Anthropometric and physical performance of amateur rugby players within specific playing positions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Santiago Zabaloy ◽  
Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽  
Lucas A. Pereira ◽  
Julián Giráldez ◽  
Javier Gálvez González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bench Press ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Flight Time ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Absolute Strength ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Sprinting Speed ◽  
Vertical Jumps ◽  
Rugby Players

BACKGROUND: This study examined the differences in physical and anthropometric traits between specific playing positions (i.e., forwards: front row, second row, back row; backs: half backs, centers, wings/fullbacks) in amateur rugby players and analyzed the magnitude of correlations among jump, sprint, and strength measures in forwards and backs. METHOD: Sixty-four male rugby players were assessed in anthropometrics, a variety of vertical jumps, 10- and 30-m sprint, and strength tests (i.e., squat and bench press). RESULTS: Front row forwards (FFR) demonstrated significantly higher body mass (BM) than second row (FSR) and back row (FBR) (107.4 ± 12.8, 99.1 ± 9.9 and 91.6 ± 7.6 kg respectively; p< 0.001). FFR showed greater absolute strength in bench press and squat, although no differences were found in relative strength. Regarding the differences in jump performance, FBR and FSR showed significantly (p< 0.05) and significant to non-significant (p= 0.042–0.078, ES = 0.90–1.55) higher jumps in all tasks compared to FFR. Moreover, FBR demonstrated lower sprint times and greater maximum sprinting speed (MSS) than FFR (p< 0.01). For the backs, centers (BCEN) were significantly heavier (p< 0.05) and exhibited a non-significantly moderate larger sprint momentum (p= 0.068, ES = 0.75) compared to half backs (BHB). MSS values were small to moderately greater in favor of wings/fullbacks [BWFB] (p= 0.188–0.059, ES = 0.50–0.71). Finally, statistically significant correlations were found between drop jump (flight time) and jump height across all jump tasks, sprint times and speed for both forwards (r= 0.541 to 0.996, p< 0.001) and backs (r= 0.422 to 0.995, p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Front row forwards demonstrated significant, small to very large differences, when compared to their specific peers, whereas the backs were more similar. Additionally, our results indicated moderate to strong associations between explosive tasks such as sprinting and jumping in both playing positions.

scholarly journals Maximum Strength, Relative Strength, and Strength Deficit: Relationships With Performance and Differences Between Elite Sprinters and Professional Rugby Union Players

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Irineu Loturco ◽  
Lucas A. Pereira ◽  
Tomás T. Freitas ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Fernando Pareja-Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Vertical Jumps ◽  
Rugby Players

Purpose:To test the relationships between maximum and relative strength (MS and RS), absolute and relative peak force (PF and RPF), and strength deficit (SDef), with sprint and jump performance, and to compare these mechanical variables between elite sprinters and professional rugby union players.Methods:Thirty-five male rugby union players and 30 male sprinters performed vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and half-squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM), where these force-related parameters were collected. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test the relationships between the variables. An independentttest and magnitude-based inferences compared the mechanical variables between sprinters and rugby players.Results:Almost certain significant differences were observed for jump and sprint performance between groups (P < .0001). The rugby union players demonstrated a likely significant higher MS (P = .03) but a very likely lower RS (P = .007) than the sprinters. No significant differences were observed for PF between them. The sprinters exhibited an almost certain significant higher RPF than the rugby players (P < .0001). Furthermore, the rugby players demonstrated almost certain to likely significant higher SDef from 40% to 70% 1RM (P < .05) compared with the sprinters. Overall, all strength-derived parameters were significantly related to functional performance.Conclusions:Elite sprinters present higher levels of RS and RPF, lower levels of SDef, and better sprint and jump performance than professional rugby players. Relative strength-derived values (RS and RPF) and SDef are significantly associated with speed–power measures and may be used as effective and practical indicators of athletic performance.

scholarly journals Strength, Jump Heights and Physical Characteristics of Young Male Basketball Players by Their Positions

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3S) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Niyazi Sıdkı Adıgüzel
Keyword(s):  
Young Male ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Absolute Strength ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
High Level

The aim of the study is to compare isokinetic leg strengths and jump performances of basketball players playing at different positions. A total of 34 basketball players (guards (n=13), forwards (n=13) and centers (n=7)) from 17 teams of Turkish Basketball Development League participated in the study. The isokinetic strength tests were performed for the dominant limb at two different angular speeds (60°s-1 and 180°s-1) and the extensor and flexor peak torques (EPT and FPT) were recorded. The strengths produced according to weight were taken as relative EPT and FPT. Jump tests were performed in three categories: free jump, 120° squat jump and active jump. Multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to compare players' scores in strength and jump tests by their positions. In the comparison of the positions, the guards were shorter and slimmer than the forwards and centers (p <0.05), and they were found to have less BMI values than the centers. The absolute strength values obtained with knee extension peak torques for both angular velocities were higher in the centers than the guards (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the relative strength values. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups for other parameters and all jump parameters (p> 0.05). Consequently, it can be stated that there are physical differences among high-level young basketball players by their positions and absolute quadriceps strengths of the centers may be higher than of the guards.

scholarly journals Concurrent validity, inter-, and intrarater reliabilities of smart device based application for measuring vertical jump performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-46
Author(s):  
DONG-SIK OH ◽  
YOON-HEE CHOI ◽  
YU-JIN SHIM ◽  
SAM-HO PARK ◽  
MYUNG-MO LEE
Keyword(s):  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Flight Time ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Injury Rehabilitation ◽  
Vertical Jumps

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent validity and inter-and intra-rater reliabilities of smart device based application, against force platform-based portable device Wii balance board (WBB) measurements for the flight time and jump height during the vertical jump. Material and methods: Thirty participants (23.8 ±3.41 years) completed three vertical jumps, which were evaluated using WBB and application for smart device. To assess the concurrent validity, jump height and flight times were obtained from each device. Inter-and intra-rater reliabilities were determined by replicating data analysis of smart device based application recordings. Results: Flight time and jump height collected from smart device based application showed excellent agreement level with WBB (flight time and jump height: ICC [2,1]=0.972). However mean flight time and jump height from the smart device based application was significantly higher than WBB (mean difference: 0.006 sec, 0.745 cm, p < 0.05). Intra-rater sessions showed good level of agreement (flight time: ICC [2,1] = 0.967, jump height: ICC [2,1] = 0.974), and inter-rater session showed almost perfect reliability (flight time: ICC [2,1] = 0.985, jump height: ICC [2,1] = 0.987). Conclusions: Smart device-based applications could be used to replace pressure-based portable devices for clinical evaluations in post-injury rehabilitation as well as evaluating sports performance.

scholarly journals Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Freitas ◽  
Pedro Alcaraz ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Rugby Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between “faster and slower players”, in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power–speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

scholarly journals Higher bench press performance resulted in higher shoulder stiffness among perak sukma 2018 female rugby players

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (SPL1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohansundar Sankaravel ◽  
Nur Ikhwan Mohamad ◽  
Aida Azmi
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Shoulder Joint ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Strength Development ◽  
Rugby Players

Bench press exercise is extensively used for chest and shoulder strength development. Joint stiffness is one of the side-effects that may occur with the exercise. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bench press load and shoulder joint stiffness. Sixteen female rugby players (body weight 53.98 ± 7.14 kg, height 156 ± 5.38 cm) selected for Perak SUKMA 2018 team were assessed during centralized training ~9 months prior to the competition. Shoulder joint stiffness in terms of external and internal rotation range of motions were assessed by a qualified physiotherapist. The participants then performed one repetition maximum (1-RM) Bench press, according to the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)'s protocol.  Standardized warm-up and cooling-down protocol were prescribed to the participants accordingly. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for statistical correlation analysis. Both side shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion measurements showed a negative correlation (r=-0.190 internal, r=-0.285 external) with bench press (average 1-RM load 50.83 ± 9.00 kg) performance. Bench press exercises may result in reduced shoulder mobility due to an increase of muscular tightness around the joint. Maintaining normal mobility of shoulder joint throughout any strength training program is warranted and suggested. The finding also highlighted the importance of the mobility program to always be included together with a strength training programme for athletes.

scholarly journals Postactivation potentiation improves jumps performance in children ages 6 to 8 years old

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-196
Author(s):  
C Gerber ◽  
P Sirieiro ◽  
I Nasser ◽  
C Taber ◽  
H Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Postactivation Potentiation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Jumping Performance ◽  
Jump Test ◽  
Low Load ◽  
Vertical Jumps

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) in vertical and horizontal jump performance in pre-pubertal children. Material and method: One hundred and nineteen children (65 girls and 54 boys; 6.8 ± 0.7 years old; 124.5 ± 6.4 cm; 25.2 ± 5.1 kg) participated in this study. This was a transversal cross-sectional study which incorporated a within-subjects repeatedmeasures design, where participants completed all protocols. The experimental procedure required four total testing, separated by one week, using a counterbalanced. This study investigated jumping performance associated with weighted jumps, lowload vertical jumps, and horizontal jumps. During two sessions the participants performed vertical jumps with and without PAP, the other two sessions the same procedures were performed for horizontal jumps. The PAP protocol consisted of one set of five weighted countermovement jumps with low-load (10% of body mass) and a rest interval of four minutes prior to the jump tests. Paired t-tests were used between conditions (PAP and control) in the vertical jump and horizontal jump test. In addition, Cohen’s d effect size and 95% confidence interval was used. Results: Significant jump height was observed in the vertical jump in the PAP condition compared to the control condition (p = 0.007). Similar results were observed for the horizontal jump tests, with significant longer distance observed in the PAP condition (p = 0.036). Conclusions: Pre-pubertal children can benefit from the effects of PAP in vertical and horizontal jumping performance when preceded by low-load ballistic movements. A protocol implementing low-loads, determined by a relative percentage of body mass is effective to promote PAP for young children.

scholarly journals Fitness and body composition profiling of elite junior South African rugby players

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Durandt ◽  
S Du Toit ◽  
J Borresen ◽  
T Hew-Butler ◽  
H Masimla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
South African ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
The Body ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sprinting Speed ◽  
Rugby Players

Objective. The aim of this study was to describe the body composition, strength and speed characteristics of elite junior South African rugby players. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Field study. Subjects. Rugby players (16 and 18 years old, N = 174) selected for the South African Rugby Union National Green Squad. Outcome measures. Body composition, 10 m and 40 m speed, agility, 1RM bench press, underhand pull-ups, push-ups, multistage shuttle run. Results. The under-16 players were on average shorter (175.6 ± 5.7 v. 179.2 ± 6.7 cm), weighed less (76.5 ± 8.2 v. 84.8 ± 8.3 kg) had less upper body absolute strength (77.1 ± 11.8 kg v. 95.3 ± 16.7 kg) and muscular endurance (41 ± 12 v. 52 ± 15 push-ups) and aerobic fitness (87.1 ± 19.4 v. 93.5 ± 15.3 shuttles) than the under-18 players. There were no differences in body fat, sprinting speed (10 m and 40 m) or agility between the two age groups. There were differences between playing positions, with the props having the most body fat, strongest upper bodies, slowest sprinting speed, least agility and lowest aerobic capacity compared with players in the other positions. Conclusion. This study provides data for elite junior rugby players and can be used to monitor the progression of players after intervention while also assisting with talent identification for the different playing positions. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (2) 2006: pp. 38-45

Changes of Whole-Body Power, Muscle Function, and Jump Performance With Prolonged Cycling to Exhaustion

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan P.R. McIntyre ◽  
Grant A. Mawston ◽  
Simeon P. Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Isokinetic Torque

Purpose:To quantify how whole-body power, muscle-function, and jump-performance measures change during prolonged cycling and recovery and determine whether there are relationships between the different fatigue measures.Methods:Ten competitive or recreationally active male cyclists underwent repeated 20-min stages of prolonged cycling at 70% VO2peak until exhaustion. Whole-body peak power output (PPO) was assessed using an all-out 30-s sprint 17 min into each cycle stage. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout. Isometric and isokinetic muscle-function tests were made between cycle stages, over ~6 min, and during 30-min recovery. Drop-jump measures were tested at exhaustion and during recovery.Results:PPO initially increased or was maintained in some subjects but fell to 81% of maximum at exhaustion. RPE was near maximal (18.7) at exhaustion, with the time to exhaustion related to the rate of rise of RPE. PPO first started to decline only when RPE exceeded 16 (ie, hard). Peak isometric and concentric isokinetic torque (180°/s) for the quadriceps fell to 86% and 83% of pretest at exhaustion, respectively. In contrast, the peak concentric isokinetic torque (180°/s) of the hamstrings increased by 10% before declining to 93% of maximum. Jump height fell to 92% of pretest at exhaustion and was correlated with the decline in PPO (r = .79). Muscle-function and jump-performance measures did not recover over the 30-min postexercise rest period.Conclusions:At exhaustion, whole-body power, muscle-function, and jump-performance measures had all fallen by 7–19%. PPO and drop-jump decrements were linearly correlated and are appropriate measures of maximal performance.

Effects of Individualized Versus Traditional Power Training on Strength, Power, Jump Performances, and Body Composition in Young Male Nordic Athletes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Olaf Prieske ◽  
Helmi Chaabene ◽  
Niclas Kullmann ◽  
Urs Granacher
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Power Training ◽  
Strength Index ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Back Squat ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Regular Training

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of individualized-load power training (IPT) versus traditional moderate-load power training (TPT) on strength, power, jump performance, and body composition in elite young Nordic athletes. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 10 young male athletes (ski jumpers, Nordic combined athletes) age 17.5 (0.6) years (biological maturity status: +3.5 y postpeak height velocity) who competed on a national or international level performed 5 weeks of IPT (4 × 5 repetitions at 49%–72% 1-repetiton maximum [RM]) and TPT (5 × 5 repetitions at 50%–60% 1-RM) in addition to their regular training. Testing before, between, and after both training blocks comprised the assessment of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM), power (maximal loaded back squat power), jump performance (eg, drop-jump height, reactive strength index), and body composition (eg, skeletal muscle mass). Results: Significant, large-size main effects for time were found for muscle strength (P < .01; g = 2.7), reactive strength index (P = .03; g = 1.6), and drop-jump height (P = .02; g = 1.9) irrespective of the training condition (IPT, TPT). No significant time-by-condition interactions were observed. For measures of body composition, no significant main effects of condition and time or time-by-condition interactions were found. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that short-term IPT and TPT at moderate loads in addition to regular training were equally effective in improving measures of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM) and vertical-jump performance (reactive strength index, drop jump, and height) in young Nordic athletes.

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