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Wilson L, Jones B, Backhouse SH, Boyd A, Hamby C, Menzies F, Owen C, Ramirez-Lopez C, Roe S, Samuels B, Speakman JR, Costello N. Energy expenditure of international female rugby union players during a major international tournament: a doubly labelled water study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:1340-1352. [PMID: 38976911 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0596] [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] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify the total energy expenditure (TEE) of international female rugby union players. Fifteen players were assessed over 14 days throughout an international multi-game tournament, which represented two consecutive one-match microcycles. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and TEE were assessed by indirect calorimetry and doubly labelled water, respectively. Physical activity level (PAL) was estimated (TEE:RMR). Mean RMR, TEE, and PAL were 6.60 ± 0.93 MJ·day-1 (1578 ± 223 kcal·day-1), 13.51 ± 2.28 MJ·day-1 (3229 ± 545 kcal·day-1), and 2.0 ± 0.3 AU, respectively. There was no difference in TEE (13.74 ± 2.31 (3284 ± 554 kcal·day-1) vs. 13.92 ± 2.10 MJ·day-1 (3327 ± 502 kcal·day-1); p = 0.754), or PAL (2.06 ± 0.26 AU vs. 2.09 ± 0.23 AU; p = 0.735) across microcycles, despite substantial decreases in training load (total distance: -8088 m, collisions: -20 n, training duration: -252 min). After correcting for body composition, there was no difference in TEE (13.80 ± 1.74 (3298 ± 416 adj. kcal·day-1) vs. 13.16 ± 1.97 (3145 ± 471 adj. kcal·day-1) adj. MJ·day-1, p = 0.190), RMR (6.49 ± 0.81 (1551 ± 194 adj. kcal·day-1) vs. 6.73 ± 0.83 (1609 ± 198 adj. kcal·day-1) adj. MJ·day-1, p = 0.633) or PAL (2.15 ± 0.14 vs. 1.87 ± 0.26 AU, p = 0.090) between forwards and backs. For an injured participant (n = 1), TEE reduced by 1.7 MJ·day-1 (-401 kcal·day-1) from pre-injury. For participants with illness (n = 3), TEE was similar to pre-illness (+0.49 MJ·day-1 (+117 kcal·day-1)). The energy requirements of international female rugby players were consistent across one-match microcycles. Forwards and backs had similar adjusted energy requirements. These findings are critical to inform the dietary guidance provided to female rugby players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Wilson
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7725, South Africa
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Premiership Rugby, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan H Backhouse
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Boyd
- Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Catherine Hamby
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Menzies
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Cameron Owen
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Ramirez-Lopez
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Stephanie Roe
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Samuels
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - John R Speakman
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Centre for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nessan Costello
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Yao X, Austerberry A, Bishop C, Wilson L, Chiang CY, Turner A. Seasonal Variation and Positional Differences in Anthropometry, Strength, and Power Characteristics in English Premiership Women's Rugby Union Players. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:924-931. [PMID: 38608041 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Yao, X, Austerberry, A, Bishop, C, Wilson, L, Chiang, C-Y, and Turner, A. Seasonal variation and positional differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics in English premiership women's rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 924-931, 2024-Women's rugby is a collision sport that relies heavily on body composition and physical characteristics of strength and power to achieve competitive success. Furthermore, the seasonal nature presents a variety of physical challenges that can cause fluctuations in a player's physical development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics between forwards and backs in women's rugby union athletes in England and to identify changes throughout a season. Forty-seven players were recruited from the English premiership women's rugby during the 2020-2021 season. Players were split into forwards and backs and underwent body composition testing by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength and power tests (countermovement jump, drop jump [DJ], and isometric midthigh pull) on 3 separate occasions (preseason, midseason, postseason). Overall, forwards had significantly ( p < 0.01) higher body mass, fat mass, lean mass [LM], bone mineral content, and take off momentum, and backs had significantly higher ( p < 0.01, d > 0.5) jump height, reactive strength, and shorter DJ contact time. When observing seasonal changes, there were statistically significant differences ( p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences ( d > 0.5) in LM, reactive strength index modified, time to take-off, and DJ flight time [FT] among forwards when comparing 3 testing time frames. For backs, statistically significant differences ( p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences ( d > 0.5) were reported in LM and DJ FT throughout the season. In conclusion, the strength and power testing and characteristics shown in this study could support coaches and junior women's rugby athletes to have a basic understanding of English premiership physical standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yao
- London sport institute, faculty of science technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
- Saracens women rugby club, London, United Kingdom; and
| | | | - Chris Bishop
- London sport institute, faculty of science technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Wilson
- London sport institute, faculty of science technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony Turner
- London sport institute, faculty of science technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
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Curtis C, Mitchell S, Russell M. Match-Play Demands and Anthropometric Characteristics of National and International Women's Fifteen-a-side Rugby Union: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:e569-e580. [PMID: 37235209 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Curtis, C, Mitchell, S, and Russell, M. Match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics of national and international women's, fifteen-a-side rugby union: a systematic scoping review. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e569-e580, 2023-An increased professionalization within women's 15-a-side rugby union (R15s) has prompted greater sports science support and a need to better understand demands of the sport. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) searches were performed according to the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol. Studies were eligible if match-play demands or anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players were investigated. After calibration exercises, the lead and senior authors independently quality assessed each study. A total of 1,068 studies were identified; 15 of which met the study criteria. The mean total match-play distance covered was 5,378 ± 626 m (forwards: 5,188 ± 667 m and backs: 5,604 ± 609 m), with first half values exceeding second half (2,922 ± 87 m vs. 2,876 ± 115 m). The mean relative distance (RD) (72.0 m·min -1 ) was greater than their male counterparts (64.2 m·min -1 -68.2 m·min -1 ). Backs were exposed to more severe collisions compared with forwards (6 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 4). Work:rest ratios ranged between 1.0:0.7-1.0:0.9. Regarding anthropometric characteristics, the mean lean and fat mass was reported as 51.9 ± 5.2 kg and 18.6 ± 4.6 kg, respectively. The mean body fat percentage was 24.7 ± 5.4%. The mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content was 1.27 ± 0.04 g·cm -2 and 3.07 ± 0.2 kg, respectively. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence base and key findings relating to the match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics that can be used in practice to inform player welfare and sport science support to women's R15s players at a national and international standard. Numerous gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and optimize performance, physical demands, and anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Curtis
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; and
| | - Scott Mitchell
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Saracens Rugby Club, Greenlands Lane, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Russell
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Napoli L, Semple S, McKune AJ. Training and Competition Loads in Women's Rugby Sevens Athletes: Are There Implications for Cardiovascular Health? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:894-900. [PMID: 37491014 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0134] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
National- and international-level rugby sevens athletes are exposed to high training and competition loads over the course of a competitive season. Research on load monitoring and body-system responses is widespread; however, the primary focus has been on optimizing performance rather than investigating or improving cardiovascular health. There is a degree of cardiovascular remodeling, as well as local and systemic inflammation, in response to excessive exercise. These responses are moderated by many factors including previous exercise exposure, current exercise intensity and duration, age, race, and gender, as well as sport-specific physiology. For these reasons, high-performing female rugby sevens athletes may have a unique cardiovascular risk profile different from males and other rugby codes. This review aimed to characterize the training and competition loads, as well as the anthropometric and physiological profiles, of female rugby sevens athletes; discuss the potential impacts these may have on the cardiovascular system; and provide recommendations on future research regarding the relationship between rugby sevens training and competition loads and cardiovascular health. Movement demands, competition formatting, and training routines could all contribute to adverse cardiovascular adaptations. Anthropometric data and physiological characteristics may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Future research needs to adopt measures of cardiovascular health to obtain a greater understanding of cardiovascular profiles and risk factors in female rugby sevens athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Napoli
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Bruce, ACT,Australia
| | - Stuart Semple
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Bruce, ACT,Australia
| | - Andrew J McKune
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Bruce, ACT,Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban,South Africa
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Imbert S, Piscione J, Couderc A, Joncheray H, Daussin FN. Evolution of the physical characteristics of the French women's rugby players: A 10-year longitudinal analysis by position and team. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1120162. [PMID: 37090820 PMCID: PMC10113647 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1120162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe study aimed to interpret the evolution of the physical performance of rugby sevens and rugby union French international players from 2009 to 2020.Methods631 players from the French national teams were divided into three groups: forwards, backs and sevens. The performances evaluated were anthropometric characteristics, strength tests (1 RM bench press and 1 RM pull-up), aerobic capacity (YoYo IR1 test) and speed tests (10 m, 20 m and 50 m). The best performance of each player over a two-year period was kept for the analysis. Fluctuations were observed across the decade.ResultsThe anthropometric characteristics of female rugby sevens players tend to be taller and lighter than rugby union players. In rugby sevens, a moderate increase in maximal aerobic capacity was observed while sprint performances remained similar. Improvements in height and weight were observed over the last 10 years in rugby union players with a difference between the position. A moderate increase in sprinting performances and strength were observed both in backs and forwards.DiscussionThe overall improvement of strength and conditioning performances and anthropometrical evolution reflects the rugby environment characterized by the arrival of professional contracts and the structuration process of the clubs which allows a better quality of training and easier access to the infrastructures of the very high level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Imbert
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
- Ligue des Hauts-de-France de Rugby, Villeneuve D’ascq, France
| | - Julien Piscione
- Department of Performance, Fédération Française de Rugby, Marcoussis, France
| | - Anthony Couderc
- Department of Performance, Fédération Française de Rugby, Marcoussis, France
| | - Hélène Joncheray
- Laboratoire Sport, Expertise, Performance, Unité de la Recherche, Institut National du Sport, de L’Expertise et de la Performance (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Frédéric N. Daussin
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
- Correspondence: Frédéric N. Daussin
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Duggan JD, Keane K, Moody J, Byrne PJ, Malone S, Collins K, Ryan L. Strength and Conditioning Recommendations for Female Athletes: The Gaelic Footballer. Strength Cond J 2023. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Duggan JD, Collins K, Keane K. Factors influencing performance and injury risk in elite female Gaelic team sport players and future research directions: a narrative review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:164. [PMID: 36056384 PMCID: PMC9438325 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sports science research in elite female Gaelic team sports has increased in recent years, but still a large disparity exists between the volume of studies involving male and female players. As a consequence of this, it is difficult for practitioners to develop an evidence-based approach when working with female players. MAIN BODY In this review, we discuss the current research available in elite female Gaelic team sports with focus on seven specific areas including physical and physiological demands, anthropometric and performance characteristics, injury risk, nutritional considerations, and female physiology. There appears to be unique physical demands data in match play across positions in Camogie, however, there is currently no comparative data available in ladies Gaelic football. Similarly, there is no research available on the physiological demands of both elite female Gaelic team sports. According to existing literature, performance characteristics such as speed and power are lower in this population compared to other elite female team sports. Although data is limited, the anthropometric characteristics of elite female Gaelic team sport players appear homogenous with some positional differences observed at a sub-elite level. Previous research has demonstrated a high prevalence of lower limb injuries in female elite Gaelic team sports and the provision of quality, evidence-based strength & conditioning could help mitigate these injury risks. Female Gaelic team sport players have been shown to have poor nutrition knowledge and inadequate intakes of micronutrients. Finally, although menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptives have been shown to influence performance in other female intermittent sports, to date there has not been any research carried out in elite female Gaelic team sport players. CONCLUSIONS It is evident that limited research has been carried out on elite female Gaelic sport players. More up-to-date, high-quality investigations are needed to address the research gaps, which in turn should enable practitioners in the field to apply sound, evidence-based practice/theory when working with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- John David Duggan
- Department of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, School of Science & Computing, Atlantic Technological University Galway, Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Kieran Collins
- Gaelic Sports Research Centre, Technological University Dublin-Tallaght Campus, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Keane
- Department of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, School of Science & Computing, Atlantic Technological University Galway, Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland
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