Outil d’aide à la décision et à la prévention dans les sports collectifs. Exemple d’un centre de formation rugby

Abstract

IntroductionMonitoring training load is a key factor in the optimization of the training process, whether it is to enhance performances or to reduce the risk of injury. AimsThe objective of this study was to measure the effects of using a decision-making tool based on a daily, dematerialized but centralized, quantification of training load on the occurrence of players’ injuries in a rugby-training center. Material and methodsDuring two consecutive years, information on play time and injuries was collected from respectively 39 and 35 players (U15 to U20). The first season's periodization of training was constituted of a predefined succession of cycles of development and regeneration while the second year's periodization of training was specific to each player: relative rest periods began when the real player's training load exceeded a previously individually determined threshold. ResultsBetween the first and second seasons, play time increased by 17% while the number of injuries in matches, the number of (para)medical appointments (medical imaging included) and the cost of these (para)medical acts decreased by 74%, 32% and 22% respectively (standardized data according to the number of players integrated into the training center). ConclusionThe decision-making tool, developed internally, allowing for a quick, systematic and daily quantification coupled with individualized alerts had contributed to increase play time and reduce of the number of match injuries for rugby players on their way to becoming high-level athletes.