Physical Demands of Match Play in Successful and Less-Successful Elite Rugby League Teams

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy T. Hulin ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Simon Kearney ◽  
Alex Corvo
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Success Group ◽  
Competitive Success ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rate Of Success

Purpose: To quantify activity profiles in approximately 5-min periods to determine if the intensity of rugby league match play changes after the most intense period of play and to determine if the intensity of activity during predefined periods of match play differ between successful and less-successful teams playing at an elite standard. Methods: Movement was recorded using a MinimaxX global positioning system (GPS) unit sampling at 10 Hz during 25 rugby league matches, equating to 200 GPS files. Data for each half of match play were separated into 8 equal periods. These periods represented the most intense phase of match play (peak period), the period after the most intense phase of match play (subsequent period), and the average demands of all other periods in a match (mean period). Two rugby league teams were split into a high-success and a low-success group based on their success rates throughout their season. Results: Compared with their less-successful counterparts, adjustables and hit-up forwards from the high-success team covered less total distance (P < .01) and less high-intensity-running distance (P < .01) and were involved in a greater number of collisions (P < .01) during the mean period of match play. Conclusions: Although a greater number of collisions during match play is linked with a greater rate of success, greater amounts of high-intensity running and total distance are not related to competitive success in elite rugby league. These results suggest that technical and tactical differences, rather than activity profiles, may be the distinguishing factor between successful and less-successful rugby league teams.

scholarly journals Activity Profiles by Position in Youth Elite Soccer Players in Official Matches

2019 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. E19-E24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svein Arne Pettersen ◽  
Tormod Brenn
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
External Load ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Youth Soccer

AbstractIn order to investigate activity profiles and external load patterns in elite youth soccer players, we studied high-intensity activity patterns, maximum running speed, and temporary and end-of-match decline in external load in 54 U17 players (96 match observations) over a full season of official match play.Wide midfielders covered most high-intensity running (HIR) distance (1044.2 m), most sprinting distance (224.4 m), and the highest number of accelerations (185.2); center defenders had the lowest values for these activities (508.3 m, 85.1 m, and 119.0), respectively. Wide midfielders had the highest and center defenders had the lowest maximum speed (30.3 km · h − 1 and 28.6 km · h − 1), respectively. During the matches, players in all playing positions displayed a significant drop in HIR distance, sprinting distance, and number of accelerations. This was especially pronounced in the 5 min following the 5-min peak period and in the last 5-min period for sprinting distance.There are substantial differences in activity profiles by positions, but all players show temporary and end-of-match drop in external load. The variation in activity profiles by playing position in this study may aid in the design of training programs. The considerable end-of-match drop in external load observed raises the question of the favorability of 90 min match times for U17 players.

scholarly journals Officiating Role Influences the Physical Match Activity Profiles of Rugby League Touch Judges and Referees

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leesa Pearce ◽  
Carl Woods ◽  
Wade Sinclair ◽  
Anthony Leicht
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Relative Distance ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Abstract This study investigated the effect of the officiating role on physical activity profiles of rugby league match officials during match-play. Physical performance indicators were collated from 23 match officials, resulting in 78 observations. Match officials were categorised into two groups: referees and touch judges. Microtechnology facilitated the quantification of total distance (m), relative distance (m⋅min-1), maximum velocity (m⋅s-1), the percentage of high intensity running distance (% total > 3.01 m⋅s-1), walking distance (<1 m⋅s-1), jogging distance (1.01 – 3 m⋅s-1), fast jogging distance (3.01 - 5 m⋅s-1), and sprinting distance (>5 m⋅s-1). Multivariate analysis modelled the main effect of the officiating role with follow up univariate analyses identifying significant differences. A significant effect was noted (V = 750; F(8, 66) = 24.71; p < 0.05) with referees covering a greater total distance (7767 ± 585 vs. 7022 ± 759 m), relative distance (90 ± 6 vs. 82 ± 8 m⋅min-1), jogging distance (3772 ± 752 vs. 3110 ± 553 m), and fast jogging distance (2565 ± 631 vs. 1816 ± 440 m) compared to touch judges. Touch judges covered greater distances while sprinting (1012 ± 385 vs. 654 ± 241 m). Results provide important guidance in the development of training programs for match officials.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Match-Play Characteristics of Elite Rugby League and Indirect Markers of Muscle Damage

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea L. Oxendale ◽  
Craig Twist ◽  
Matthew Daniels ◽  
Jamie Highton
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Damage ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Muscle Soreness ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose:While exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after rugby league match play has been well documented, the specific match actions that contribute to EIMD are unclear. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the positional demands of elite rugby league matches and examine their relationship with subsequent EIMD.Methods:Twenty-eight performances (from 17 participants) were captured using 10-Hz global positioning systems over 4 competitive matches. Upper- and lower-body neuromuscular fatigue, creatine kinase (CK), and perceived muscle soreness were assessed 24 h before and at 12, 36, and 60 h after matches.Results:High-intensity running was moderately higher in backs (6.6 ± 2.6 m/min) than in forwards (5.1 ± 1.6 m/min), whereas total collisions were moderately lower (31.1 ± 13.1 vs 54.1 ± 37.0). Duration (r = .90, CI: .77–.96) and total (r = .86, CI: .70–.95) and high-intensity distance covered (r = .76, CI: .51–.91) were associated (P < .05) with increased CK concentration postmatch. Total collisions and repeated high-intensity efforts were associated (P < .05) with large decrements in upper-body neuromuscular performance (r = –.48, CI: –.74 to .02; r = –.49, CI: –.77 to .05, respectively), muscle soreness (r = –.68, CI: –.87 to –.10, r = –.66, CI: –.89 to .21, respectively), and CK concentration (r = .67, CI: .42–.85; r = .73, CI: .51–.87, respectively). All EIMD markers returned to baseline within 60 h.Conclusion:Match duration, high-intensity running, and collisions were associated with variations in EIMD markers, suggesting that recovery is dependent on individual match demands.

Repeated High-Intensity-Effort Activity in Elite and Semielite Rugby League Match Play

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 711-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia M. Black ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett
Keyword(s):  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Recovery Time ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Global Positioning

Purpose:No study has investigated the frequency and nature of repeated high-intensity-effort (RHIE) bouts across elite and semielite rugby league competitions. This study examined RHIE activity in rugby league match play across playing standards.Participants:36 elite and 64 semielite rugby league players.Methods:Global positioning system analysis was completed during 17 elite and 14 semielite matches.Results:The most commonly occurring RHIE bouts involved 2 efforts (2-RHIE) for both elite and semielite players. Only small differences were found in 2-RHIE activity between elite and semielite match play (effect size [ES] ≥0.31 ± 0.15, ≥88%, likely). RHIE bouts were more likely to involve contact as the number of efforts in a bout increased (ES ≥0.40 ± 0.15, 100%, almost certainly). Semielite players performed a greater proportion of 2-contact-effort RHIE bouts than their elite counterparts (68.2% vs 60.6%, ES 0.33 ± 0.15, 92%, likely), while elite players performed a greater proportion of 3-effort bouts (26.9% vs 21.1%, ES 0.31 ± 0.15, 88%, likely). Elite players also had a shorter recovery (1.00−3.99 vs ≥4.00 min) between RHIE bouts (ES ≥1.60 ± 0.71, ≥94%, likely).Conclusion:These findings highlight the RHIE demands of elite and semielite rugby league match play. Elite players are more likely to perform RHIE bouts consisting of 3 efforts and to have a shorter recovery time between bouts. Exposing players to these RHIE demands in training is likely to improve their ability to tolerate the most demanding passages of match play.

Differences Between Relative and Absolute Speed and Metabolic Thresholds in Rugby League

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tannath J. Scott ◽  
Heidi R. Thornton ◽  
Macfarlane T.U. Scott ◽  
Ben J. Dascombe ◽  
Grant M. Duthie
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
External Training ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Physical Capacities

Purpose: To compare relative and absolute speed and metabolic thresholds for quantifying match output in elite rugby league. Methods: Twenty-six professional players competing in the National Rugby League were monitored with global positioning systems (GPS) across a rugby-league season. Absolute speed (moderate-intensity running [MIRTh > 3.6 m/s] and high-intensity running [HIRTh > 5.2 m/s]) and metabolic (>20 W/kg) thresholds were compared with individualized ventilatory (first [VT1IFT] and second [VT2IFT]) thresholds estimated from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), as well as the metabolic threshold associated with VT2IFT (HPmetVT2), to examine difference in match-play demands. Results: VT2IFT mean values represent 146%, 138%, 167%, and 144% increases in the HIR dose across adjustables, edge forwards, middle forwards, and outside backs, respectively. Distance covered above VT2IFT was almost certainly greater (ES range = 0.79–1.03) than absolute thresholds across all positions. Trivial to small differences were observed between VT1IFT and MIRTh, while small to moderate differences were reported between HPmetVT2 and HPmetTh. Conclusions: These results reveal that the speed at which players begin to run at higher intensities depends on individual capacities and attributes. As such, using absolute HIR speed thresholds underestimates the physical HIR load. Moreover, absolute MIR and high metabolic thresholds may over- or underestimate the work undertaken above these thresholds depending on the respective fitness of the individual. Therefore, using relative thresholds enables better prescription and monitoring of external training loads based on measured individual physical capacities.

Emergency Cricothyrotomy Performed by Surgical Airway–naive Medical Personnel

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Heymans ◽  
Georg Feigl ◽  
Stephan Graber ◽  
Delphine S. Courvoisier ◽  
Kerstin M. Weber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Order ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Procedure Time ◽  
Biometric Parameters ◽  
Lifetime Experience ◽  
Effective Ventilation ◽  
Surgical Airway ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rate Of Success

Abstract Background When conventional approaches to obtain effective ventilation and return of effective spontaneous breathing fail, surgical airway is the last rescue option. Most physicians have a limited lifetime experience with cricothyrotomy, and it is unclear what method should be taught for this lifesaving procedure. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of medical personnel, naive to surgical airway techniques, in establishing an emergency surgical airway in cadavers using three commonly used cricothyrotomy techniques. Methods Twenty medical students, without previous knowledge of surgical airway techniques, were randomly selected from their class. After training, they performed cricothyrotomy by three techniques (surgical, Melker, and QuickTrach II) in a random order on 60 cadavers with comparable biometrics. The time to complete the procedure, rate of success, and number of complications were recorded. A success was defined as the correct placement of the cannula within the trachea in 3 min. Results The success rates were 95, 55, and 50% for surgical cricothyrotomy, QuickTrach, and Melker, respectively (P = 0.025). The majority of failures were due to cannula misplacement (15 of 20). In successful procedures, the mean procedure time was 94 ± 35 s in the surgical group, 77 ± 34 in the QuickTrach II group, and 149 ± 24 in the Melker group (P &lt; 0.001). Few significant complications were found in successful procedures. No cadaver biometric parameters were correlated with success of the procedure. Conclusion Surgical airway–naive medical personnel establish emergency cricothyrotomy more efficiently and safely with the surgical procedure than with the other two commonly used techniques.

scholarly journals PlayerLoad Variables: Sensitive to Changes in Direction and Not Related to Collision Workloads in Rugby League Match Play

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1136-1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy T. Hulin ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
David G. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Team Sport ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Crossover Design ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Vector Magnitude

Purpose: To determine (1) how change-of-direction (COD) workloads influence PlayerLoad (PL) variables when controlling total distance covered and (2) relationships among collision workloads and PL variables during rugby league match play. Methods: Participants completed 3 protocols (crossover design) consisting of 10 repetitions of a 60-m effort in 15 s. The difference between protocols was the COD demands required to complete 1 repetition: no COD (straight line), 1° × 180° COD, or 3° × 180° COD. During rugby league matches, relationships among collision workloads, triaxial vector-magnitude PlayerLoad (PLVM), anteroposterior + mediolateral PL (PL2D), and PLVM accumulated at locomotor velocities below 2 m·s−1 (ie, PLSLOW) were examined using Pearson correlations (r) with coefficients of determination (R2). Results: Comparing 3° × 180° COD to straight-line drills, PLVM·min−1 (d = 1.50 ± 0.49, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly), PL2D·min−1 (d = 1.38 ± 0.53, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly), and PLSLOW·min−1 (d = 1.69 ± 0.40, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly) were greater. Collisions per minute demonstrated a distinct (ie, R2 < .50) relationship from PLVM·min−1 (R2 = .30, r = .55) and PL2D·min−1 (R2 = .37, r = .61). Total distance per minute demonstrated a very large relationship with PLVM·min−1 (R2 = .62, r = .79) and PL2D·min−1 (R2 = .57, r = .76). Conclusions: PL variables demonstrate (1) large increases as COD demands intensify, (2) separate relationships from collision workloads, and (3) moderate to very large relationships with total distance during match play. PL variables should be used with caution to measure collision workloads in team sport.

scholarly journals Influence of Knowledge of Task Endpoint on Pacing and Performance During Simulated Rugby League Match Play

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1192-1198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Highton ◽  
Thomas Mullen ◽  
Craig Twist
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Match Play ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Trial Participants

Purpose:To examine the influence of knowledge of exercise duration on pacing and performance during simulated rugby league match play. Methods:Thirteen male university rugby players completed 3 simulated rugby league matches (RLMSP-i) on separate days in a random order. In a control trial, participants were informed that they would be performing 2 × 23-min bouts (separated by 20 min) of the RLMSP-i (CON). In a second trial, participants were informed that they would be performing 1 × 23-min bout of the protocol but were then asked to perform another 23-min bout (DEC). In a third trial, participants were not informed of the exercise duration and performed 2 × 23-min bouts (UN). Results:Distance covered and high-intensity running were higher in CON (4813 ± 167 m, 26 ± 4.1 m/min) than DEC (4764 ± 112 m, 25.2 ± 2.8 m/min) and UN (4744 ± 131 m, 24.4 m/min). Compared with CON, high-intensity running and peak speed were typically higher for DEC in bout 1 and lower in bout 2 of the RLMSP-i, while UN was generally lower throughout. Similarly, DEC resulted in an increased heart rate, blood lactate, and rating of perceived exertion than CON in bout 1, whereas these variables were lower throughout the protocol in UN. Conclusions:Pacing and performance during simulated rugby league match play depend on an accurate understanding of the exercise endpoint. Applied practitioners should consider informing players of their likely exercise duration to maximize running.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Acceleration, Deceleration and High-Intensity Skating during Elite Bandy Match-Play: A Case Study

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Malin Johansson ◽  
Per-Erik Ervasti ◽  
Sven Blomqvist
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Acceleration And Deceleration ◽  
Time Dependent Effect ◽  
Changes Over Time

Profiles of physical workload in sports are useful to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to investigate physical workload in 10 elite bandy players by describing acceleration, deceleration, and high-intensity skating during bandy match-play. During 13 home matches, 10 male elite bandy players wore a GPS unit to measure changes in the total distance, total distance skating in two speed zones, and total distance of acceleration and deceleration. A within-subject design was used to measure changes over time during match-play by comparing first and second halves as well as comparisons for consecutive 15 min intervals. No significant differences were observed for high-intensity or very high-intensity acceleration and deceleration for comparisons by halves or for 15-min intervals. For comparisons by halves, a significant time-dependent effect was observed on very fast skating (1337.6 m vs. 1160.9 m), sprint skating (300.0 m vs. 272.0 m), low-intensity acceleration (342.7 m vs. 333.0 m), and total distance covered (10,916.9 m vs. 10,450.3 m). These variables, along with low-intensity deceleration, were also significant for the 15 min interval comparisons. The results show that there is no time-dependent reduction in high-intensity acceleration and deceleration in elite bandy match-play. However, elite bandy players do not maintain the distance of high-intensity skating throughout a whole match.

Positional Differences in Match Running Performance and Physical Collisions in Men Rugby Sevens

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Suarez-Arrones ◽  
Carlos Arenas ◽  
Guillermo López ◽  
Bernardo Requena ◽  
Oliver Terrill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Substantial Decrease ◽  
Gps Technology ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Medium Intensity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fitness Training

Purpose:This study describes the physical match demands relative to positional group in male rugby sevens.Methods:Ten highly trained players were investigated during competitive matches (N = 23) using GPS technology, heart rate (HR), and video recording.Results:The relative distance covered by the players throughout the match was 102.3 ± 9.8 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.8% (36.6 ± 5.9 m/min) was covered walking, 26.0% (26.6 ± 5.5 m/min) jogging, 10.0% (10.2 ± 2.4 m/min) running at low intensity, 14.2% (14.5 ± 4.0 m/min) at medium intensity, 4.6% (4.7 ± 1.6 m/min) at high intensity, and 9.5% (9.7 ± 3.7 m/min) sprinting. For the backs, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at low, medium, and high intensity was observed in the second half. Forwards exhibited a substantial decrease in the distance covered at medium intensity, high intensity, and sprinting in the 2nd half. Backs covered substantially more total distance at medium and sprinting speeds than forwards. In addition, the maximum length of sprint runs was substantially greater for the backs than forwards. On the contrary, forwards performed more tackles. The mean HR during the match in backs and forwards was similar, with the exception of time spent at HR intensities >90%HRmax, which was substantially higher in forwards.Conclusion:These findings provide a description of the different physical demands placed on rugby sevens backs and forwards. This information may be helpful in the development of positional and/or individualized physical-fitness training programs.

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