Effects of a short-term pre-season training programme on the body composition and anaerobic performance of professional rugby union players
- 14 April 2010
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Journal of Sports Sciences
- Vol. 28 (6), 679-686
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02640411003645695
Abstract
Pre-season rugby training develops the physical requisites for competition and consists of a high volume of resistance training and anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. However, the effects of a rugby union pre-season in professional athletes are currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 4-week pre-season on 33 professional rugby union players. Bench press and box squat increased moderately (13.6 kg, 90% confidence limits ±2.9 kg and 17.6 ± 8.0 kg, respectively) over the training phase. Small decreases in bench throw (70.6 ± 53.5 W), jump squat (280.1 ± 232.4 W), and fat mass (1.4 ± 0.4 kg) were observed. In addition, small increases were seen in fat-free mass (2.0 ± 0.6 kg) and flexed upper-arm girth (0.6 ± 0.2 cm), while moderate increases were observed in mid-thigh girth (1.9 ± 0.5 cm) and perception of fatigue (0.6 ± 0.4 units). Increases in strength and body composition were observed in elite rugby union players after 4 weeks of intensive pre-season training, but this may have been the result of a return to fitness levels prior to the off-season. Decreases in power may reflect high training volumes and increases in perceived of fatigue.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Changes in Strength, Power, and Steroid Hormones During a Professional Rugby Union CompetitionJournal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2009
- Seasonal Variation in Physiological Fitness of a Semiprofessional Soccer TeamJournal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2009
- Squat Jump Training at Maximal Power Loads vs. Heavy Loads: Effect on Sprint AbilityJournal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2008
- Time – motion analysis of professional rugby union players during match-playJournal of Sports Sciences, 2007
- Effects of Six Weeks of ?-Hydroxy-?-Methylbutyrate (HMB) and HMB/Creatine Supplementation on Strength, Power, and Anthropometry of Highly Trained AthletesJournal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2007
- Effects of Different Modes of Exercise Training on Glucose Control and Risk Factors for Complications in Type 2 Diabetic PatientsDiabetes Care, 2006
- Intra‐ and intermuscular variation in human quadriceps femoris architecture assessed in vivoJournal of Anatomy, 2006
- Science of rugby league football: A reviewJournal of Sports Sciences, 2005
- Time motion analysis of 2001 and 2002 super 12 rugbyJournal of Sports Sciences, 2005
- The relationship between muscle cross-sectional area and strength in various isokinetic movements among soccer playersJournal of Sports Sciences, 2003