study appraisal. SYNTHESIS METHODS Data were quantitatively analysed by generating forest plots to report test statistics for statistical significance and inter-trial heterogeneity. RESULTS Of the included studies (n = 32), athletes experienced greater creatine kinase (CK) concentrations (Z = 4.99, p < 0.00001, I2 = 74%), inflammatory factors and other indirect measures of muscle damage in the initial phase of the preseason period compared to the off-season; there were no changes in CK (Z = 1.43, p = 0.15, I2 = 74%) across two time points of similar TL; and there were concurrent increases in CK with increases in TL (Z = 4.26, p < 0.0001, I2 = 36%) and vice versa (Z = 4.33, p < 0.0001, I2 = 79%).The qualitative analysis identified that the response of inflammatory factors and other indirect measures of muscle damage to changes in load were inconclusive. LIMITATIONS This review included varying age, sex, sports and competition levels. The group level meta-analysis failed to identify within-athlete or position-specific differences across time. CONCLUSION Blood biomarkers of EIMD may not differ across periods of similar TL, however can be considered a sensitive monitoring tool for assessing responses following acute TL changes in semi-elite and elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Simmons
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia. .,North Queensland Cowboys Rugby League Football Club, Townsville, Australia.
| | - Kenji Doma
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Queensland, Townsville, Australia
| | - Wade Sinclair
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.,North Queensland Cowboys Rugby League Football Club, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jonathan Connor
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Anthony Leicht
- Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Physiological and Perceptual Recovery-Stress Responses to an Elite Netball Tournament. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16:1462-1471. [PMID: 33771943 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate and explore the relationships between physiological and perceptual recovery and stress responses to elite netball tournament workloads. METHODS Nine elite female netballers were observed across a 3-day (T1-3), 4-match tournament. Participants provided salivary samples for cortisol and alpha-amylase analysis, completed the Short Recovery Stress Scale (SRSS), and reported session ratings of perceived exertion. Inertial measurement units and heart-rate monitors determined player load, changes of direction (COD), summated heart-rate zones, and jumps. RESULTS Analysis revealed 6 significant SRSS time effects: (1) decreased recovery markers of physical performance (P = .042), emotional balance (P = .034), and overall recovery (P = .001) and (2) increased perceptual stress markers of muscular stress (P = .001), negative emotional state (P = .026), and overall stress (P = .010). Salivary cortisol decreased over the tournament (T1-3) before progressively increasing posttournament with greater salivary samples for cortisol on T+2 compared with T3 (P = .014, ES = -1.29; -2.24 to -0.22]) and T+1 (P = .031, ES = -1.54; -2.51 to -0.42). SRSS overall recovery moderately negatively correlated with COD (r = -.41, P = .028) and session ratings of perceived exertion (r = -.40, P = .034). Cumulative workload did not relate to posttournament perceptual or salivary responses. Percentage change in salivary variables related (P < .05) to total player load, total COD, and overall recovery across specific cumulative time periods. CONCLUSIONS During and after an elite netball tournament, athletes indicated increased perceptual stress and lack of recovery. The SRSS is a valuable tool for recovery-stress monitoring in elite tournament netball. It is recommended that practitioners monitor COD due to its negative influence on perceived overall recovery.
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Internal-Training-Load Monitoring, Notational and Time-Motion Analyses, Psychometric Status, and Neuromuscular Responses in Elite Rugby Union. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16:421-428. [PMID: 33401240 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0260] [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: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to verify if practicing tackles during rugby union training sessions would affect the players' internal training load and acute strength loss. METHOD A total of 9 male Italian Serie A rugby union players (age: 21 [2] y) were monitored by means of an integrated approach across 17 sessions, 6 with tackles (WT) and 11 with no tackles (NT). Edwards training load was quantified using heart-rate monitoring. Global positioning system devices were used to quantify the total distance and time at >20 W. Work-to-rest ratio was quantified by means of a video analysis. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the session, the players' well-being and rating of perceived exertion were measured, respectively. The countermovement jump and plyometric push-up jump tests were performed on a force plate to record the players' PRE-POST concentric peak force. Linear mixed models were applied to quantify the differences between WT and NT in terms of training load and PRE-POST force deltas, even controlling for other training factors. RESULTS The Edwards training load (estimated mean [EM]; standard error [SE]; WT: EM = 214, SE = 11.8; NT: EM = 194, SE = 11.1; P = .01) and session rating of perceived exertion (WT: EM = 379, SE = 21.9; NT: EM = 277, SE = 16.4; P < .001) were higher in WT than in NT. Conversely, no difference between the sessions emerged in the countermovement jump and plyometric push-up concentric peak force deltas. CONCLUSIONS Although elite rugby union players' external and internal training load can be influenced by practicing tackles, upper- and lower-limb strength seem to not be affected.
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7
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Training sessions with tackles impair upper-limb neuromuscular function in elite rugby union. Biol Sport 2020; 37:415-422. [PMID: 33343075 PMCID: PMC7725038 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.96945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the response to non-tackle and tackle field-based training on upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular function in elite rugby union players. Nine elite senior elite rugby union players (mean age = 21 ± 2 years; height = 184 ± 7 cm; body mass 91.0 ± 9 kg) were evaluated before and immediately following 17 training sessions. A total of 306 assessments were performed. Data on neuromuscular function of plyometric push-up and countermovement jump were calculated from force signals using inverse dynamics. The change from pre- to post-session was investigated across non-tackle and tackle training using a linear mixed model. Considering upper-limb neuromuscular function, peak concentric power [P = 0.024; ES = 0.33 95%CI (0.04, 0.62)] was significantly lower after tackle compared to non-tackle training. In addition, peak countermovement jump eccentric power was significantly lower after non-tackle compared to tackle training [P = 0.044; ES = -0.4 95%CI (-0.69, -0.1)] in lower-limb neuromuscular function. Overall, the results indicated that the type of training influences upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular function differently immediately after training. Indeed, due to physical contact, the upper-body neuromuscular function increased during tackle training. In contrast, lower-body neuromuscular function emerged only in non-tackle training, due to the greater distance covered during this type of training session. Coaches and practitioners should plan adequate weekly training sessions according to this information.
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8
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Jeffries AC, Wallace L, Coutts AJ, McLaren SJ, McCall A, Impellizzeri FM. Athlete-Reported Outcome Measures for Monitoring Training Responses: A Systematic Review of Risk of Bias and Measurement Property Quality According to the COSMIN Guidelines. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020; 15:1203-1215. [PMID: 32957081 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Athlete-reported outcome measures (AROMs) are frequently used in research and practice but no studies have examined their psychometric properties. OBJECTIVES Part 1-identify the most commonly used AROMs in sport for monitoring training responses; part 2-assess risk of bias, measurement properties, and level of evidence, based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Methodological quality of the studies, quality of measurement properties, and level of evidence were determined using the COSMIN checklist and criteria. RESULTS Part 1-from 9446 articles screened for title and abstract, 310 out of 334 full texts were included; 53.9% of the AROMs contained multiple items, while 46.1% contained single items. Part 2-from 1895 articles screened for title and abstract, 71 were selected. Most measurement properties of multiple-item AROMs were adequate, but content validity and measurement error were inadequate. With the exclusion of 2 studies examining reliability and responsiveness, no validity studies were found for single items. CONCLUSIONS The measurement properties of multiple-item AROMs derived from psychometrics were acceptable (with the exclusion of content validity and measurement error). The single-item AROMs most frequently used in sport science have not been validated. Additionally, nonvalidated modified versions of the originally nonvalidated items are common. Until proper validation studies are completed, all conclusions based on these AROMs are questionable. Established reference methods, such as those of clinimetrics, should be used to develop and assess the validity of AROMs.
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9
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Aloulou A, Leduc C, Duforez F, Piscione J, Cheradame J, Bieuzen F, Thomas C, Chennaoui M, VAN Beers P, Nedelec M. Effect of an Innovative Mattress and Cryotherapy on Sleep after an Elite Rugby Match. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:2655-2662. [PMID: 32472928 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to explore the relationship between elite rugby union match and postmatch sleep architecture and to investigate the effects of a high-heat capacity mattress (MAT) and a whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) session on postmatch sleep architecture. METHODS Nineteen elite male U23 rugby union players performed in three official matches, followed by three experimental conditions, in a randomized order: MAT, WBC, and no intervention (CONT). Match load was evaluated using GPS trackers and video analyses. Sleep architecture was assessed by polysomnography (PSG). Core body temperature (CBT) and mattress surface temperature were monitored during sleep. Linear mixed-effects models were conducted to assess the effects of each experimental condition on sleep, with match load variables as covariates. RESULTS A lower wake after sleep onset (β = -10.5 min, P < 0.01) and higher rapid eye movement sleep proportion (β = +2.8%, P < 0.05) were reported for MAT compared with CONT. Moreover, lower mean CBT (β = -0.135°C, P < 0.001) and mean mattress surface temperature (β = -2.736°C, P < 0.001) during sleep were observed for MAT compared CONT. WBC did not affect nocturnal CBT nor interfere with sleep architecture. For every 100-m increase in high-speed running distance, a higher slow wave sleep (β = +1.1%, P = 0.05) and lower light sleep proportion (β = -1.2%, P < 0.05) proportion were observed. Conversely, for every 10 supplementary collisions, lower slow wave sleep (β = -1.9, P = 0.09) and higher light sleep (β = +2.9%, P < 0.001) proportion were observed. CONCLUSION MAT use had a positive effect on sleep architecture after an elite rugby union match, potentially through a more efficient nocturnal heat transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Aloulou
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French National Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, FRANCE
| | - Cédric Leduc
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Center, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | | | - Julien Piscione
- Research Department, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis, FRANCE
| | - Jeremy Cheradame
- Research Department, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis, FRANCE
| | | | | | | | | | - Mathieu Nedelec
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French National Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, FRANCE
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da Silva BVC, Simim MADM, da Silva RB, Mendes EL, Ide BN, Marocolo M, Martin JS, Mota GR. Time Course of Recovery for Performance Attributes and Circulating Markers of Muscle Damage Following a Rugby Union Match in Amateur Athletes. Sports (Basel) 2020; 8:sports8050064. [PMID: 32443402 PMCID: PMC7281571 DOI: 10.3390/sports8050064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to determine the time course of changes in neuromuscular performance and muscle damage following a single rugby union match. METHODS Fourteen male amateur rugby players (28.9 ± 3.5 yrs; 1.7 ± 5.1 m; 86.1 ± 11.1 kg) participated. Plasma activity of creatine kinase ([CK]) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), L-run test (change of direction) and 30-m sprint (T30; speed) with 10-m lap time (T10; acceleration) were assessed on six occasions: one week before the match (PRE) and immediately, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-match. RESULTS Relative to PRE, LDH was elevated immediately post-match (+33.6% ± 13.6%; p < 0.001) and [CK] was elevated immediately (+64.1% ± 38.8%, p = 0.001) and 24 h post-match (+352% ± 317%; p = 0.024). L-run test time increased 16.0 ± 8.7% relative to PRE at 24 h post (p < 0.001) and remained elevated through 96 h post-match (p < 0.05). T10 and T30 times increased relative to PRE immediately post-match (+12.0% ± 10.4%, p = 0.008; and +6.1% ± 4.9%; p = 0.006, respectively), though T30 times were similar to baseline by 48 h post-match whereas T10 times remained elevated through 72 h post-match. CONCLUSIONS A single, competitive rugby union match induces significant muscle damage and performance decrements with distinct time courses of recovery in amateur athletes. Notably, change of direction attributes (i.e., L-run) appear to have the longest time course to full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Victor Corrêa da Silva
- Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Brazil; (B.V.C.d.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.L.M.); (G.R.M.)
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Health Sciences, University Center of Belo Horizonte (Uni-BH), Belo Horizonte 30575-180, Brazil
| | - Mário Antônio de Moura Simim
- Research Group in Biodynamic Human Movement, Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
- Correspondence: (M.A.d.M.S.); (J.S.M.); Tel.: +55-85-3366-9533 (M.A.d.M.S.); +1-865-338-5693 (J.S.M.)
| | - Rodrigo Barboza da Silva
- Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Brazil; (B.V.C.d.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.L.M.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Edmar Lacerda Mendes
- Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Brazil; (B.V.C.d.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.L.M.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Bernardo Neme Ide
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil;
| | - Moacir Marocolo
- Physiology and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 360360-900, Brazil;
| | - Jeffrey S. Martin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University—Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
- Correspondence: (M.A.d.M.S.); (J.S.M.); Tel.: +55-85-3366-9533 (M.A.d.M.S.); +1-865-338-5693 (J.S.M.)
| | - Gustavo R. Mota
- Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Brazil; (B.V.C.d.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.L.M.); (G.R.M.)
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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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12
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Ramírez-López C, Till K, Sawczuk T, Giuliano P, Peeters A, Beasley G, Murray F, Pledger S, Read D, Jones B. A multi-nation examination of the fatigue and recovery time course during the inaugural Under-18 Six Nations rugby union competition. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:644-651. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1722589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramírez-López
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union Club, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Thomas Sawczuk
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Alexis Peeters
- French Rugby Federation, Centre National de Rugby, Marcoussis, France
| | - Grant Beasley
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK
| | - Fraser Murray
- Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Dale Read
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, 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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High Match Load’s Relation to Decreased Well-Being During an Elite Women’s Rugby Sevens Tournament. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2019; 14:1036-1042. [DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
During rugby sevens tournaments, it is crucial to balance match load and recovery to strive for optimal performance. Purpose: To determine changes in well-being, recovery, and neuromuscular performance during and after an elite women’s rugby sevens tournament and assess the influence of match-load indicators. Methods: Twelve elite women rugby sevens players (age = 25.3 [4.1]y, height = 169.0 [4.0] cm, weight = 63.9 [4.9] kg, and body fat = 18.6% [2.7%]) performed 5 matches during a 2-d tournament of the Women’s Rugby Sevens World Series. Perceived well-being (fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress levels, and mood), total quality of recovery, and countermovement-jump flight time were measured on match days 1 and 2, 1 d posttournament, and 2 d posttournament. Total distance; low-, moderate-, and high-intensity running; and physical contacts during matches were derived from global positioning system–based time–motion analysis and video-based notational analysis, respectively. Internal match load was calculated by session rating of perceived exertion and playing time (rating of perceived exertion × duration). Results: Well-being (P < .001), fatigue (P < .001), general muscle soreness (P < .001), stress levels (P < .001), mood (P = .005), and total quality of recovery (P < .001) were significantly impaired after match day 1 and did not return to baseline values until 2 d posttournament. More high-intensity running was related to more fatigue (r = −.60, P = .049) and a larger number of physical contacts with more general muscle soreness (r = −.69, P = .013). Conclusion: Perceived well-being and total quality of recovery were already impaired after match day 1, although performance was maintained. High-intensity running and physical contacts were predominantly related to fatigue and general muscle soreness, respectively.
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