scholarly journals Competition Nutrition Practices of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5398
Author(s):  
Logan Posthumus ◽  
Kirsty Fairbairn ◽  
Katrina Darry ◽  
Matthew Driller ◽  
Paul Winwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Carbohydrate Intake ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Nutrition Guidelines ◽  
Continued Education ◽  
Nutrition Practices ◽  
Absolute Energy ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Meal Composition

Thirty-four elite male professional rugby union players from the New Zealand Super Rugby championship completed dietary intakes via the Snap-N-Send method during a seven-day competition week. Mean seven-day absolute energy intake was significantly higher for forwards (4606 ± 719 kcal·day−1) compared to backs (3761 ± 618 kcal·day−1; p < 0.01; d = 1.26). Forwards demonstrated significantly higher mean seven-day absolute macronutrient intakes compared to backs (p < 0.03; d = 0.86–1.58), but no significant differences were observed for mean seven-day relative carbohydrate (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7 g·kg·day−1), protein (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5 g·kg·day−1), and fat (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 g·kg·day−1) intakes. Both forwards and backs reported their highest energy (5223 ± 864 vs. 4694 ± 784 kcal·day−1) and carbohydrate (4.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.0 g·kg·day−1) intakes on game day, with ≈62% of total calories being consumed prior to kick-off. Mean pre-game meal composition for all players was 1.4 ± 0.5 g·kg−1 carbohydrate, 0.8 ± 0.2 g·kg−1 protein, and 0.5 ± 0.2 g·kg−1 fat. Players fell short of daily sports nutrition guidelines for carbohydrate and appeared to “eat to intensity” by increasing or decreasing energy and carbohydrate intake based on the training load. Despite recommendations and continued education, many rugby players select what would be considered a “lower” carbohydrate intake. Although these intakes appear adequate to be a professional RU player, further research is required to determine optimal dietary intakes.

scholarly journals Dietary Intakes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Semi-Professional Rugby Athletes in Scotland.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Hitendre ◽  
Rebecca Jordan ◽  
Chistos Theodorakopoulos ◽  
Lois White
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Sports Nutrition ◽  
Carbohydrate Intake ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Rugby Players

Abstract Background Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimising performance, recovery and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DI), nutritional knowledge (NK) and attitudes, perceptions and challenges (APC) of semi-professional rugby players in Scotland. Methods Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semi-professional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed online using researcher developed questionnaires and 1–1 semi-structured interviews. Results Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The ‘Good’ NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management (p = 0.014), Macronutrients (p < 0.001), Micronutrients (p = 0.001) and Sports Nutrition (p < 0.001) sections. Mean DI were 26.3 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day energy, 1.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day protein, 21.7 ± 10.1 g/day fibre. Median (25th ,75th ) carbohydrate intake was 3.0 (2.0,3.0) g/kg/day and 6.3 (2.3,10.6) units/week alcohol. Mean ± SD fat and saturated fat (SFA) % total energy intake (EI) were 36.2 ± 3.7% and 12.8 ± 1.9% respectively, and SFA %EI exceeded recommendations (p < 0.001). The ‘Good’ NK group had a significantly higher intakes of all macronutrients (p < 0.05). Total NK% positively correlated with intakes of meat (r = 0.556, p = 0.011), cereals (r = 0.458, p = 0.042), dietary fat (r = 0.477, p = 0.034), vegetables (r = 0.487, p = 0.030) and alcoholic beverages (r = 0.541, p = 0.014). Supplement use was 68%. Players felt diet affected performance (94%) but 31% of them were unaware of any specific nutritional strategies. A healthy diet was perceived to be ‘balanced’ with ‘variety from all food groups’. Lack of time for preparation was described as the main barrier to healthy eating. Conclusions Overall players had poor NK, their fibre and carbohydrate intake was suboptimal, whereas saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Many lacked awareness of current sports nutrition guidelines. Further nutrition education may be needed to improve diet quality and aid performance goals.

scholarly journals Dietary Intakes Differ by Body Composition Goals: An Observational Study of Professional Rugby Union Players in New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 155798831989135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Black ◽  
Chloe Hindle ◽  
Rebecca McLay-Cooke ◽  
Rachel C. Brown ◽  
Claire Gibson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Competitive Season ◽  
Weight Loss Group ◽  
Rugby Players

Preseason in rugby union is a period of intensive training where players undergo conditioning to prepare for the competitive season. In some cases, this includes modifying body composition through weight gain or fat loss. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intakes of professional rugby union players during pre-season training. It was hypothesized that players required to gain weight would have a higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake compared to those needing to lose weight. Twenty-three professional rugby players completed 3 days of dietary assessment and their sum of eight skinfolds were assessed. Players were divided into three groups by the team coaches and medical staff: weight gain, weight maintain and weight loss. Mean energy intakes were 3,875 ± 907 kcal·d−1 (15,965 ± 3,737 kJ·d−1) (weight gain 4,532 ± 804 kcal·d−1; weight maintain 3,825 ± 803 kcal·d−1; weight loss 3,066 ± 407 kcal·d−1) and carbohydrate intakes were 3.7 ± 1.2 g·kg−1·d−1 (weight gain 4.8 ± 0.9 g.kg−1·d−1; weight maintain 2.8 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1; weight loss 2. 6 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1). The energy and carbohydrate intakes are similar to published intakes among rugby union players. There were significant differences in energy intake and the percent of energy from protein between the weight gain and the weight loss group.

scholarly journals Barriers, Attitudes, and Influences Towards Dietary Intake Amongst Elite Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Sharples ◽  
Stuart D. Galloway ◽  
D. Baker ◽  
Brett Smith ◽  
Katherine Black
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Nutritional Intake ◽  
Sport Nutrition ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Meal Planning ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Rugby Players

Background: Dietary intakes can impact an athletes health and performance. Although evidence exists about what an athlete should eat, an athlete's nutritional intake is influenced by many factors. The limited research available suggests the main barriers preventing optimal nutritional intakes reported by athletes are lack of time, food accessibility, poor cooking skills, costs, taste, and time spent in “off-season.” Although these factors have been shown to influence dietary intake they remain relatively unexplored in Rugby Union. This study aimed to describe the nutritional influences on dietary intake amongst Rugby Union player's.Methods: This was a qualitative study utilising in person individual interviews with all participants. Participants were Rugby Union players (n = 30) for either a Super Rugby franchise or one of their development squads in New Zealand. Participant's undertook recorded face to face interviews, which were later transcribed. A thematic approach was used to code the transcripts by the primary coder and the themes were subsequently evaluated by the research team.Results: Childhood upbringing, organisational skills, time and food security also emerged as barriers. Body composition and sport nutrition knowledge emerged as both barriers and enablers to nutritional intake. Influence on performance was an enabler to optimal dietary intake. Fully professional rugby players have access to dietitians, whereas development and semi-professional rugby players only have limited if any access, and they were more likely to seek nutritional information via social media.Conclusion: This study suggests a need for greater nutrition education at developmental levels with an emphasis on affordable food choices, meal planning and skills for interpreting online nutrition information.

scholarly journals Dietary Intakes of Elite 14- to 19-Year-Old English Academy Rugby Players During a Pre-Season Training Period

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 506-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah R. Smith ◽  
Ben Jones ◽  
Louise Sutton ◽  
Roderick F.G.J. King ◽  
Lauren C. Duckworth
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Good Nutrition ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Rugby Players

Good nutrition is essential for the physical development of adolescent athletes, however data on dietary intakes of adolescent rugby players are lacking. This study quantified and evaluated dietary intake in 87 elite male English academy rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players by age (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19) years old) and code (RL and RU). Relationships of intakes with body mass and composition (sum of 8 skinfolds) were also investigated. Using 4-day diet and physical activity diaries, dietary intake was compared with adolescent sports nutrition recommendations and the UK national food guide. Dietary intake did not differ by code, whereas U19s consumed greater energy (3366 ± 658 vs. 2995 ± 774 kcal·day-1), protein (207 ± 49 vs. 150 ± 53 g·day-1) and fluid (4221 ± 1323 vs. 3137 ± 1015 ml·day-1) than U16s. U19s consumed a better quality diet than U16s (greater intakes of fruit and vegetables; 4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 1.5 servings·day-1; nondairy proteins; 3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 servings·day-1) and less fats and sugars (2.0 ± 1. vs. 3.6 ± 2.1 servings·day-1). Protein intake vs. body mass was moderate (r = .46, p < .001), and other relationships were weak. The findings of this study suggest adolescent rugby players consume adequate dietary intakes in relation to current guidelines for energy, macronutrient and fluid intake. Players should improve the quality of their diet by replacing intakes from the fats and sugars food group with healthier choices, while maintaining current energy, and macronutrient intakes.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation of Factors Influencing the Dietary Intakes of Professional Australian Football Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4205
Author(s):  
Sarah Jenner ◽  
Regina Belski ◽  
Brooke Devlin ◽  
Aaron Coutts ◽  
Thomas Kempton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Carbohydrate Intake ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Dietary Advice ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Body Composition Assessment ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Australian Football

(1) Background: Many professional Australian Football (AF) players do not meet recommended sports nutrition guidelines despite having access to nutrition advice. There are a range of factors that can influence players′ ability to meet their nutrition goals and awareness of the barriers players face is essential to ensure that dietary advice translates into practice. Therefore, this qualitative research study aimed to explore the factors influencing AF players’ dietary intakes and food choice. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve professional male AF players. (3) Results: Less experienced players restricted their carbohydrate intake to meet body composition goals, particularly during preseason and surrounding body composition assessment. During the competition season players had a greater focus on performance and placed more emphasis on carbohydrate intake in the lead up to matches. Players felt nutrition goals were easier to achieve when dietary choices were supported by their families and peers. One-on-one consultations provided by a sports dietitian were players′ preferred mode of nutrition intervention. Individualized nutrition advice is required for less experienced AF players who may be vulnerable to unsustainable dietary habits. Experienced AF players can support junior teammates by promoting positive team culture related to body composition, nutrition and performance.

scholarly journals Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199870
Author(s):  
Mark Matthews ◽  
William Johnston ◽  
Chris M. Bleakley ◽  
Richard J. Davies ◽  
Alan T. Rankin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Rugby Players

Background: Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes ( x, y, and z). Results: Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- ( P = .47) and dual-task ( P = .67) conditions. Conclusion: Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.

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 Human Milk Composition and Dietary Intakes of Breastfeeding Women of Different Ethnicity from the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Butts ◽  
Duncan Hedderley ◽  
Thanuja Herath ◽  
Gunaranjan Paturi ◽  
Sarah Glyn-Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Human Milk ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Pacific Island ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Food Diary ◽  
Milk Samples

Human milk is nutrient rich, complex in its composition, and is key to a baby’s health through its role in nutrition, gastrointestinal tract and immune development. Seventy-eight mothers (19–42 years of age) of Asian, Māori, Pacific Island, or of European ethnicity living in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand (NZ) completed the study. The women provided three breast milk samples over a one-week period (6–8 weeks postpartum), completed a three-day food diary and provided information regarding their pregnancy and lactation experiences. The breast milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, fatty acid profile, ash, selected minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc), and carbohydrates. Breast milk nutrient profiles showed no significant differences between the mothers of different ethnicities in their macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, and moisture) content. The breast milk of Asian mothers contained significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acids. Arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the breast milk of Māori and Pacific Island women. Dietary intakes of protein, total energy, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, vitamin A equivalents, and folate differed between the ethnic groups, as well as the number of serves of dairy foods, chicken, and legumes. No strong correlations between dietary nutrients and breast milk components were found.

Critical Speed as a Measure of Aerobic Fitness for Male Rugby Union Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kramer ◽  
Mark Watson ◽  
Rosa Du Randt ◽  
Robert W. Pettitt
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Graded Exercise Test ◽  
Graded Exercise ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Linear Correlations ◽  
Test Level

Purpose:To compare critical speed (CS) derived from all-out testing (AOT) for linear and shuttle running with metrics from a graded exercise test, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test  Level 1 (YYIR1), and estimation of an 800-m-shuttle time trial.Methods:Twelve male rugby players completed a graded exercise test, the YYIR1, a linear AOT, shuttle AOTs of 25 and 50 m, and an 800-m-shuttle time trial consisting of 32 × 25-m shuttles.Results:Strong linear correlations were observed between maximum oxygen uptake () and CS (m·s−1) derived from the linear AOT (3.68 [0.62],r = .90,P < .01) and 50-m-shuttle AOT (3.19 [0.26],r = .83,P < .01). Conversely,showed lower correlations with speeds evoking CS from 25-m AOT (2.86 [0.18],r = .42,P = .18) and YYIR1 (4.36 [0.11],r = .55,P = .07). The 800-m time trial (213.58 [15.84] s) was best predicted using parameters from the 25-m AOT (r = .93, SEE = 6.60 s,P < .001).Conclusions:The AOT is a valuable method of assessing performance-specific fitness, with CS from linear and 50-m-shuttle AOTs being strong predictors of, rivaling metrics from the graded exercise test. The YYIR1 offered limited utility compared with the AOT method.

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