scholarly journals Influence of Physical and Technical Aspects on Change of Direction Performance of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13390
Author(s):  
Tomás T. Freitas ◽  
Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir F. S. Arruda ◽  
Aristide Guerriero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Body Kinematic ◽  
Rugby Players

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed–power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.

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 Young Pacific Male Rugby Players’ Perceptions and Experiences of Mental Wellbeing

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Caleb Marsters ◽  
Jemaima Tiatia-Seath
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Rugby Players

Recent studies and increased media reporting across Australasia have linked young Pacific maleelite athletes to depression, suicide, and other adverse mental health-related events. Despite these accounts,little is known about the way this group experience emotions and mental wellbeing. The aim of this studywas to explore young Pacific male athletes’ perceptions and experiences of emotions and mental wellbeing.This qualitative study involved 20 face-to-face interviews with young Pacific males (16–24 years) engaged inelite rugby union and rugby league programmes in Auckland, New Zealand. The results identified thatathletes defined mental wellbeing in a holistic and relational manner and perceived and mental wellbeing asthe culmination of several interconnected factors, including: Family support, reciprocating family support,living a ‘well-balanced’ life, athletic performance, and personal development away from sports. Themaintenance of a well-balanced athletic identity and positive social relations were deemed central tosustaining mental wellbeing for these young men.

scholarly journals An introductory analysis as to the influence of lower-body power on multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 113-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Lockie ◽  
Ashley J. Orjalo ◽  
Victoria L. Amran ◽  
Deshaun L. Davis ◽  
Fabrice G. Risso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Team Sport ◽  
Rugby Player ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Speed Performance ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Lower Body Power

AbstractThis study investigated relationships between lower-body power, measured by a vertical jump (VJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ), with multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players. The rugby player data was compared to that of general team sport athletes to ascertain whether there were characteristics specific to collegiate rugby players. Multi-directional speed was measured by a 20-meter (m) sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) and 505 change-of-direction speed test. Eight rugby players and eight team sport athletes completed all tests. Spearman’s correlations calculated relationships between the VJ and SBJ with the speed tests, and stepwise multiple regressions determined whether the jump tests predicted speed performance (p≤ 0.05). For the rugby players, the VJ correlated with the 0-20 m interval (r = −0.73). The SBJ correlated with the 0-5 and 0-10 m intervals, and the left-leg 505 (r = −0.71 to −0.88), and predicted 0-5 m and left-leg 505 time (r2= 0.50-0.58). For the team sport athletes, only the VJ correlated with left-leg 505 (r = −0.80), and predicted left- and right-leg 505 times (r2= 0.61-0.69). The results suggest that horizontal power measured by a SBJ has a greater contribution to multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players.

Anthropometrics of Italian Senior Male Rugby Union Players: From Elite to Second Division

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 674-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Y. Fontana ◽  
Alessandro Colosio ◽  
Gabriela F. De Roia ◽  
Giorgio Da Lozzo ◽  
Silvia Pogliaghi
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
National Level ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Reference Database ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
National Team ◽  
Rugby Players

Anthropometric evaluation of athletes is necessary to optimize talent identification and player development. Objectives: To provide a specific anthropometric reference database of senior male rugby players competing at different levels in the southern European region. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: In 362 professional players (25 ± 4 y; 138 Italian national team, 97 first-division, and 127 second-division national championships) the authors measured mass, stature, and percentage body fat (plicometry). Mean, SD, and coefficient of variation were calculated for forwards and backs and for positional subgroups. Binomial logistic regression and receiver-operating-characteristic curve were performed to assess which variables best predicted level assignment (international vs national level). Results: For all competitive levels forwards were significantly heavier and taller and had a larger percentage body fat and fat-free mass than backs. The lower the competitive level, the higher the within-role variability observed; furthermore, players in a specific positional subgroup were lighter, shorter, and fatter and had less fat-free mass. Fat-free mass is the variable that best predicts the likelihood of being classified as an international or national player (cutoff value 79.54 kg). Conclusions: The data confirm the specificity in the physical requirements of rugby in individual playing positions at all competitive levels and document significant differences among elite and 1st- and 2nd-division players in the same positional role. These differences may reflect the variable technical abilities, selection, training practices, and requirements of the game among these categories.

scholarly journals Strength and Power Development in Professional Rugby Union Players Over a Training and Playing Season

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A. Gannon ◽  
Keith A. Stokes ◽  
Grant Trewartha
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Power Development ◽  
Competitive Season ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
Rugby Players

Purpose:To investigate strength and power development in elite rugby players during the different phases of a professional season.Methods:Sixteen professional rugby union athletes from an English premiership team were monitored for measures of lower-body peak force, force at 50 ms, force at 100 ms (all isometric squat), and power (explosive hack squat). Athletes were assessed at the start of preseason (T1), postpreseason (T2), midway through the competitive season (T3), and at the end of the competitive season (T4). Effect-size (ES) statistics with magnitude-based inferences were calculated to interpret differences in physical performance between the different stages of the season.Results:Very likely beneficial increases in force at 50 ms (+16%, ES = 0.75 ± 0.4) and 100 ms (+14%, ES = 0.63 ± 0.4) were observed between T1 and T2. A likely beneficial increase in power was observed between T2 and T3 (+4%, ES = 0.31 ± 0.2). Between T3 and T4, decreases in force at 50 ms (–6%, ES = –0.39 ± 0.3) and 100 ms (–9%, ES = –0.52 ± 0.4) occurred, while peak force and power were maintained. Over the full season (T1–T4) clear beneficial increases in all measures of strength and power were identified.Conclusions:Meaningful increases in strength and power can be achieved in professional English premiership rugby players over a full playing season. The greatest opportunity for strength and power development occurs during pre- to midseason phases, while these measures are maintained or decrease slightly during the latter stages of a season.

scholarly journals The Effect of Body Mass on the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test in Rugby Union Players

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Darrall-Jones ◽  
Gregory Roe ◽  
Shane Carney ◽  
Ryan Clayton ◽  
Padraic Phibbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Uk

Purpose:To evaluate the difference in performance of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30–15IFT) across 4 squads in a professional rugby union club in the UK and consider body mass in the interpretation of the end velocity of the 30-15IFT (VIFT).Methods:One hundred fourteen rugby union players completed the 30-15IFT midseason.Results:VIFT demonstrated small and possibly lower (ES = –0.33; 4/29/67) values in the under 16s compared with the under 21s, with further comparisons unclear. With body mass included as a covariate, all differences were moderate to large and very likely to almost certainly lower in the squads with lower body mass, with the exception of comparisons between senior and under-21 squads.Conclusions:The data demonstrate that there appears to be a ceiling to the VIFT attained in rugby union players that does not increase from under-16 to senior level. However, the associated increases in body mass with increased playing level suggest that the ability to perform high-intensity running increases with age, although not translating into greater VIFT due to the detrimental effect of body mass on change of direction. Practitioners should be aware that VIFT is unlikely to improve, but it needs to be monitored during periods where increases in body mass are evident.

scholarly journals Tracking Quantitative Characteristics of Cutting Maneuvers with Wearable Movement Sensors during Competitive Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Games

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (22) ◽  
pp. 6508
Author(s):  
Paul R. Slaughter ◽  
Peter G. Adamczyk
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Injury ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Approach Speed ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Ultimate Frisbee ◽  
Wearable Inertial Sensors

(1) Ultimate frisbee involves frequent cutting motions, which have a high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, especially for female players. This study investigated the in-game cutting maneuvers performed by female ultimate frisbee athletes to understand the movements that could put them at risk of ACL injury. (2) Lower-body kinematics and movement around the field were reconstructed from wearable lower-body inertial sensors worn by 12 female players during 16 league-sanctioned ultimate frisbee games. (3) 422 cuts were identified from speed and direction change criteria. The mean cut had approach speed of 3.4 m/s, approach acceleration of 3.1 m/s2, cut angle of 94 degrees, and ground-contact knee flexion of 34 degrees. Shallow cuts from 30 to 90 degrees were most common. Speed and acceleration did not change based on cut angle. Players on more competitive teams had higher speed and acceleration and reduced knee flexion during cutting. (4) This study demonstrates that a lower-body set of wearable inertial sensors can successfully track an athlete’s motion during real games, producing detailed biomechanical metrics of behavior and performance. These in-game measurements can be used to specify controlled cutting movements in future laboratory studies. These studies should prioritize higher-level players since they may exhibit higher-risk cutting behavior.

Determination of Spreading Motive Levels of Elite Hearing-impaired Sportsmen

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-55
Author(s):  
Osman Kusan ◽  
Hasan Erdem Mumcu ◽  
Abdulkerim Çeviker ◽  
Ömer Zambak ◽  
Onur Öztürk
Keyword(s):  
Educational Status ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Internal Motivation ◽  
National Team ◽  
Older Athletes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Age Range

This study was conducted to investigate the sub-scales of sports instructions of elite athletes with hearing impairment or hearing loss due to different reasons. A total of 173 hearing-impaired athletes constituted of 54 female and 119 male athletes who are active national team athletes in the age range of 15-25 years. The study was conducted based on Self Determination Theory of Deci and Ryan [9] and on the developed Sports Motivation Scale, Pelletier et al. [24] Kazak [18] applied the validity and reliability of the scale for Turkish athletes. Accordingly, since the p_values calculated for the inner motivation sub-scale and its sub-scales are less than the value of α = .05 which is taken as the level of significance, there is a statistically significant difference in the average scores of the hearing-impaired athletes in their internal motivations and sub-scales. According to gender and educational status, there was no difference in the motivation of the hearing-impaired athletes. According to the age variable, it was seen that older athletes had more external connections. Considering the general motivation scores, the athletes in tennis and swimming were less motivated than others. Elite hearing-impaired athletes are affected by both internal and external impulses. However, internal motivation scores are higher than the external. Internal motivation scores are seen as the lowest in the branch swimming area.

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.

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