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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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Sánchez-Sixto A, McMahon JJ, Floría P. Verbal instructions affect reactive strength index modified and time-series waveforms in basketball players. Sports Biomech 2024; 23:211-221. [PMID: 33404374 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1836252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of different verbal instructions, intended to affect the countermovement jump (CMJ) execution time, on the reactive strength index modified (RSIMod) and the time-series waveforms. Thirteen male basketball players performed six CMJs on a force plate with two different verbal instructions: 'jump as high as possible' (CMJhigh) and 'jump as high and as fast as possible' (CMJfast). Force-, power-, velocity-, and displacement-series waveforms, RSIMod and jump height were compared between conditions using statistical parametric mapping procedures. CMJfast showed greater values in RSIMod (p = 0.002) despite no differences in jump height (p = 0.345). Unweighting force (between 18% and 33% of total time) was lower in the CMJfast compared to CMJhigh. Larger force (between 53% and 63% of total time), velocity (between 31% and 48% of total time) and power (between 43% and 56% of total time) were found in the CMJfast compared to CMJhigh. These findings suggest that commanding athletes to jump as high and fast as possible increases rapid force production. Additionally, the results highlight the relevance of the countermovement phase in jumping and show that RSIMod could increase without power output modifications during propulsion, despite previous studies having reported positive associations between RSIMod propulsion power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sánchez-Sixto
- Department of Sport, CEU Cardenal Spínola University, Bormujos, Spain
- Physical Performance & Sports Research Center, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - John J McMahon
- Directorate of Sport, Exercise and Physiotherapy, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Pablo Floría
- Physical Performance & Sports Research Center, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
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Peeters A, Leduc C, Piscione J, Lacome M, Carling C, Babault N. Anthropometric and physical characteristics in U16, U18 and U20 elite French youth rugby union players. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295623. [PMID: 38117784 PMCID: PMC10732359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study in elite youth French players were to 1) describe the anthropometric and physical characteristics of international and non-international players from U16 to U20, and 2) compare these characteristics across age categories and playing standard (international or non-international). Altogether, 1423 players from the French Rugby Federation's academies participated in a physical testing battery, part of its national young player development pathway. From seasons 2010 to 2020, players were assessed for anthropometric (body mass and height), off-field (bench press; isometric squat, vertical jump) and on-field physical characteristics (aerobic capacity: maximal aerobic speed [MAS]; speed: 10-m, 50-m sprint). A 2-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare physical characteristics across age categories and playing standards. Two separate models were used for forwards and backs. A main statistical effect was observed for age category and playing standard (range p < 0.05 -p < 0.001). Pair-wise category comparisons showed that older players were generally taller, heavier, stronger, faster and demonstrated better aerobic qualities than younger peers. The same results were observed for INT compared with NI players while INT forwards were also taller and heavier than NI peers (range p < 0.01 -p < 0.001). Findings revealed a clear progression in anthropometric characteristics and physical qualities throughout the age development pathway in elite young French rugby players. Findings also identified certain physical qualities (strength, power and speed) necessary at younger levels to achieve international standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Peeters
- Sport Science Faculty, INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Dijon, France
- Performance Department, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis, France
| | - Cedric Leduc
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Center, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Sport Science and Medicine Department, Crystal Palace Football Club, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Piscione
- Performance Department, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis, France
- University of Evry, University of Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Mathieu Lacome
- Performance and Analytics Department, Parma Calcio 1913, Parma, Italy
- FFF Research Center, Fédération Française de Football, Centre National du Football, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
| | - Christopher Carling
- FFF Research Center, Fédération Française de Football, Centre National du Football, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Sport Science Faculty, INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Dijon, France
- Centre for Performance and Expertise, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Sport Science Faculty, Dijon, France
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Kumazaki A, Fujimoto T, Matsuura Y. Longitudinal Development of Physical Characteristics and Function in Japanese Junior Rugby Union Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1038-1046. [PMID: 37500081 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To longitudinally investigate the development of physical characteristics and function during 3 years of high school among Japanese junior rugby players and examine the differences in these parameters between the positions. METHODS In 83 junior rugby players (forwards: n = 46, backs: n = 37) from one Japanese high school team who had participated in national high school competitions, anthropometric variables (height, body mass, fat and lean body mass, and body mass index), upper- and lower-body strength (eg, 1-repetition-maximum [1RM] bench press, isokinetic knee muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s), and sprint and jump performance were measured. Upper- and lower-body strength relative to body mass and lean body mass were also calculated. RESULTS All anthropometric indices improved with increasing age, and the values were higher in forwards than in backs (all P < .05). The 1-repetition maximum bench press (forwards: 40.8%, backs: 52.5%) and isokinetic knee strength (eg, extension at 60°/s, forwards: 15.4%, backs: 10.0%) improved with age (from 16 to 18 y), and they were higher in forwards than in backs (all P < .05). Meanwhile, the 1RM bench press relative to lean body mass did not differ between the positions. Isokinetic knee muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s relative to lean body mass and sprint and jump performance did not improve with age. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Japanese junior rugby players need to develop larger physiques and continuously increase their lower-body strength to improve sprint and jump performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kumazaki
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujimoto
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
| | - Yuiko Matsuura
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata,Japan
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Injury Occurrence in Amateur Rugby: Prospective Analysis of Specific Predictors over One Half-Season. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030579. [PMID: 36984581 PMCID: PMC10055806 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: The incidence of injuries in rugby is extremely high, but studies have rarely examined the predictors of injury in amateur players. This study aimed to systematically analyse sports and injury factors as potential predictors of musculoskeletal injuries in senior-level amateur rugby players. Methods: The participants in this study were 101 senior-level rugby players from Croatia (average of 24.64 years old). At baseline, all participants were tested on sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters (age, body height and mass), consumption of dietary supplements, preseason injury status and training volume, and sport factors (position in game). Data on injury occurrence (dependent variable), prevalence of pain, training status, and characteristics of the played match were surveyed prospectively once a week during the three-month period (one half-season). Results: The logistic regression revealed a higher injury occurrence in forward players of the 1st row, 2nd row (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.64–15.69), and center (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.28–14.31), with reference to outside back players. When observed univariately, higher body mass, higher level of competition, more weekly training sessions, self-perceived pain, and playing with pain were significant injury risk factors. The multivariate logistic regression identified pre-season injury (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.52), higher level of the game/match (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13–1.76), higher body mass (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), and pain prevalence (OR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.22-7.70) as multivariate predictors of injury occurrence over the season. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that among sport factors, the playing position, level of competition, and training exposure represent major injury risk factors. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of injuries, special emphasis should be placed on the specific tackling technique of forward players, which could both increase their situational efficiency and protect them from injuries. Additionally, perceived pain, injury history, and playing with injury were noted among injury factors as the ones that can be predictors of future injuries. In that manner, it is important that coaching and medical staff monitor players with previous injuries and with pain symptoms in order to act preventively against injury occurrence.
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Zabaloy S, Gálvez González J, Giráldez J, Fink B, Alcaraz PE, Pereira L, Loturco I, Freitas TT. Changes in body composition and physical performance measures during a regular competitive season among young backs and forwards rugby players. Sports Biomech 2022:1-18. [PMID: 36373999 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2022.2144755] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the changes in body composition and physical qualities of under 19's backs and forwards during the season (i.e. from pre-season [Pre-S] to end-season [End-S]). Twenty-seven male youth rugby union players (mean ± SD: age, Forwards [n = 11]: 17.5 ± 1.2 and Backs [n = 16]: 17.0 ± 0.9 years) participated in this study. Participants were tested twice (i.e. at Pre-S and End-S) and completed: anthropometric, body composition, countermovement and squat jumps, 30-m sprint, squat and bench press 1-repetition maximum (SQ-1RM and BP-1RM). Significant differences were observed between Pre-S and End-S for body mass (BM) and lean mass (LM), among both playing positions (p < 0.034; ES > 0.71), whereas all other variables remained unchanged. Regarding physical performance, backs and forwards showed greater SQ-1RM and BP-1RM, respectively (p < 0.043; ES>-0.69). Moreover, backs and forwards exhibited higher split times from 5 to 30 m (p: 0.013 to <0.001). Substantial increases were observed in BM and LM for backs and forwards, which may have negatively impacted acceleration (i.e. 5-m sprint time) and initial sprint momentum for both playing positions. Our findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing changes in BM and body composition, to avoiding the detrimental effects of these variations on sprint performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Zabaloy
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Julián Giráldez
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - Braian Fink
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro E Alcaraz
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucas Pereira
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irineu Loturco
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, UK
| | - Tomás T Freitas
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain
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Owen C, Till K, Darrall-Jones J, Jones B. Statistical analysis considerations within longitudinal studies of physical qualities in youth athletes: A qualitative systematic methodological review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270336. [PMID: 35797359 PMCID: PMC9262234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The evaluation of physical qualities in talent identification and development systems is vital and commonplace in supporting youth athletes towards elite sport. However, the complex and dynamic development of physical qualities in addition to temporal challenges associated with the research design, such as unstructured data collection and missing data, requires appropriate statistical methods to be applied in research to optimise the understanding and knowledge of long-term physical development.
Aim
To collate and evaluate the application of methodological and statistical methods used in studies investigating the development of physical qualities within youth athletes.
Methods
Electronic databases were systematically searched form the earliest record to June 2021 and reference lists were hand searched in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they tested physical qualities over a minimum of 3 timepoints, were observational in nature and used youth sporting populations.
Results
Forty articles met the inclusion criteria. The statistical analysis methods applied were qualitatively assessed against the theoretical underpinnings (i.e. multidimensional development, non-linear change and between and within athlete change) and temporal challenges (i.e. time variant and invariant variables, missing data, treatment of time and repeated measures) encountered with longitudinal physical testing research. Multilevel models were implemented most frequently (50%) and the most appropriately used statistical analysis method when qualitatively compared against the longitudinal challenges. Independent groups ANOVA, MANOVA and X2 were also used, yet failed to address any of the challenges posed within longitudinal physical testing research.
Conclusions
This methodological review identified the statistical methods currently employed within longitudinal physical testing research and addressed the theoretical and temporal challenges faced in longitudinal physical testing research with varying success. The findings can be used to support the selection of statistical methods when evaluating the development of youth athletes through the consideration of the challenges presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Owen
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, United Kingdom
- British Swimming, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Josh Darrall-Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Human Biology, Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, 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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Zabaloy S, Giráldez J, Fink B, Alcaraz PE, Pereira LA, Freitas TT, Loturco I. Strength Deficit in Elite Young Rugby Players: Differences Between Playing Positions and Associations With Sprint and Jump Performance. J Strength Cond Res 2022; 36:920-926. [PMID: 35318999 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Zabaloy, S, Giráldez, J, Fink, B, Alcaraz, PE, Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, and Loturco, I. Strength deficit in elite young rugby players: Differences between playing positions and associations with sprint and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 920-926, 2022-The aims of this study were twofold: to compare the strength-related performance between young forwards and backs rugby players and to examine the correlations between strength deficit (SDef), strength parameters, and sprint and jump performance. Fifty-seven male rugby players (mean ± SD: age, 17.4 ± 1.3 years) performed anthropometric and body composition assessments, vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) 1-repetition maximum tests (1RM SQ and BP). The differences in the tested variables between positions were analyzed through an independent t-test. A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships among the variables. Significant differences were observed for anthropometric and body composition measures and jump and sprint performance between positions (p < 0.05; effect size [ES]: 0.60-1.34), except for 5-m velocity (p = 0.080; ES: 0.57). Backs demonstrated higher relative 1RM than forwards in both exercises (p = 0.009 and p = 0.008; ES = 0.88 and 0.91, for SQ and BP, respectively). In addition, backs demonstrated lower SDef from 70 to 90% 1RM (p < 0.048) but small-to-moderate nonsignificant lower SDef against lighter loads compared with forwards (50-60% 1RM). Overall, SDef across all loads (r: -0.378 to -0.529) and 1RM SQ (r: 0.504 to -0.590) were significantly related to sprint performance. Therefore, young rugby players who present lower magnitudes of SDef and superior 1RM SQ performance tend to be faster in linear sprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Zabaloy
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - Julián Giráldez
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Braian Fink
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro E Alcaraz
- Research Center for High Performance Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucas A Pereira
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and
| | - Tomás T Freitas
- Research Center for High Performance Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and
| | - Irineu Loturco
- Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
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Twist C, Williams J, Dobbin N. Deteriorations in physical qualities during a 10-week unsupervised off-season period in academy rugby union players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2021; 6:347-354. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1959944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Twist
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Jack Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Nick Dobbin
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Owen C, Till K, Weakley J, Jones B. Testing methods and physical qualities of male age grade rugby union players: A systematic review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233796. [PMID: 32497130 PMCID: PMC7272054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rugby union match demands are complex, requiring the development of multiple physical qualities concurrently. Quantifying the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players is vital for practitioners to support athlete preparation and long-term development. AIM This systematic review aimed to identify the methods used to quantify the physical qualities of male age grade (≤ Under-20) rugby union players, present the normative values for physical qualities, and compare physical qualities between age grades and positions. METHODS Electronic databases were systematically reviewed from the earliest record to November 2019 using key words relating to sex, age, sport and physical testing. RESULTS Forty-two studies evaluated the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players. Seventy-five tests were used to quantify body composition, muscular strength, muscular power, linear speed, change of direction ability, aerobic capacity and anaerobic endurance. Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria to present the physical qualities. Physical qualities differentiate between age groups below Under-16, while differences in older age groups (Under-16 to Under-20) are not clear. Positional differences are present with forwards possessing greater height, body mass, body fat percentage and strength while backs are faster and have greater aerobic capacities. CONCLUSIONS A wide variety of tests are used to assess physical qualities limiting between study comparisons. Although differences in older age grades are unclear, older age groups (Under-19-20) generally performed better in physical tests. Positional differences are associated with match demands where forwards are exposed to less running but a greater number of collisions. Practitioners can use the results from this review to evaluate the physical qualities of age grade rugby union players to enhance training prescription, goal setting and player development. Future research should consider the use of national standardised testing batteries due to the inconsistency in testing methods and small samples limiting the reporting of positional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Owen
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Till
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon Weakley
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
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