Seasonal Analysis of Mucosal Immunological Function and Physical Demands in Professional Australian Rules Footballers

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 574-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Coad ◽  
Bon Gray ◽  
Christopher McLellan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Immunological Function ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Monitoring Strategies ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Seasonal Analysis

Purpose:To assess match-to-match variations in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) measured at 36 h postmatch throughout an Australian Football League (AFL) premiership season and to assess the trends between 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] and match-play exercise workloads throughout the same season.Methods:Eighteen elite male AFL athletes (24 ± 4.2 y, 187.0 ± 7.1 cm, 87.0 ± 7.6 kg) were monitored on a weekly basis to determine total match-play exercise workloads and 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] throughout 16 consecutive matches in an AFL premiership season. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to measure exercise workloads (PlayerLoad) during each AFL match. A linear mixed-model analyses was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load.Results:A significant main effect was found for longitudinal postmatch [s-IgA] data (F16,240 = 3.78, P < .01) and PlayerLoad data (F16,66 = 1.98, P = .03). For all matches after and including match 7, a substantial suppression trend in [s-IgA] 36-h-postmatch values was found compared with preseason baseline [s-IgA].Conclusion:The current study provides novel data regarding longitudinal trends in 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] for AFL athletes. Results demonstrate that weekly in-season AFL match-play exercise workloads may result in delayed mucosal immunological recovery beyond 36 h postmatch. The inclusion of individual athlete-monitoring strategies of [s-IgA] may be advantageous in the detection of compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function for AFL athletes.

Physical Demands and Salivary Immunoglobulin A Responses of Elite Australian Rules Football Athletes to Match Play

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Coad ◽  
Bon Gray ◽  
George Wehbe ◽  
Christopher McLellan
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Immunological Function ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Australian Rules Football ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Salivary Immunoglobulin A

Purpose:To examine the response or pre- and postmatch salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) to Australian Football League (AFL) match play and investigate the acute and cumulative influence of player workload and postmatch [s-IgA] after repeated participation in AFL match play.Methods:Eleven elite AFL athletes (21.8 ± 2.4 y, 186.9 ± 7.9 cm, 87.4 ± 7.5 kg) were monitored throughout 3 matches during the preseason that were separated by 7 d. Saliva samples were collected across each AFL match at 24 h and 1 h prematch and 1, 12, 36, and 60 h postmatch to determine [s-IgA]. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to determine total player workload during match play. Hypothesis testing was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load using a repeated-measures ANOVA.Results:Player load during match 3 (1266 ± 124.6 AU) was significantly (P < .01) greater than in match 1 (1096 ± 115.1 AU) and match 2 (1082 ± 90.4 AU). Across match 3, [s-IgA] was significantly (P < .01) suppressed at 2 postmatch measures (12 and 36 h) compared with prematch measures (24 and 1 h), which coincided with significantly (P < .01) elevated player load.Conclusion:The findings indicate that an increase in player load during AFL preseason match play resulted in compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function. Longitudinal assessment of AFL-match player load and mucosal immunological function across the first 60 h of recovery may augment monitoring and preparedness strategies for athletes.

scholarly journals Team numerical advantage in Australian rules football: A missing piece of the scoring puzzle?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254591
Author(s):  
Jeremy P. Alexander ◽  
Timothy Bedin ◽  
Karl B. Jackson ◽  
Sam Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Tracking Data ◽  
Event Data ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Player Tracking ◽  
Australian Rules Football ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Numerical Advantage

The primary aim of this study was to determine the relationship between a team numerical advantage during structured phases of play and match event outcomes in professional Australian football. The secondary aim was to quantify how players occupy different sub-areas of the playing field in match play, while accounting for match phase and ball location. Spatiotemporal player tracking data and play-by-play event data from professional players and teams were collected from the 2019 Australian Football League season played at a single stadium. Logistic regression analysed the relationship between total players and team numerical advantage during clearances and inside 50’s. Total players and team numerical advantage were also quantified continuously throughout a match, which were separated into three match phases (offence, defence, and stoppage) and four field positions (defensive 50, defensive midfield, attacking midfield, and forward 50). Results identified an increased team numerical advantage produced a greater likelihood of gaining possession from clearances or generating a score from inside 50’s. Although, an increased number of total players inside 50 was likely associated with a concomitant decrease in the probability of scoring, irrespective of a team numerical advantage. Teams were largely outnumbered when the ball was in their forward 50 but attained a numerical advantage when the ball was in the defensive 50.

scholarly journals Future Directions and Considerations for Talent Identification in Australian Football

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Bonney ◽  
Paul Larkin ◽  
Kevin Ball
Keyword(s):  
Skill Assessment ◽  
Dynamic Nature ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Identification Process ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Assessment Procedures

As the focus on the elite Australian Football League competition becomes greater so too does the demand for success. Clubs are heavily scrutinized for their draft selections and as such are taking more interest in the younger levels of competition in an attempt to identify and monitor talent. Based on contemporary talent identification knowledge, this review examines the current talent identification process in Australian football, with a focus on areas to potentially improve or inform future developments. Currently, a significant gap exists between static and isolated assessment procedures used to identify talent in Australian football and the dynamic nature of match play. Future assessments should consider factors such as maturation, fatigue and ecological dynamics. The addition of a valid and reliable technical skill assessment (e.g., a small-sided game) to the current Australian Football League draft combine was recommended.

Factors Affecting Match Running Performance in Professional Australian Football

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1199-1204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Ryan ◽  
Aaron J. Coutts ◽  
Joel Hocking ◽  
Thomas Kempton
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Individual Player ◽  
Australian Football

Purpose:To examine the influence of a range of individual player characteristics and match-related factors on activity profiles during professional Australian football matches. Methods:Global positioning system (GPS) profiles were collected from 34 professional Australian football players from the same club over 15 competition matches. GPS data were classified into relative total and high-speed running (HSR; >20 km/h) distances. Individual player aerobic fitness was determined from a 2-km time trial conducted during the preseason. Each match was classified according to match location, season phase, recovery length, opposition strength, and match outcome. The total number of stoppages during the match was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A linear mixed model was constructed to examine the influence of player characteristics and match-related factors on both relative total and HSR outputs. Results:Player aerobic fitness had a large effect on relative total and HSR distances. Away matches and matches lost produced only small reductions in relative HSR distances, while the number of rotations also had a small positive effect. Matches won, more player rotations, and playing against strong opposition all resulted in small to moderate increases in relative total distance, while early season phase, increased number of stoppages, and away matches resulted in small to moderate reductions in relative total distance. Conclusions:There is a likely interplay of factors that influence running performance during Australian football matches. The results highlight the need to consider a variety of contextual factors when interpreting physical output from matches.

scholarly journals Muscle Glycogen Utilization During an Australian Rules Football Game

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry E. Routledge ◽  
Jill J. Leckey ◽  
Matt J. Lee ◽  
Andrew Garnham ◽  
Stuart Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Glycogen ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Glycogen Utilization

Purpose: To better understand the carbohydrate (CHO) requirement of Australian Football (AF) match play by quantifying muscle glycogen utilization during an in-season AF match. Methods: After a 24-h CHO-loading protocol of 8 and 2 g/kg in the prematch meal, 2 elite male forward players had biopsies sampled from m. vastus lateralis before and after participation in a South Australian Football League game. Player A (87.2 kg) consumed water only during match play, whereas player B (87.6 kg) consumed 88 g CHO via CHO gels. External load was quantified using global positioning system technology. Results: Player A completed more minutes on the ground (115 vs 98 min) and covered greater total distance (12.2 vs 11.2 km) than player B, although with similar high-speed running (837 vs 1070 m) and sprinting (135 vs 138 m). Muscle glycogen decreased by 66% in player A (pre: 656 mmol/kg dry weight [dw], post: 223 mmol/kg dw) and 24% in player B (pre: 544 mmol/kg dw, post: 416 mmol/kg dw). Conclusion: Prematch CHO loading elevated muscle glycogen concentrations (ie, >500 mmol/kg dw), the magnitude of which appears sufficient to meet the metabolic demands of elite AF match play. The glycogen cost of AF match play may be greater than in soccer and rugby, and CHO feeding may also spare muscle glycogen use. Further studies using larger sample sizes are now required to quantify the interindividual variability of glycogen cost of match play (including muscle and fiber-type-specific responses), as well examining potential metabolic and ergogenic effects of CHO feeding.

Identification of Sensitive Measures of Recovery After External Load From Football Match Play

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 969-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber E. Rowell ◽  
Robert J. Aughey ◽  
Will G. Hopkins ◽  
Andrew M. Stewart ◽  
Stuart J. Cormack
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
High Load ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Salivary Testosterone ◽  
Football Match ◽  
Change In Mean

Objective measures of recovery from football match play could be useful for assessing athletes’ readiness to train, if sensitive to preceding match load.Purpose:To identify the sensitivity of countermovement-jump (CMJ) performance and concentration of salivary testosterone and cortisol relative to elite football match load.Methods:CMJ performance and salivary hormones were measured in 18 elite football players before (27, 1 h) and after (0.5, 18, 42, 66, 90 h) 3 consecutive matches. Match load was determined via accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad and divided into tertiles. Sensitivity of CMJ performance and hormone concentrations to match load was quantified with t statistics and magnitude-based inferences (change in mean as % ± 90% confidence interval) derived with a linear mixed model.Results:Jump height was reduced in medium and high load at 0.5 h (10% ± 7% and 16% ± 8%) and 18 h (7% ± 4% and 9% ± 5%) postmatch. There was a 12% ± 7% reduction in ratio of flight time to contraction time (FT:CT) in high load at 0.5 h post, with reductions in medium and high load at 18 h. Reductions in FT:CT persisted at later postmatch time points than changes in jump height. Increased cortisol (range 55–165%) and testosterone (range 17–20%) were observed in all match loads at 0.5 h post, with individual variability thereafter.Conclusions:Measures of CMJ performance and hormonal concentrations were sensitive to levels of A League football match load. Although jump height was reduced immediately postmatch, FT:CT provided a more sensitive measure of recovery. Football match play induces an acute hormonal response with substantial individual variability thereafter.

Physical demands and technical performance in Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition match-play

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 748-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthea C. Clarke ◽  
Samuel Ryan ◽  
Georgia Couvalias ◽  
Ben J. Dascombe ◽  
Aaron J. Coutts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Match Play ◽  
Physical Demands ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Australian Football

scholarly journals Differences between Elite and Semi-Elite Australian Football Conceptualised through the Lens of Ecological Dynamics

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Carl T. Woods ◽  
James Jarvis ◽  
Ian McKeown
Keyword(s):  
Processing Time ◽  
Spatial Constraints ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Ecological Dynamics ◽  
Australian Football League ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

This study explored the differences in match play between elite and semi-elite Australian football (AF) conceptualised through the lens of ecological dynamics. We sampled naturalistic constraints from match play across two AF competitions (elite and semi-elite) and heuristically classified them into task, environmental and individual classes. Data was extracted from 22 Australian Football League (AFL) games, and 18 semi-elite AF games, with a total of six constraints being sampled from each game. Match play within the AFL generated a greater percent of total disposals in general play within a processing time of 0–1s (d = 1.24 (0.64–1.80)), a greater opposition density surrounding the ball carrier (d = 0.82 (0.26–1.37)), and more disposals being performed while running (dynamic; d = 0.89 (0.33–1.45)). This data highlights differences with regards to the informational sources available to players across both competition standards to inform their movement choices. Specifically, a greater proportion of disposals within the AFL appear to be shaped by pronounced temporal and spatial constraints relative to a semi-elite competition. Coaches are encouraged to consider these results when developing representative training activities for both AFL and prospective AFL players.

scholarly journals Women's Rugby League: Positional Groups and Peak Locomotor Demands

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cloe Cummins ◽  
Glen Charlton ◽  
David Paul ◽  
Kath Shorter ◽  
Simon Buxton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Statistical Computing ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Average Acceleration ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Global Navigational Satellite System

The aims of this study were to (a) use a data-based approach to identify positional groups within National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) match-play and (b) quantify the peak locomotor demands of NRLW match-play by positional groups. Microtechnology (Global Navigational Satellite System [GNSS] and integrated inertial sensors; n = 142 files; n = 76 players) and match statistics (n = 238 files; n = 80 players) were collected from all NRLW teams across the 2019 season. Data-based clustering of match statistics was utilized to identify positional clusters through classifying individual playing positions into distinct positional groups. Moving averages (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 min) of peak running and average acceleration/deceleration demands were calculated via microtechnology data for each player per match. All analysis was undertaken in R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing) with positional differences determined via a linear mixed model and effect sizes (ES). Data-based clustering suggested that, when informed by match statistics, individual playing positions can be clustered into one of three positional groups. Based on the clustering of the individual positions, these groups could be broadly defined as backs (fullback, wing, and center), adjustables (halfback, five-eighth, and hooker), and forwards (prop, second-row, and lock). Backs and adjustables demonstrated greater running (backs: ES 0.51–1.00; p &lt; 0.05; adjustables: ES 0.51–0.74, p &lt; 0.05) and average acceleration/deceleration (backs: ES 0.48–0.87; p &lt; 0.05; adjustables: ES 0.60–0.85, p &lt; 0.05) demands than forwards across all durations. Smaller differences (small to trivial) were noted between backs and adjustables across peak running and average acceleration/deceleration demands. Such findings suggest an emerging need to delineate training programs in situations in which individual playing positions train in positional group based settings. Collectively, this work informs the positional groupings that could be applied when examining NRLW data and supports the development of a framework for specifically training female rugby league players for the demands of the NRLW competition.

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