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Allan D, Tooby J, Starling L, Tucker R, Falvey É, Salmon D, Brown J, Hudson S, Stokes K, Jones B, Kemp S, O'Halloran P, Cross M, Tierney G. The Incidence and Propensity of Head Acceleration Events in a Season of Men's and Women's English Elite-Level Club Rugby Union Matches. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02064-7. [PMID: 38922555 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe and compare the incidence and propensity of head acceleration events (HAEs) using instrumented mouthguards (iMG) by playing position in a season of English elite-level men's and women's rugby union matches. METHODS iMG data were collected for 255 men and 133 women from 1,865 and 807 player-matches, respectively, and synchronised to video-coded match footage. Head peak resultant linear acceleration (PLA) and peak resultant angular acceleration (PAA) were extracted from each HAE. Mean incidence and propensity values were calculated across different recording thresholds for forwards and backs in addition to positional groups (front row, second row, back row, half backs, centres, back three) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated. Significance was determined based on 95% CI not overlapping across recording thresholds. RESULTS For both men and women, HAE incidence was twice as high for forwards than backs across the majority of recording thresholds. HAE incidence and propensity were significantly lower in the women's game compared to the men's game. Back-row and front-row players had the highest incidence across all HAE thresholds for men's forwards, while women's forward positional groups and men's and women's back positional groups were similar. Tackles and carries exhibited a greater propensity to result in HAE for forward positional groups and the back three in the men's game, and back row in the women's game. CONCLUSION These data offer valuable benchmark and comparative data for future research, HAE mitigation strategies, and management of HAE exposure in elite rugby players. Positional-specific differences in HAE incidence and propensity should be considered in future mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Allan
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast, UK.
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, UK.
| | - James Tooby
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Lindsay Starling
- World Rugby, 8-10 Pembroke St., Dublin, Ireland
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Ross Tucker
- World Rugby, 8-10 Pembroke St., Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Éanna Falvey
- World Rugby, 8-10 Pembroke St., Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - James Brown
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sam Hudson
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Keith Stokes
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Premiership Rugby, London, UK
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Manchester, UK
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- 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, South Africa
| | - Simon Kemp
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Patrick O'Halloran
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Service, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Marker Diagnostics UK Ltd, Birmingham, UK
| | - Matt Cross
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Premiership Rugby, London, UK
| | - Gregory Tierney
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
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2
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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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3
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Brown N, Williams GKR, Stodter A, McNarry MA, Roldan-Reoyo O, Mackintosh KA, Moore IS, Williams EMP. A Global Women's Rugby Union Web-Based Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085475. [PMID: 37107757 PMCID: PMC10138678 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Rugby Union (rugby) is a full-contact team sport characterised by frequent collision events. Over one third (2.7 million) of global rugby participants are women and girls. Yet, most rugby research, laws, and regulations are derived from the men's game with limited transferability to the women's game. This includes research focused on injury and concussion management. Greater insights are urgently required to enable appropriate adaptations and support for all rugby participants. Therefore, this paper presents the protocol for a project that sought to gather insights into the understanding, experiences, and attitudes of players and coaches in women's rugby regarding key issues of concussion, injury, and training for injury prevention, as well as the implications of the menstrual cycle for training and performance. From August 2020 to November 2020, online, open, cross-sectional surveys for players and coaches were distributed globally through rugby governing bodies and women's rugby social media platforms using snowball sampling. Survey responses were recorded anonymously via a GDPR-compliant online survey platform, JISC (jisc.ac.uk, Bristol, England). Participant eligibility included being ≥18 years and either actively playing or coaching women's rugby 15s and/or sevens, or having done so in the past decade, at any level, in any country. To enhance the number and accuracy of responses, the survey was professionally translated into eight additional languages. A total of 1596 participants from 62 countries (27 ± 6 years; 7.5 ± 5.1 years of playing experience) and 296 participants from 37 countries (mean age = 36.64, SD = 9.09, mean experience = 6.53 years, SD = 3.31) completed the players' and coaches' surveys, respectively. Understanding women's participation in and experiences of rugby is important to enable lifelong engagement and enjoyment of the sport and health during and following participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Brown
- Applied, Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Geneviève K. R. Williams
- Department of Public Health & Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Anna Stodter
- Research Centre for Sport Coaching, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK
| | - Melitta A. McNarry
- Applied, Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Olga Roldan-Reoyo
- Applied, Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Kelly A. Mackintosh
- Applied, Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Isabel S. Moore
- Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | - Elisabeth M. P. Williams
- Applied, Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
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Nolan D, Curran O, Brady AJ, Egan B. Physical Match Demands of International Women's Rugby Union: A Three-Year Longitudinal Analysis of a Team Competing in The Women's Six Nations Championship. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:jfmk8010032. [PMID: 36976129 PMCID: PMC10053341 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of studies describing the physical match demands of elite international women's rugby union, which limits coaches' ability to effectively prepare players for the physical demands required to compete at the elite level. Global positioning system technologies were used to measure the physical match demands of 53 international female rugby union players during three consecutive Women's Six Nations Championships (2020-2022), resulting in 260 individual match performances. Mixed-linear modelling was used to investigate differences in physical match demands between positions. Significant effects (p < 0.05) of the position were observed for all variables, with the exception of relative distances (m.min-1) at velocities of 1.01-3.00 m·s-1 (p = 0.094) and 3.01-5.00 m·s-1 (p = 0.216). This study provides valuable data on the physical match demands of elite international women's rugby union match play that may aid practitioners in the physical preparation of players to compete at this level. Training methodologies for elite-level female rugby union players should consider the unique demands across positional groups with specific considerations of high-velocity running and collision frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nolan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orlaith Curran
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
- Irish Rugby Football Union, D04 F720 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aidan J Brady
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Egan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL 32502, USA
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5
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Till K, Hendricks S, Scantlebury S, Dalton-Barron N, Gill N, den Hollander S, Kemp S, Kilding AE, Lambert M, Mackreth P, O'Reilly J, Owen C, Spencer K, Stokes K, Tee J, Tucker R, Vaz L, Weaving D, Jones B. A global perspective on collision and non-collision match characteristics in male rugby union: Comparisons by age and playing standard. Eur J Sport Sci 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36803563 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2160938] [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: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
This study quantified and compared the collision and non-collision match characteristics across age categories (i.e. U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior) for both amateur and elite playing standards from Tier 1 rugby union nations (i.e. England, South Africa, New Zealand). Two-hundred and one male matches (5911 min ball-in-play) were coded using computerised notational analysis, including 193,708 match characteristics (e.g. 83,688 collisions, 33,052 tackles, 13,299 rucks, 1006 mauls, 2681 scrums, 2923 lineouts, 44,879 passes, 5568 kicks). Generalised linear mixed models with post-hoc comparisons and cluster analysis compared the match characteristics by age category and playing standard. Overall significant differences (p < 0.001) between age category and playing standard were found for the frequency of match characteristics, and tackle and ruck activity. The frequency of characteristics increased with age category and playing standard except for scrums and tries that were the lowest at the senior level. For the tackle, the percentage of successful tackles, frequency of active shoulder, sequential and simultaneous tackles increased with age and playing standard. For ruck activity, the number of attackers and defenders were lower in U18 and senior than younger age categories. Cluster analysis demonstrated clear differences in all and collision match characteristics and activity by age category and playing standard. These findings provide the most comprehensive quantification and comparison of collision and non-collision activity in rugby union demonstrating increased frequency and type of collision activity with increasing age and playing standard. These findings have implications for policy to ensure the safe development of rugby union players throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Till
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sean Scantlebury
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, UK
| | - Nick Dalton-Barron
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Football Association, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Gill
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing & Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Steve den Hollander
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Simon Kemp
- Rugby Football Union, London, UK.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew E Kilding
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Mackreth
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - John O'Reilly
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Cameron Owen
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, UK.,British Swimming, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kirsten Spencer
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keith Stokes
- Rugby Football Union, London, UK.,Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Jason Tee
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Luis Vaz
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Dan Weaving
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK.,Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, UK.,Research and Rugby Development, Premier Rugby Ltd, Twickenham, UK
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6
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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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7
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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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8
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Connors P, Earls D, Browne D, Fitzpatrick P, Rankin P. The positional and temporal running demands of elite inter-county camogie match play across 5-min intervals. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 18:1331-1337. [PMID: 35194463 PMCID: PMC8831097 DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-00904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Camogie is a native Irish female field sport game. This investigation aimed to establish elite camogie players’ positional and temporal running demands across 5-min intervals during competitive match play. Methods Thirty-one (n = 31) inter-county camogie players (age: 24 ± 4 years; height: 167.2 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 67.0 ± 7.5 kg) from two squads wore commercially available 10-Hz Playertek GPS units (Playertek by Catapult, Australia) during Senior All-Ireland Championship games (n = 8). Players were categorised according to match positions (defenders, mid-fielders, forwards). Games were split into quarters, and subsequently into 5-min intervals for analysis (5-min intervals are more closely associated with small-sided games and training than half-by-half comparisons). Results Analysis revealed significant positional and temporal differences to exist (p < 0.05). Mid-fielders covered greater total (r = 0.16–0.19) and relative distance (r = 0.15–0.17), with forwards covering greater high-speed distances (r = 0.09–0.19). Mid-fielders had greater temporal performance decrements for sprint distance between all first quarter intervals and 55–60 interval (Kendall’s W (W = 0.86–1.00), as well as the 0–5 and all final quarter intervals for total distance (W = 0.86–1.00). Defenders had significant performance decreases during the 25–30 (W = 0.29–0.60) and 40–45 interval (W = 0.14–0.57) for both total and relative distance. Forwards exhibited the lowest performance decrement, with no significant differences for peak speed, high-speed running, or sprint distance (W = 0.00–0.53). Conclusion Positional and temporal differences are evident in elite camogie match play. Mid-fielders have the greatest total and sprint distance decrements, with defenders also exhibiting total and relative distance decreases. Coaches should focus on temporal differences with respect to position, to minimise performance decrements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Connors
- HealthCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
| | - Des Earls
- HealthCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
| | - Declan Browne
- HealthCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
| | - Paula Fitzpatrick
- HealthCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
| | - Paula Rankin
- HealthCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
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9
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Callanan D, Rankin P, Fitzpatrick P. An Analysis of the Game Movement Demands of Women's Interprovincial Rugby Union. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:S20-S25. [PMID: 34100791 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Callanan, D, Rankin, P, and Fitzpatrick, P. Analysis of the game movement demands of women's interprovincial rugby union. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S20-S25, 2021-The purpose of this study was to provide an objective analysis of the game movement demands of women's interprovincial rugby union (RU). Sixty-three (N = 128) interprovincial women RU players wore 10-Hz global positioning systems (PlayerTek by Catapult, Australia) during 12 interprovincial matches (116 individual player data sets). Players were classified according to forwards and backs, and positional subcategory groups: front row second row, back row, half-back, midfield, and back three. The mean total distance covered across the series was 5,696 ± 822 m, at a relative distance of 67.9 ± 6.9 m·min-1, while recording a mean maximal velocity of 6.5 ± 0.7 m·s-1. The backs covered a greater total distance (5,964 ± 807 m; d = 0.65), relative distance (70.1 ± 7.5 m·min-1; d = 0.63), mean maximal velocity (6.9 ± 0.5 m·s-1; d = 1.27), distance walking (1,152 ± 152 m; d = 0.54), jogging (3,120 ± 519 m; d = 0.56), and high-speed running (294 ± 150 m; d = 0.99) than the forwards. The midfield recorded the greatest total distance (6,144 ± 516 m; p = 0.013), with the front row registering the lowest. The half backs documented the greatest relative distance (73.2 ± 8.0 m·min-1; p = 0.005), with the back three reported to cover the greatest distances walking (1,169 ± 178 m; p = 0.001) and at high-speed distances (353 ± 175 m; p = 0.002). The back three also recorded the greatest mean maximal velocity (7.2 ± 0.4 m·s-1; p = 0.000). This is the first study in the Northern hemisphere to report the game movement demands of interprovincial women's RU and the information derived from this study may provide practitioners with normative data to assist coaches with preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Callanan
- Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, Ireland
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Williams EMP, Petrie FJ, Pennington TN, Powell DRL, Arora H, Mackintosh KA, Greybe DG. Sex differences in neck strength and head impact kinematics in university rugby union players. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1649-1658. [PMID: 34463209 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1973573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Globally, over three million women participate in rugby union, yet injury prevention and training strategies are predominantly based on androcentric data. These strategies may have limited generalisability to females, given the cervical spine is more susceptible to whiplash and less adept at resisting inertial loading. A total of 53 university rugby union players (25 female, 28 male, 20.7 ± 1.8 years) had their isometric neck strength measured. Bespoke instrumented mouthguards were used to record the magnitude of head impact events in six female and seven male competitive matches. Mean female maximal isometric neck strength was 47% lower than male. Independent samples Mann-Whitney U tests showed no significant differences for peak linear head acceleration (female: median 11.7 g, IQR 7.9 g; male: median 12.5 g, IQR 7.0 g p=.23) or peak rotational head acceleration (female: median 800.2 rad·s-2, IQR 677.7 rad·s-2; male: median 849.4 rad·s-2, IQR 479.8 rad·s-2; p=.76), despite the mean male body mass being 24% greater than female. Coded video analysis revealed substantial differences in head-impact mechanisms; uncontrolled whiplash dominated >50% of all recorded female impact events and <0.5% in males. Direct head-to-ground impacts comprised 26.1% of female and 9.7% of male impacts, with whiplash occurring in 78.0% and 0.5%, respectively. Overall, the data provided in this study do not support the generalisation of male-derived training and injury-prevention data to female rugby athletes. These results suggest a considerable research effort is required to identify specific weakness of female rugby players and derive appropriate training, injury prevention and return to play protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M P Williams
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Freja J Petrie
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Thomas N Pennington
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - David R L Powell
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Hari Arora
- ZCCE, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Kelly A Mackintosh
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | - Desney G Greybe
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Wales, UK
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