Abstract
Criterion data for total energy expenditure (TEE) in elite rugby are lacking, which prediction equations may not reflect accurately. This study quantified TEE of 27 elite male rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players (U16, U20, U24 age groups) during a 14-day in-season period using doubly labelled water (DLW). Measured TEE was also compared to estimated, using prediction equations. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry, and physical activity level (PAL) estimated (TEE:RMR). Differences in measured TEE were unclear by code and age (RL 4369 ± 979; RU 4365 ± 1122; U16, 4010 ± 744; U20, 4414 ± 688; U24, 4761 ± 1523 Kcal day− 1). Differences in PAL (overall mean 2.0 ± 0.4) were unclear. Very likely differences were observed in RMR by code (RL 2366 ± 296; RU 2123 ± 269 Kcal day− 1). Differences in relative RMR between U20 and U24 were very likely (U16, 27 ± 4; U20, 23 ± 3; U24, 26 ± 5 Kcal kg− 1 day− 1). Differences were observed between measured and estimated TEE, using Schofield, Cunningham and Harris–Benedict equations for U16 (187 ± 614, unclear; − 489 ± 564, likely and − 90 ± 579, unclear Kcal day− 1), U20 (− 449 ± 698, likely; − 785 ± 650, very likely and − 452 ± 684, likely Kcal day− 1) and U24 players (− 428 ± 1292; − 605 ± 1493 and − 461 ± 1314 Kcal day− 1, all unclear). Rugby players have high TEE, which should be acknowledged. Large inter-player variability in TEE was observed demonstrating heterogeneity within groups, thus published equations may not appropriately estimate TEE.
Highlights
Communicated by Jean-René Lacour.Rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) are highintensity intermittent team sports, with the addition of tackles and collisions (Johnston et al 2014; Read et al 2017)
During match play RL players typically cover a greater distance than RU players (Duthie et al 2003; Twist et al 2014), whereas RU players are usually involved in a greater number of static exertions (Cahill et al 2013; Twist et al 2014)
Unclear differences for body mass and fat free mass (FFM) were observed between codes [RL vs. RU: d = − 0.11 (− 0.75 to 0.53) and d = − 0.22 (− 0.86 to 0.41), respectively]
Summary
Rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) are highintensity intermittent team sports, with the addition of tackles and collisions (Johnston et al 2014; Read et al 2017). During match play RL players typically cover a greater distance than RU players (Duthie et al 2003; Twist et al 2014), whereas RU players are usually involved in a greater number of static exertions (Cahill et al 2013; Twist et al 2014). 47 ± 12 collisions have been observed in RL players (Johnston et al 2014) and 91 ± 19 static exertions in RU players (Roberts et al 2008). Tackle and collision-based activities within both codes of rugby, which occur during match play and training, have a high energy cost (Highton et al 2017).
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