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Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season

Grainger, A; McMahon, JJ; Comfort, P

Authors

A Grainger



Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify position-related differences in absolute and relative match impacts in rugby union. Thirty-eight subjects were tracked, using GPS units containing inertial sensors, across one full playing season (n = 462 data sets). No difference in the number of impacts &gt;9.01 G were observed between forwards (229 ± 160) and backs (226 ± 151). Forwards, however, experienced a greater absolute (p = 0.03) and relative (p = 0.003) number of impacts &gt;13 G compared to backs. Full backs experienced the highest frequency of absolute impacts &gt;9.01 G, which was significantly greater compared to locks (p = 0.001, d = 1.84), back row (p = 0.003, d = 0.68), out half (p = 0.036, d = 1.24) and wingers (p = 0.036, d = 0.76). Hookers experienced the highest relative frequency of impacts &gt;9.01 G, which was significantly greater than locks (p &lt; 0.001, d = 2.06), back row (p = 0.001, d = 1.10), outside halves (p = 0.001, <i/>d = 1.44) and wingers (p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.19). Coaches should consider these findings when planning training sessions, as the frequency and magnitude of impacts experienced by positional groups vary during match play.

Citation

Grainger, A., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(4), 507-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496392

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 1, 2018
Online Publication Date Jul 28, 2018
Publication Date Jul 28, 2018
Deposit Date Oct 29, 2018
Journal International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport
Print ISSN 2474-8668
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Volume 18
Issue 4
Pages 507-522
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496392
Keywords Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496392
Related Public URLs https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rpan20/current



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