Fitness Determinants of Repeated High-Intensity Effort Ability in Elite Rugby Union Players

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Adrien Vachon ◽  
Nicolas Berryman ◽  
Iñigo Mujika ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Paquet ◽  
Laurent Bosquet
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Body Composition Assessment ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Body Strength

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between physical fitness and repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) ability in elite rugby union players, depending on playing position. Method: Thirty-nine players underwent a fitness testing battery composed of a body composition assessment, upper-body strength (1-repetition maximum bench press and 1-repetition maximum bench row), lower-body strength (6-repetition maximum back squat), and power (countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, and 20-m sprint), as well as aerobic fitness (Bronco test) and RHIE tests over a 1-week period. Pearson linear correlations were used to quantify relationships between fitness tests and the RHIE performance outcomes (total sprint time [TST] and percentage decrement [%D]). Thereafter, a stepwise multiple regression model was used to verify the influence of physical fitness measures on RHIE ability. Results: TST was strongly to very strongly associated to body fat (BF, r = .82, P < .01), the 20-m sprint (r = .86, P < .01), countermovement jump (r = −.72, P < .01), and Bronco test (r = .90, P < .01). These fitness outcomes were related to %D, with moderate to strong associations (.82 > ∣r∣ > .54, P < .01). By playing position, similar associations were observed in forwards, but RHIE ability was only related to the 20-m sprint in backs (r = .53, P < .05). The RHIE performance model equations were TST = 13.69 + 0.01 × BF + 0.08 × Bronco + 10.20 × 20 m and %D = −14.34 + 0.11 × BF +0.18 × Bronco − 9.92 × 20 m. These models explain 88.8% and 68.2% of the variance, respectively. Conclusion: Body composition, lower-body power, and aerobic fitness were highly related with RHIE ability. However, backs expressed a different profile than forwards, suggesting that further research with larger sample sizes is needed to better understand the fitness determinants of backs’ RHIE ability.

scholarly journals Impact of an 11-Week Strength and Conditioning Program on Firefighter Trainee Fitness

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon L. Stone ◽  
Brent A. Alvar ◽  
Robin M. Orr ◽  
Robert G. Lockie ◽  
Quincy R. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Conditioning Session ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Strength And Conditioning ◽  
Academy Training ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Physical fitness is an important aspect of physical health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 11-weeks of formal strength and conditioning training conducted during fire academy training on the physical fitness characteristics of firefighter trainees. Archived physical fitness data for 23 male fire academy trainees (age: 27.6 ± 4.3 y; height: 178.5 ± 6.9 cm; body mass [BM]: 83.9 ± 1.8 kg; BM index [BMI]: 26.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were analyzed for this study. These data included vertical jump height, maximum pull-up repetitions, hand grip strength, lower-body strength (3RM Hexbar) and aerobic fitness. Trainees performed three sessions per week (two resistance training sessions and one aerobic conditioning session) in addition to fire academy training. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05) pre-post decreases in BM and BMI and significant increases in upper- and lower-body strength, and aerobic fitness. Strength and conditioning programs are beneficial for improving firefighter trainees’ physical fitness even when run concurrently with fire academy training and with limited space and equipment. This increased fitness may aid in mitigating known occupational injury risks to this population and improve task performance.

scholarly journals Effects of 4 Weeks of a Technique-Specific Protocol with High-Intensity Intervals on General and Specific Physical Fitness in Taekwondo Athletes: An Inter-Individual Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3643
Author(s):  
Alex Ojeda-Aravena ◽  
Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela ◽  
Pablo Valdés-Badilla ◽  
Jorge Cancino-López ◽  
José Zapata-Bastias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Specific Protocol

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of a technique-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol vs. traditional taekwondo training on physical fitness and body composition in taekwondo athletes, as well as to analyse the inter-individual response. Utilising a parallel controlled design, sixteen male and female athletes (five females and 11 males) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) that participated in the technique-specific HIIT and a control group (CG) that participated in traditional taekwondo training. Both groups trained three days/week for four weeks. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-metre sprint (5M), 20-metre shuttle run (20MSR), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), total kicks, and kick decrement index (KDI), as well as body composition were evaluated. Results indicate that there are no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the factors group and time factor and group by time interaction (p > 0.05). Although percentage and effect size increases were documented for post-intervention fitness components in TSAT, total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR, responders and non-responders were also documented. In conclusion, a HIIT protocol based on taekwondo-specific technical movements does not report significant differences in fitness and body composition compared to traditional taekwondo training, nor inter-individual differences between athletes.

What Physical Fitness Component Is Most Closely Associated With Adolescents' Blood Pressure?

2017 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloyse E. G. Nunes ◽  
Carlos A. S. Alves ◽  
Eliane C. A. Gonçalves ◽  
Diego A. S. Silva
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Pressure

This study aimed to determine which of four selected physical fitness variables, would be most associated with blood pressure changes (systolic and diastolic) in a large sample of adolescents. This was a descriptive and cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 1,117 adolescents aged 14–19 years from southern Brazil. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by a digital pressure device, and the selected physical fitness variables were body composition (body mass index), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscle strength/resistance (manual dynamometer), and aerobic fitness (Modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test). Simple and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that aerobic fitness and muscle strength/resistance best explained variations in systolic blood pressure for boys (17.3% and 7.4% of variance) and girls (7.4% of variance). Aerobic fitness, body composition, and muscle strength/resistance are all important indicators of blood pressure control, but aerobic fitness was a stronger predictor of systolic blood pressure in boys and of diastolic blood pressure in both sexes.

scholarly journals The relationship between second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), muscle strength and body composition to bone mineral density in young women

Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Hamid Arazi ◽  
Ehsan Eghbali
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship

2D:4D ratio is determined by balance between androgens and estrogens. Low level estrogen reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and incurs negative changes to bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and, as a consequence, fracture risk in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, muscle strength and body composition to BMD in young women. One hundred twenty-seven young women (age range 24-36 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Lengths of the second (index) and fourth (ring) fingers, upper and lower body strength and body composition (body mass index, BMI; waist to hip ratio, WHR) and body fat percentage were estimated. Also, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The results showed that digit ratios, upper body and lower body muscle strength, BMI and fat percentage had a positive relationship with LS and FN BMD (LS BMD: r=.47, r=.56, r=.46, r=.34, r=.28, p≤.001, respectively; FN BMD: r=.34, r=.49, r=.51, r=.45, r=.27, p≤.001, respectively). In addition, there was no significant relationship between WHR and BMD of LS and FN (p˃.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the upper body strength was a stronger determinant of LS BMD and the lower body strength was a stronger determinant of FN BMD. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that upper and lower body strength, 2D:4D ratios and BMI were important determinants of young women’s BMD. Also, it seemed that some of these factors may be able to help predicting the osteoporosis potential in young women

The Effects of Physical Fitness and Body Composition on Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate Recovery After High-Intensity Exercise

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (08) ◽  
pp. 621-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Campos ◽  
F. Bastos ◽  
M. Papoti ◽  
I. Freitas Junior ◽  
C. Gobatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Heart Rate Recovery ◽  
High Intensity Exercise

scholarly journals Physical fitness performance, playing position and competitive level attained by elite junior soccer players

Kinesiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
Asier Gonzalez-Artetxe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Neuromuscular Performance ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽  
Physical Tests ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to look into the alleged impact of the physical fitness performance of elite junior soccer players on the professional career according to playing position. The physical tests (sprint test, countermovement jump [CMJ], and maximal aerobic speed [MAS]) performed by 165 players enrolled in the junior team of a Spanish 1st Division club (1998-2010) were evaluated. Players were classified as those who were promoted to the reserve team (Reserve Team) and those who were not (non-Reserve Team), and as those who were promoted to the Spanish 1st/2nd Divisions (PFL) and those who were not (NPFL) until the 2020-2021 season. Overall, no significant differences (p&gt;.05) were found between the Reserve Team and non-Reserve Team or between the PFL and NPFL players in neuromuscular performance. Aerobic fitness was greater (p&lt;.05; ES = .79 ± .60 , moderate; mean difference = 3.0%) for the Reserve Team lateral midfielders in comparison to that for the non-Reserve Team. The results suggest that the impact of physical fitness on the promotion of elite junior soccer players is limited.

scholarly journals Physical fitness and nutritional anthropometric status of children from disadvantaged communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay region

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Danielle Smith ◽  
Larissa Adams ◽  
Rosa Du Randt ◽  
Jan Degen ◽  
Stefanie Gall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Nelson Mandela

Background: Information about the relationships between physical fitness, body composition and nutrition has increased in recent years; however, little is known about physical fitness and the coexistence of under-/overnutrition among children living in disadvantaged areas. Objectives: To determine the physical fitness status and its association with body composition, growth and selected socio- demographics in primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Methods: Nine hundred and sixty-five children (49% girls, M=9.5 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Height and weight were measured to establish body mass index, and height-for-age z-scores. Physical fitness was assessed using tests from the Eurofit Physical Fitness test battery (flexibility, upper/lower body muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness). Between- group differences and cross-sectional associations were examined with univariate (Chi2-tests, analyses of variance) and multivariate methods (mixed linear/logistic regression). Results: Most children had normal weight (76.7%), while 4.5% were underweight and 18.7% were overweight/obese. Underweight children and children with stunted growth (11.5%) had lower average upper body strength (p<0.001). Overweight/obese children had lower scores in weight-bearing activities (p<0.001). Children with higher socio-economic status were more likely to be overweight and obese (p<0.001). In the multivariate analyses, sex, age, body mass index, and stunting were associated with children’s physical fitness. Conclusion: Fitness assessments seem to be a relevant measure of the current health status of children in disadvantaged settings. Compared to international norms, the children in this study had relatively low scores for both upper- and lower body muscular strength. Therefore, effective school-based intervention programmes should be developed to improve children’s physical fitness in disadvantaged schools.

A Framework for the Physical Development of Elite Rugby Union Players

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant M. Duthie
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Performance Models ◽  
Elite Player ◽  
Physical Preparation

Increased professionalism in rugby has resulted in national unions developing high-performance models for elite player development, of which physical preparation is an important component, to ensure success in future years. This article presents a 5-step framework for the physical preparation of elite players in a development program. Competition movement patterns and the physical profiles of elite players are used as the basis of the framework and reinforce the repeated high-intensity nature of Rugby Union. Physical profiling highlights a player’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of strength, speed, endurance, and body composition. These qualities need to be managed with an understanding of their interaction. This framework should be implemented within the yearly plan to ensure that benefits are maximized from the training undertaken. The success of the framework in developing elite players’ progression can be evaluated using standardized physical, performance, and competency tests.

scholarly journals Physical and Fitness Characteristics of Elite Professional Rugby Union Players

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Logan Posthumus ◽  
Campbell Macgregor ◽  
Paul Winwood ◽  
Katrina Darry ◽  
Matthew Driller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Dual Energy ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Relative Power ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Absolute Power ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fitness Measures

This study explored the physical and fitness characteristics of elite professional rugby union players and examined the relationships between these characteristics within forwards and backs. Thirty-nine elite professional rugby union players from the New Zealand Super Rugby Championship participated in this study. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry alongside anthropometrics. Fitness characteristics included various strength, power, speed, and aerobic fitness measures. Forwards were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) taller and heavier than backs, and possessed greater lean mass, fat mass, fat percentage, bone mass, and skinfolds. Forwards demonstrated greater strength and absolute power measures than backs (p = 0.02), but were slower and possessed less aerobic fitness (p ≤ 0.01). Skinfolds demonstrated very large correlations with relative power (r = −0.84) and speed (r = 0.75) measures within forwards, while backs demonstrated large correlations between skinfolds and aerobic fitness (r = −0.54). Fat mass and fat percentage demonstrated very large correlations with speed (r = 0.71) and aerobic fitness (r = −0.70) measures within forwards. Skinfolds, fat mass, and fat percentage relate strongly to key fitness characteristics required for elite professional rugby union performance. Individual and positional monitoring is important due to the clear differences between positions.

Circulating bioactive and immunoreactive IGF-I remain stable in women, despite physical fitness improvements after 8 weeks of resistance, aerobic, and combined exercise training

2010 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley C. Nindl ◽  
Joseph A. Alemany ◽  
Alexander P. Tuckow ◽  
Kevin R. Rarick ◽  
Jeffery S. Staab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Igf Binding Proteins ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Activation Assay ◽  
Igf I

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is regulated by a number of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and proteases that influence IGF-I bioactivity. A specific IGF-I kinase receptor activation assay (KIRA) has been developed that determines the ability of IGF-I to activate the IGF-I receptor by quantification of intracellular receptor autophosphorylation on IGF-I binding. KIRA-assessed IGF-I bioactivity has not been utilized within the context of chronic exercise training paradigms. This study measured total and free immunoreactive IGF-I, bioactive IGF-I, and IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 before (Pre), during (Mid), and after (Post) 8 wk of exercise training in young, healthy women, who were randomized into one of four groups: control ( n = 10), resistance ( n = 18), aerobic ( n = 13), and combined ( n = 15) exercise training. The training programs were effective in improving physical fitness specific to the exercise mode engaged in: increases were observed for lean mass (∼2%), aerobic fitness (6–7%), and upper (20–24%) and lower (15–48%) body strength (all P values < 0.05). By contrast, no time, group, or interaction effects were observed for the circulating IGF-I system, as immunoreactive total (Pre = 264 ± 16 μg/l; Mid = 268 ± 17 μg/l; Post = 271 ± 17 μg/l), free (Pre = 0.70 ± 0.1 μg/l; Mid = 0.63 ± 0.1 μg/l; Post = 0.63 ± 0.2 μg/l) and bioactive (Pre = 2.35 ± 0.3 μg/l; Mid = 2.25 ± 0.3 μg/l; Post = 2.33 ± 0.3 μg/l) IGF-I were unchanged throughout the study. All IGFBP measures were also unchanged. We conclude that increased lean mass, aerobic fitness, and upper and lower body strength resulting from an 8-wk exercise training programs can occur without concomitant increases in either circulating bioactive or immunoreactive IGF-I, as well as associated IGFBPs. In terms of reflecting positive anabolic neuromuscular outcomes, these data do not support a role for endocrine-derived IGF-I.

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