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Roberts CJ, Gough LA. Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:3011. [PMID: 39275326 PMCID: PMC11397367 DOI: 10.3390/nu16173011] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie J Roberts
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Science (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
| | - Lewis A Gough
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Science (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
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Bradley E, Roberts J, Archer D. Determining female-specific high-intensity activity GPS thresholds in women's rugby union: Use of current use of male-derived absolute speed thresholds underestimates true levels. Eur J Sport Sci 2024; 24:1079-1085. [PMID: 38886981 PMCID: PMC11295092 DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12149] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
GPS speed thresholds in women's rugby union are usually based on data derived from the men's game. However, evidence suggests the maximum speeds achieved by female players are 2-8 km.h-1 slower and the volume of high-intensity running (HIR) in women's rugby may be underestimated. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of adjusting absolute thresholds on the volume of high-intensity locomotion. GPS units recorded movement data from 58 players across 18 English Premier15 s matches. Distance in HIR and sprint (Spr) zones were calculated using male-derived criteria: AbsMale (HIR >18 km.h-1; Spr ≥21 km.h-1). Two alternative thresholds were compared: AbsFVmax (HIR >16 km.h-1; Spr ≥19 km.h-1); AbsFemale (HIR >14 km.h-1; Spr ≥17 km.h-1). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and effect sizes to determine differences in distances between thresholds. AbsMale HIR and Spr distances were 63 ± 71 m and 30 ± 53 m. Significantly greater distances at higher-intensity speeds were observed with female-adjusted thresholds. AbsFVmax: HIR: 139 ± 116 m (p = 0.01, ES 0.80); Spr: 60 ± 90 m (p = 0.131, ES 0.41) and AbsFemale: HIR: 239 ± 157 m (p < 0.01, ES 1.45); Spr: 137 ± 152 m (p < 0.01, ES 0.94). 24 players (41%) achieved speeds greater than the 21 km·h-1 threshold with the male-derived thresholds. At AbsFVmax threshold this increased to 44 (76%) and 100% at the AbsFemale threshold. Existing male-derived thresholds appear to underestimate high-intensity locomotion of female players. With adjusted thresholds, specifically the AbsFemale, the proportional volume of high-intensity activity in the women's game (8.2% total distance) aligns more closely to that observed during men's match-play.
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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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Couderc A, Lacome M, Cheradame J, Carling C, Piscione J. Peak Running Demands in Elite Women's Rugby Sevens and Rugby Union Match Play: A Comparative Study. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1004-1011. [PMID: 37527820 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0124] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In women's rugby, players regularly interchange between the rugby sevens (R7) and rugby union (RU) formats. Yet, the game demands and particularly the physical aspects respective to both formats vary and players must be able to respond accordingly. The aim of this study was to compare peak running demands in R7 and RU players. METHODS A total of 51 international women players participated. HSBC World Sevens Series (n = 19) and Six Nations Rugby Union tournament matches (n = 10) were analyzed for a total of 437 individual match observations. Global positioning systems were utilized to measure total (in meters) and high-speed (above 16 km·h-1, in meters) distance and frequency of accelerations (above 2.5 m·s-2, n) during different rolling-average periods (1-7 min) to obtain peak running activity values. Power law modeling was used to obtain slope and intercept. For all variables, peak values and the value at the 90th percentile (P90) were analyzed. RESULTS No intercept difference (P = .25; -0.12 ± 0.17) was observed between formats for total distance (161 vs 155 m·min-1). In contrast, R7 players reported a higher intercept (P = .01; -0.29 ± 0.17) for high-speed distance (66 vs 51 m·min-1), while the intercept was higher (P = .01; 0.31 ± 0.20) in RU for accelerations performed (6.1 vs 5.4 n·min-1). Regarding P90, higher values (P < .001) were observed in R7 for total and high-speed distance and accelerations. CONCLUSIONS While peak overall intensity was similar, P90 on the high-speed spectrum was higher in R7. Information on the most demanding match-play periods specific to both women's rugby formats can inform training specificity by tailoring sessions to ensure sufficient exposure to these peak demands and, consequently, aid transitioning between formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Couderc
- Department of Research, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis,France
| | - Mathieu Lacome
- Department of Performance and Analytics, Parma Calcio 1913 Football Club, Parma,Italy
| | - Jeremy Cheradame
- Department of Research, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis,France
| | - Christopher Carling
- FFF Research Center, French Football Federation, Clairefontaine National Football Center, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines,France
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance, French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris,France
| | - Julien Piscione
- Department of Research, French Rugby Federation (FFR), Marcoussis,France
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Posthumus L, Driller M, Darry K, Winwood P, Rollo I, Gill N. Dietary Intakes of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players in Catered and Non-Catered Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16242. [PMID: 36498314 PMCID: PMC9737971 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In professional rugby union, it is common for players to switch between catered and non-catered dietary environments throughout a season. However, little is known about the difference in dietary intake between these two settings. Twelve elite male professional rugby union players (28.3 ± 2.9 y, 188.9 ± 9.5 cm, 104.1 ± 13.3 kg) from the New Zealand Super Rugby Championship completed seven-day photographic food diaries with two-way communication during two seven-day competition weeks in both catered and non-catered environments. While no significant differences were observed in relative carbohydrate intake, mean seven-day absolute energy intakes (5210 ± 674 vs. 4341 ± 654 kcal·day-1), relative protein (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day-1) and relative fat (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day-1) intakes were significantly higher in the catered compared to the non-catered environment (respectively) among forwards (n = 6). Backs (n = 6) presented non-significantly higher energy and macronutrient intakes within a catered compared to a non-catered environment. More similar dietary intakes were observed among backs regardless of the catering environment. Forwards may require more support and/or attention when transitioning between catered and non-catered environments to ensure that recommended dietary intakes are being achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Posthumus
- Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
- New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Driller
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | | | - Paul Winwood
- Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
- Department of Sport and Recreation, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| | - Ian Rollo
- Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo Life Sciences, Global R&D, Leicestershire LE4 1ET, UK
| | - Nicholas Gill
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
- New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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Temm DA, Standing RJ, Best R. Training, Wellbeing and Recovery Load Monitoring in Female Youth Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11463. [PMID: 36141735 PMCID: PMC9517577 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Participation in youth sports is ever-increasing, along with training and competition demands placed upon youth athletes. Young athletes may experience high training loads due to playing several sports, as well as participating in school physical education. Therefore, monitoring youth athlete load is an emerging area of research that may help limit non-functional overreaching, injury, or illness and assist with long-term athlete development. This narrative review highlights that multiple measures have been explored to monitor both internal and external load. However, the validity, reliability and practicality of these measures are often not fully understood in female youth populations. The most commonly used external monitoring methods are GPS tracking and TRIMP whereas common internal monitoring tools are questionnaires, perceived exertion rating and heart rate measures. The reporting of injuries and menstrual cycles is also crucial for providing completeness when monitoring an athlete. It has been suggested that the combination of training load, recovery and wellbeing monitoring variables is the optimal way to monitor an athlete's fatigue levels. Whichever monitoring method is applied, in a youth population it is important that the protocol can be individualised, is inexpensive and can be easily implemented and reported so that the monitoring is sustainable.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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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Heyward O, Emmonds S, Roe G, Scantlebury S, Stokes K, Jones B. Applied sports science and sports medicine in women's rugby: systematic scoping review and Delphi study to establish future research priorities. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001287. [PMID: 35979431 PMCID: PMC9310180 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In part 1, the objective was to undertake a systematic scoping review of applied sports science and sports medicine in women's rugby, and in part 2 to develop a consensus statement on future research priorities. Design In part 1, a systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost) was undertaken from the earliest records to January 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews, and the PRISMA extension protocols were followed. In part 2, 31 international experts in women's rugby (ie, elite players, sports scientists, medical clinicians, sports administrators) participated in a three-round Delphi consensus method. These experts reviewed the findings from part 1 and subsequently provided a list of priority research topics in women's rugby. Research topics were grouped into expert-based themes and expert-based subthemes via content analysis. Expert-based themes and expert-based subthemes were ranked from very low to very high research priority on a 1-5 Likert scale. Consensus was defined by ≥70% agreement. The median research priority agreement and IQR were calculated for each expert-based theme and subtheme. Data sources PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost). Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated applied sports science or sports medicine in women's rugby. Results In part 1, the systematic scoping review identified 123 studies, which were categorised into six sports science and sports medicine evidence-based themes: injury (n=48), physical performance (n=32), match characteristics (n=26), fatigue and recovery (n=6), nutrition (n=6), and psychology (n=5). In part 2, the Delphi method resulted in three expert-based themes achieving consensus on future research priority in women's rugby: injury (5.0 (1.0)), female health (4.0 (1.0)) and physical performance (4.0 (1.0)). Summary/Conclusion This two-part systematic scoping review and Delphi consensus is the first study to summarise the applied sports science and sports medicine evidence base in women's rugby and establish future research priorities. The summary tables from part 1 provide valuable reference information for researchers and practitioners. The three expert-based themes that achieved consensus in part 2 (injury, female health and physical performance) provide clear direction and guidance on future research priorities in women's rugby. The findings of this two-part study facilitate efficient and coordinated use of scientific resources towards high-priority research themes relevant to a wide range of stakeholders in women's rugby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Heyward
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Stacey Emmonds
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Gregory Roe
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Bath Rugby, Bath, UK
| | - Sean Scantlebury
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Keith Stokes
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Ben Jones
- 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, Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 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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Dane K, Simms C, Hendricks S, West SW, Griffin S, Nugent FJ, Farrell G, Mockler D, Wilson F. Physical and Technical Demands and Preparatory Strategies in Female Field Collision Sports: A Scoping Review. Int J Sports Med 2022; 43:1173-1182. [PMID: 35767989 DOI: 10.1055/a-1839-6040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Women's participation in field collision sports is growing worldwide. Scoping reviews provide an overview of scientific literature in a developing area to support practitioners, policy, and research priorities. Our aim is to explore published research and synthesise information on the physical and technical demands and preparation strategies of female field collision sports. We searched four databases and identified relevant published studies. Data were extracted to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) thematic summary. Of 2318 records identified, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Physical demands were the most highly investigated (n+=+24), followed by technical demands (n+= 18), tactical considerations (n+=+8) and preparatory strategies (n=1). The key themes embody a holistic model contributing to both performance and injury prevention outcomes in the context of female field collision sports. Findings suggest a gender data gap across all themes and a low evidence base to inform those preparing female athletes for match demands. Given the physical and technical differences in match-demands the review findings do not support the generalisation of male-derived training data to female athletes. To support key stakeholders working within female field collision sports there is a need to increase the visibility of female athletes in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dane
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciaran Simms
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin School of Engineering, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- 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, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, South Africa.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Leeds Beckett University Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Stephen W West
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Steffan Griffin
- Centre for Sport and Exercise, University of Edinburgh Institute for Sport Physical Education and Health Sciences, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Medical services, Rugby Football Union, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Frank J Nugent
- Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, University of Limerick Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Limerick, Ireland.,Sport and Human Performance Research Cluster, University of Limerick, Health Research Institute, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Garreth Farrell
- Department of Physiotherapy, Leinster Rugby, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mockler
- John Stearne Library, University of Dublin Trinity College School of Medicine John Stearne Medical Library, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Wilson
- Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
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Duggan JD, Moody JA, Byrne PJ, Cooper SM, Ryan L. Training Load Monitoring Considerations for Female Gaelic Team Sports: From Theory to Practice. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:84. [PMID: 34198880 PMCID: PMC8229966 DOI: 10.3390/sports9060084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Athlete monitoring enables sports science practitioners to collect information to determine how athletes respond to training loads (TL) and the demands of competition. To date, recommendations for females are often adapted from their male counterparts. There is currently limited information available on TL monitoring in female Gaelic team sports in Ireland. The collection and analysis of female athlete monitoring data can provide valuable information to support the development of female team sports. Athletic monitoring can also support practitioners to help minimize risk of excessive TL and optimize potential athletic performance. The aims of this narrative review are to provide: (i) an overview of TL athlete monitoring in female team sports, (ii) a discussion of the potential metrics and tools used to monitor external TL and internal TL, (iii) the advantages and disadvantages of TL modalities for use in Gaelic team sports, and (iv) practical considerations on how to monitor TL to aid in the determination of meaningful change with female Gaelic team sports athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Duggan
- Department of Sports, Exercise & Nutrition, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway Campus, Dublin Road, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland;
- School of Sport and Health Sciences (Sport), Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK; (J.A.M.); (P.J.B.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Jeremy A. Moody
- School of Sport and Health Sciences (Sport), Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK; (J.A.M.); (P.J.B.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Paul J. Byrne
- School of Sport and Health Sciences (Sport), Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK; (J.A.M.); (P.J.B.); (S.-M.C.)
- Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland
| | - Stephen-Mark Cooper
- School of Sport and Health Sciences (Sport), Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK; (J.A.M.); (P.J.B.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Lisa Ryan
- Department of Sports, Exercise & Nutrition, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway Campus, Dublin Road, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland;
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The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186457. [PMID: 32899817 PMCID: PMC7557873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite female rugby union players, comparing between and within different playing positions. Thirty elite female rugby union players (25.6 ± 4.3 y, 171.3 ± 7.7 cm, 83.5 ± 13.9 kg) from New Zealand participated in this study. Physical characteristics were assessed using anthropometric (height, body mass, skinfolds) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures. Forwards were significantly taller (p < 0.01; d = 1.34), heavier (p < 0.01; d = 2.19), and possessed greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 1.02) than backs. Forwards also possessed significantly greater total (p < 0.01; d = 1.83–2.25) and regional (p < 0.01; d = 1.50–2.50) body composition measures compared to backs. Healthy bone mineral density values were observed in both forwards and backs, with significantly greater values observed at the arm (p < 0.01; d = 0.92) and femoral neck (p = 0.04; d = 0.77) sites for forwards. Tight-five players were significantly heavier (p = 0.02; d = 1.41) and possessed significantly greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 0.97) than loose-forwards. Tight-five also possessed significantly greater total body composition measures (p < 0.05; d = 0.97–1.77) and significantly greater trunk lean mass (p = 0.04; d = 1.14), trunk fat mass (p < 0.01; d = 1.84), and arm fat mass (p = 0.02; d = 1.35) compared to loose-forwards. Specific programming and monitoring for forwards and backs, particularly within forward positional groups, appear important due to such physical characteristic differences.
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