Recovery and restoration of performance in elite level Rugby Union

Grainger, A

Abstract

Fatigue in the days post rugby union match play is expected, yet accurate assessment of fatigue needs to be quantified via specific performance testing, to better advise practitioners regarding likely position-specific time-course of recovery. Results from this thesis support the notion that countermovement jump (CMJ) provides sensitive and reliable data for jump performance monitoring in elite rugby union settings, with a change in jump height of ≥ 1.7% noted as meaningful. Additional findings from this thesis support the use of a single CMJ (measuring jump height) using an OptoJump, as a reliable measure (CV < 10%) for assessing post-match levels of jump performance when a force plate is not readily available. The analysis of nine positional groups within this thesis added to the current knowledge base of match demands research, with differences identified both between backs and forwards and also within these two positional groups. When assessing time-course of recovery post-match play, CMJ performance was reduced at 60 hours post-match, 90 hours post-match and 170 hours (seven days), yet well-being score was reduced to a greater extent (-9%) and for a longer time-course than CMJ (-6%). Unlike hypothesised, it is recommend that practitioners be advised to consider backs as having a longer time-course of recovery, compared to forwards, with the decrement in performance for up to 7 days post-match within both positional groups having implications for training prescription between matches. Lastly, as hypothesised, collisions accounted for a higher percentage of the higher magnitude impacts than other match demands such as accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction. The differences in activities which account for the impact classification is an important consideration for future global positioning systems (GPS) application in elite rugby union settings when assessing likely fatigue created by match play, with the use of both video analysis alongside GPS data recommended.

Citation

Grainger, A. Recovery and restoration of performance in elite level Rugby Union. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 19, 2018
• Award Date: Aug 4, 2017