Rugby Athletes Research Articles

Health-Related Quality of Life in Rugby Athletes: The Role of Dietary Supplements and Their Consumption.

This study investigates dietary supplement use among rugby players and their general health, focusing on prevalence and underlying motivations. Involving 92 athletes, it examines the relationship between supplement usage, motivations, and health outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and a 24-item ad hoc questionnaire. Findings reveal a high frequency of supplement usage, motivated by desires to enhance performance, appearance, and mood. Significant differences in health-related quality of life are found between users and non-users, particularly in mental health, social functioning, and emotional stability. Motivations like performance enhancement and body shape manipulation were linked to altered health perceptions, indicating the psychosocial impacts of supplementation. This study emphasizes the need to consider the holistic effects of supplements on athlete well-being, advocating for a balanced approach prioritizing both physical and mental health. It calls for increased awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the potential risks and benefits of supplement use and the importance of informed decision-making. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of supplement use and its impact on athlete health, aiming to enhance sports science and promote overall athlete well-being in competitive environments.

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis at primary ACL reconstruction increases career length in professional rugby players.

To assess the effect of preoperative and surgical factors on return to play (RTP) rates and career longevity of professional rugby athletes after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACL-R). A retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of professional rugby players undergoing primary ACL-R by the senior author between 2005 and 2019 was undertaken. Athletes were included if they were under contract with a professional rugby team at the time of injury and had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of RTP rate, time and career longevity. One hundred and eighteen rugby players with 125 ACL-Rs were identified. Return to professional rugby was achieved in 115/125 (92%) of cases at an average of 9.6 months and those athletes participated at the professional level for 5.9 ± 3.4 years after ACL-R. Younger age (p = 0.006) and ACL-R with a concomitant lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) (p = 0.013) were predictors of a longer career. A Cox proportional hazards model that controlled for age revealed that athletes who underwent ACL-R with an LET had increased career longevity compared to those with an ACL-R without LET (hazard ratio = 2.74, p = 0.021). No factors were significantly associated with RTP rate or RTP time. In professional rugby players undergoing primary ACL-R, those having ACL-R with a concomitant LET and younger age predicted increased career longevity. Rugby players who underwent LET at the time of ACL-R had an 18% greater chance of still playing professionally at 5 years compared to those who underwent ACL-R alone. Level III.

Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study.

The health and well-being of retired rugby union and league players, particularly regarding the long-term effects of concussions, are of major concern. Concussion has been identified as a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in athletes engaged in contact sports. This study aimed to assess differences in specific biomarkers between UK-based retired rugby players with a history of concussion and a non-contact sports group, focusing on biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's, ALS, and CTE. We randomly selected a sample of male retired rugby or non-contact sport athletes (n = 56). The mean age was 41.84 ± 6.44, and the mean years since retirement from the sport was 7.76 ± 6.69 for participants with a history of substantial concussions (>5 concussions in their career) (n = 30). The mean age was 45.75 ± 11.52, and the mean years since retirement was 6.75 ± 4.64 for the healthy controls (n = 26). Serum biomarkers (t-tau, RBP-4, SAA, Nf-L, and retinol), plasma cytokines, and biomarkers associated with serum-derived exosomes (Aβ42, p-tau181, p-tau217, and p-tau231) were analyzed using validated commercial ELISA assays. The results of the selected biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Biomarkers including t-tau and p-tau181 were significantly elevated in the history of the substantial concussion group compared to the non-contact sports group (t-tau: p < 0.01; p-tau181: p < 0.05). Although between-group differences in p-tau217, p-tau231, SAA, Nf-L, retinol, and Aβ42 were not significantly different, there was a trend for higher levels of Aβ42, p-tau217, and p-tau231 in the concussed group. Interestingly, the serum-derived exosome sizes were significantly larger (p < 0.01), and serum RBP-4 levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the highly concussed group. These findings indicate that retired athletes with a history of multiple concussions during their careers have altered serum measurements of exosome size, t-tau, p-tau181, and RBP-4. These biomarkers should be explored further for the prediction of future neurodegenerative outcomes, including ALS, in those with a history of concussion.

Body composition and phase angle in rugby union athletes: A comparison between forward and back positions

IntroductionRugby union has been increasingly attracting a multitude of enthusiasts over the past years. Nevertheless, there is a need for a more profound understanding of body composition, particularly regarding body fluids, and phase angle by playing position in rugby union athletes. MethodsThis study aimed to compare body composition components and phase angle among rugby union athletes based on their playing positions (forwards vs. backs). The sample consisted of 26 male athletes from rugby union clubs in Florianópolis, Brazil. Body composition [fat mass, lean soft tissue mass (LSTM)], body fluids (total body water, intra and extracellular water, and their proportions) and phase angle were evaluated using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out using the analysis of covariance to compare body composition, and phase angle between playing positions (forwards vs. backs). ResultsThe primary findings indicated that rugby union athletes playing as forwards demonstrated higher values for fat mass, FFBM, and body fluids (total body water, intracellular, and extracellular water) compared to those playing as backs (p < 0.01). No difference was observed between playing positions for the other variables. ConclusionsBody composition may vary depending on the playing position in rugby union athletes.

Protein and Leucine Requirements for Maximal Muscular Development and Athletic Performance Are Achieved with Completely Plant-Based Diets Modeled to Meet Energy Needs in Adult Male Rugby Players.

Rugby athletes consume large amounts of animal protein in accordance with conventional dietary guidance to increase muscle mass and strength. This misaligns with national dietary guidelines, which suggest limiting meat consumption for chronic disease prevention. The ability of completely plant-based diets to satisfy the nutritional needs of rugby players has not been explored. This study scaled nutrient data from a large population consuming completely plant-based diets with limited supplemental protein to meet the calorie requirements of adult male rugby athletes to assess whether protein and leucine recommendations for muscular development and athletic performance would be achieved. Calorie requirements were estimated from research that employed the doubly labeled water method, and dietary data from the Adventist Health Study-2 were scaled to this level. The modeled protein level was 1.68 g/kg/day, which meets recommendations for maximal gains in muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. The modeled leucine level was 2.9 g/meal for four daily meals, which exceeds the threshold proposed to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in young men. These results indicate that consuming large portions of completely plant-based meals can satisfy protein and leucine requirements for maximal muscular development and athletic performance in adult male rugby athletes while aligning with public health recommendations.

Omega-3 Status Evaluation in Australian Female Rugby League Athletes: Ad Libitum Fish Oil Provision Results in a Varied Omega-3 Index.

Optimal omega-3 status, influenced by increased intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is vital for physiological health. This study investigated the impact of ad libitum fish oil supplementation on the omega-3 status of female athletes in a professional rugby league team during a competitive season. Twenty-four (n = 24) athletes participated, and their omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA ratio through finger-prick blood samples taken at the start and end of the season. They were given access to a fish oil supplement (PILLAR Performance, Australia) with a recommended daily dose of four capsules per day (2,160mg EPA and 1,440mg docosahexaenoic acid). At the beginning of the season, the group mean O3I was 4.77% (95% confidence interval [CI: 4.50, 5.04]) and the AA to EPA ratio was 14.89 (95% CI [13.22, 16.55]). None of the athletes had an O3I exceeding 8%. By the season's end, the O3I was a significantly increased to 7.28% (95% CI [6.64, 7.93], p < .0001) and AA to EPA ratio significantly decreased to a mean of 6.67 (95% CI [5.02, 8.31], p < .0001), driven primarily by the significant increase in EPA of +1.14% (95% CI [0.77, 1.51], p < .0001). However, these changes were varied between the athletes and most likely due to compliance. This study has demonstrated that using the objective O3I feedback scale is possible with elite female rugby athletes, but individual strategies will be required to achieve daily intake targets of EPA + DHA.

Validity and reliability of field tests to assess performance of wheelchair rugby athletes: A preliminary study

Validity and reliability of field tests to assess performance of wheelchair rugby athletes: A preliminary study

Sex differences of 12 lead electrocardiographic findings of the rugby football league athlete

Cardiac electrical adaptations occur within athlete populations. Sex-related variations in the normal athlete electrocardiogram (ECG) have been observed, with males exhibiting increased QRS and PR intervals, while females have demonstrated increased QTc intervals in university-level athletes. Male athletes also maintain greater weekly training hours compared to female athletes, which is associated with increased ECG changes. The presence of these differences within Rugby Football League (RFL) athletes is unknown. This study aimed to investigate any sex-related variations in the 12-lead ECG in RFL athletes. Fifty nine RFL athletes (32 males [age = 25 ± 5 years] and 27 females [age = 24 ± 5 years]) were included in the study. One female was excluded with inferior T wave inversion and was referred for further investigation. The 12-lead ECG was collected as part of the athlete’s pre-season cardiac screening alongside completion of a health questionnaire, assessment of height and weight and brachial artery pressure. Continuous variables (i.e. heart rate, PR interval, QRS interval etc.), were analysed using an independent t-test or a Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. For assessment of nominal data (i.e. incidence of early repolarisation and junctional rhythm etc.) a chi-squared test or Fishers exact test were used. A Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to determine any association between training hours and ECG findings. Ethics approval was obtained from Liverpool John Moores University Ethics Committee. Height (183 ± 5 vs. 169 ± 5 cm, P &lt;0.001), weight (95 ± 11 vs. 77 ± 11 kg, P &lt;0.001) and weekly training hours (18 ± 5 vs. 12 ± 5 hrs, P = 0.001) were higher in male athletes. PR interval (156 ± 34 vs. 142 ± 19 ms, P = 0.002), QRS duration (98 ± 9 vs. 88 ± 7 ms, P &lt;0.001) and incidence of early repolarisation (47% vs. 11%, P = 0.004) were greater in males. Heart rate (57 ± 9 vs. 63 ± 11 bpm P = 0.016) and QTc interval (391 ± 20 vs. 414 ± 17 ms, P &lt;0.001) were greater in females. There was a significant negative correlation between weekly training hours and QTc interval (rs = −0.355, P = 0.009) only. In conclusion, there are significant sex-related ECG differences within RFL athletes that partially mirror previous research. These findings emphasise the importance of considering sex-related variations, during cardiac screening on RFL athletes and enhance our understanding of the normal RFL athlete ECG.

Korean Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6th Edition (SCAT6): Reliability and Validity

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish a contemporary, standardized Korean version of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 6th edition, characterized by superior face validity and reliability.METHODS: Translation and cultural adaptation involved seven stages, namely initial translation, integration of translation, back translation, validation with five expert committees, pre-testing with 12 rugby athletes, finalization, and a test-retest with 30 rugby and American-football athletes. Alternative tests were conducted for the Months In Reverse Order Test due to the naming differences between English and Korean.RESULTS: The English Months In Reverse Order Test took 11.00 ± 2.69 seconds with a difficulty of 2.27 ± 0.98 points, while the Korean Months In Reverse Order Test took 5.69 ± 1.35 seconds with a difficulty of 1.50 ± 0.73 points (p &lt; .001). The Adding Serial 3s Test and Days of the Week Backward Test were evaluated for completion time, difficulty, and accuracy in 30 English and 30 Korean participants. The results of the Korean Adding Serial 3s Test were poor (time 10.50 ± 3.55 seconds; difficulty 2.97 ± 1.25 points), while The Korean Days of the Week Backward Test was fast and easily replaced Months In Reverse Order Test (time 3.46 ± 0.72 seconds; difficulty 1.5 ± 0.82 points). An attempt with Korean Months In Reverse Order Test and Days of the Week Backward Test, where participants were asked to recite all at once, yielded acceptable results (time 10.62 ± 2.04 seconds; difficulty 1.90 ± 0.99 points) compared to English Months In Reverse Order Test (p &gt; .05). The face validity was adequate and reliability was mostly high (Cronbach alpha = 0.79).CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that The Korean Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 6th edition was well translated and exhibited adequate face validity and reliability.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life in wheelchair rugby athletes

IntroductionInspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used in sports to improve factors that can positively influence sports performance. However, the effects of IMT on athletes with disabilities are less well explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IMT on the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life (QoL) of wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes. MethodsA pre–post-intervention case series study of IMT was carried out with six WCR athletes. Pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry), aerobic (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and WCR skills (Beck Battery) performance and QoL (WHOQOL-DIS) were investigated. Participants were submitted to a six-week IMT with a linear load resistor involving 30 dynamic inspiratory maneuvers twice daily for five days/week. ResultsIncreases in maximum load (+14.6%; p = 0.03), maximum effort time (+19.4%; p = 0.03), absolute and percent of predicted maximal expiratory muscle pressure (both +13.2%; p = 0.04) and absolute and percent of predicted maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (both +28.6%; p = 0.04) were observed. No significant differences were observed for pulmonary function variables, WCR skills performance or QoL. ConclusionIMT seemed to be effective at improving the respiratory muscle strength and aerobic performance of WCR players but there was no impact on pulmonary function, sports skills or QoL.

Seasonal Variation and Positional Differences in Anthropometry, Strength, and Power Characteristics in English Premiership Women's Rugby Union Players.

Yao, X, Austerberry, A, Bishop, C, Wilson, L, Chiang, C-Y, and Turner, A. Seasonal variation and positional differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics in English premiership women's rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 924-931, 2024-Women's rugby is a collision sport that relies heavily on body composition and physical characteristics of strength and power to achieve competitive success. Furthermore, the seasonal nature presents a variety of physical challenges that can cause fluctuations in a player's physical development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics between forwards and backs in women's rugby union athletes in England and to identify changes throughout a season. Forty-seven players were recruited from the English premiership women's rugby during the 2020-2021 season. Players were split into forwards and backs and underwent body composition testing by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength and power tests (countermovement jump, drop jump [DJ], and isometric midthigh pull) on 3 separate occasions (preseason, midseason, postseason). Overall, forwards had significantly ( p < 0.01) higher body mass, fat mass, lean mass [LM], bone mineral content, and take off momentum, and backs had significantly higher ( p < 0.01, d > 0.5) jump height, reactive strength, and shorter DJ contact time. When observing seasonal changes, there were statistically significant differences ( p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences ( d > 0.5) in LM, reactive strength index modified, time to take-off, and DJ flight time [FT] among forwards when comparing 3 testing time frames. For backs, statistically significant differences ( p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences ( d > 0.5) were reported in LM and DJ FT throughout the season. In conclusion, the strength and power testing and characteristics shown in this study could support coaches and junior women's rugby athletes to have a basic understanding of English premiership physical standards.

Immediate Effect of a Kinesiotape Bandage on Knee Mechanics during Functional Tests in Female Rugby and Football Athletes: A Pilot Study

Background: Some bandages with Kinesiotape have demonstrated some potential as means of prevention for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in men. Objective: The main objective of this pilot study was to observe if a Kinesiotape bandage at the knee could potentially have an immediate preventive effect against ACL injuries by improving proprioception and balance and reducing knee valgus and anterior translation of the tibia during certain functional tests in female athletes. Materials and Methods: A cross-over clinical trial including 10 female athletes (football and rugby) was conducted, where the two lower limbs of the 10 participants (n = 20) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) or to the control group (CG). A Kinesiotape bandage was placed on one knee with a tension of 75% (IG, n = 10) and another bandage on the other knee with a tension of 10% (CG, n = 10), as a placebo. Ultrasound assessment and functional tests were performed before (T1) and after (T2) bandaging according to group assignment. A videographic analysis was carried out with the ImageJ Software version 2.0. Results: A statistically significant reduction in knee valgus was observed in the Lateral Step Down test in the IG, compared to the CG (p &lt; 0.05; η2p = 0.26) (IG-T1: 151.40 ± 11.04°; IG-T2: 157.10 ± 10.18°; versus CG-T1: 156.96 ± 5.44°; CG-T2: 158.68 ± 6.12°). In the other tests, no significant differences were found in terms of time × group interaction. Conclusions: A Kinesiotape bandage was able to reduce knee valgus in a functional test compared to a placebo bandage but was not more effective at reducing the anterior translation of the tibia or improving balance or proprioception. Based on these results, it could have a modest preventive effect against an ACL injury in female athletes.

Anxiety Level of DKI Jakarta Women’s Rugby Athletes Towards the National Sports Week 2024

To achieve maximum performance, an athlete requires preparation such as physical, technical, tactical and mental. One of the mental aspects of sports psychology is anxiety. Anxiety is a mental symptom that is identical to negative feelings which are characterized by feelings of worry, tension, and unease when facing a situation, causing a decrease in concentration and self-confidence. This study aims to determine the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match. This research is a quantitative descriptive research using a percentage formula. Data collection used a questionnaire with research instruments using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT). The population in this study were all female rugby athletes from DKI Jakarta, totaling 15 athletes who were designated as the research sample. The research results showed that the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match was 27% (4) athletes who had low anxiety levels, 60% (9) athletes had moderate anxiety levels, and 13% (2) athletes had high anxiety levels. From the data results, it can be explained that the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match is in the medium category.&#x0D;

Functional Characteristics and Coping Strategies among Rugby Athletes: A Cluster Analysis Approach.

The developing domain of mental health in sports has gained much interest, acknowledging its pivotal role in athlete performance and well-being. The aim of this research is to provide a quantitative description concerning the levels of mental health, physical activity, cognitive fusion, cognitive flexibility, and coping strategies that characterize rugby athletes by using a data-driven approach. A total of 92 rugby athletes took part in this study and filled out a set of self-administered questionnaires. A correlational analysis showed that general well-being was positively associated with years spent playing rugby (r = 0.23) and coping mechanisms (r = 0.29). Athletes' well-being was also negatively correlated with cognitive inflexibility (r = -0.41) and cognitive fusion (r = -0.39). A k-means cluster analysis identified two unique groups: group 1, characterized by higher levels of psychological well-being, lower levels of physical activity, greater cognitive flexibility, improved coping techniques, and reduced cognitive fusion, and group 2, which exhibits opposite characteristics. The discrepancies observed in psychological characteristics such as coping strategies, cognitive fusion, and cognitive inflexibility highlight their potential impact on the general health of rugby players. To comprehend the complex interplay between psychological and physical elements in rugby athletes, long-term studies with larger samples are crucial.

Comparison of physical fitness and game demands between young female rugby sevens athletes in different sports development contexts

Aim: This study aimed to compare the physical and game demands among young women rugby sevens athletes inserted in a long-term athlete development process (LTAD) and selected to the national team. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were recruited in two different contexts: thirteen participants were inserted in the LTAD process (VSR) and eleven Brazilian athletes were selected for the youth national team (BRA). One-repetition-maximum tests, jumping performance, sprint times, and aerobic capacity determined the physical performance and GPS recorded the game demands in the national championship. T-tests for independent samples and Mann-Whitney were used to compare the groups, and effect size (ES) was presented using Cohen's d. Results: 10-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.47), 30-m sprint time (p = 0.005; ES = 1.42), sprint distance (p = 0.030; ES = 1.14) and distance in zone 5 (p = 0.040; ES = 0.92) showed differences between groups, with better results in BRA. Moreover, VSR athletes covered greater distances in zone 1 while BRA had greater distances in zone 4, with moderate ES. The strength, power of lower limbs, and aerobic fitness variables did not present significant differences between the groups. However, VSR had the highest mean in squat jump and countermovement jump, with moderate ES. Conclusion: Speed in physical tests and game demands differentiated the groups, and these parameters are essential for selection for the national team. However, the LTAD process can bring physical

Examining the Effects of Local South African Diets on Endurance and Performance Enhancement in Rugby Athletes

This comprehensive review explores the effects of local South African diets on endurance and performance enhancement in rugby athletes. Understanding the intersection of traditional dietary practices and sports performance is crucial for optimizing athletes’ capabilities, particularly in a physically demanding sport like rugby. The study delves into the nutritional requirements of rugby, the richness of traditional South African diets, and their potential impact on endurance and performance. It investigates the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in rugby, emphasizing the unique aspects of local cuisines. The review also examines the relationship between South African diets and endurance, as well as their influence on rugby-specific performance, encompassing strength, power gains, and cognitive aspects. Practical implications are discussed, focusing on developing customized dietary plans for athletes and providing considerations for coaches, nutritionists, and athletes in implementing dietary changes. The findings offer valuable insights into optimizing the nutritional strategies for rugby athletes, considering the cultural and regional context of South African diets.

Effect of dry dynamic apnea on aerobic power in elite rugby athletes: a warm-up method.

Objective: While long-term dynamic breath-holding training has been extensively studied to enhance cardiopulmonary function in athletes, limited research has explored the impact of a single breath-holding session on subsequent athletic capacity. In addition, Dry Dynamic Apnea (DA) has a more immediate physiological response than wet and static breath-holding. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of a single session of DA on the aerobic power and hematological parameters of elite athletes. Methods: Seventeen elite male rugby athletes (average age 23.5 ± 1.8) participated in this study. Two warm-up protocols were employed prior to incremental exercise: a standard warm-up (10min of no-load pedaling) and a DA warm-up (10min of no-load pedaling accompanied by six maximum capacity breath holds, with 30s between each breath hold). Fingertip blood indicators were measured before and after warm-up. The incremental exercise test assessed aerobic parameters with self-regulation applied throughout the study. Results: Compared to the baseline warm-up, the DA warm-up resulted in a significant increase in VO2peak from 3.14 to 3.38L/min (7.64% change, p < 0.05). HRmax increased from 170 to 183 bpm (7.34% change, p < 0.05), and HRpeak increased from 169 to 182 bpm (7.52% change, p < 0.05). Hematocrit and hemoglobin showed differential changes between the two warm-up methods (PHematocrit = 0.674; Phemoglobin = 0.707). Conclusion: This study investigates how DA influences physiological factors such as spleen contraction, oxygen uptake, and sympathetic nerve activation compared to traditional warm-up methods. Immediate improvements in aerobic power suggest reduced vagus nerve stimulation, heightened sympathetic activity, and alterations in respiratory metabolism induced by the voluntarily hypoxia-triggered warm-up. Further research is warranted to comprehensively understand these physiological responses and optimize warm-up strategies for elite athletic performance.

The Role of Social Support in Concussion Rehabilitation: A Prospective Mixed Methods Study of Canadian University Athletes’ Return to Sport

Context: Social support is an important consideration during athletes’ rehabilitation following a concussion. Yet, its influence during the return-to-sport (RTS) strategy has been underexplored. Design: Concussed athletes’ experiences with social support during RTS were explored prospectively using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Methods: University rugby, basketball, and track and field athletes (N = 8) from a single Canadian institution, 19–23 years of age (mean = 20.63, SD = 1.51), completed concentric circles maps, the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, and 2 semistructured interviews during their RTS. We analyzed concentric circles maps and questionnaire data descriptively and interview data using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Athletes identified 16 different social support agents. The 5 most important agents during RTS were athletic therapists, student therapists, head coaches, significant others, and teammates/friends. Significant others provided the most emotional (mean = 2.82, SD = 1.85) and esteem (mean = 2.63, SD = 1.85) support, and the athletic therapist (mean = 1.82, SD = 1.35) and head coaches (mean = 0.93, SD = 1.19) provided the most informational and tangible support. We generated 4 themes from athletes’ interviews: social support behaviors, contextual factors, concussion and RTS factors, and psychological readiness factors. Conclusions: The number of social support agents present, frequency of support types, and demonstration of support behaviors decreased across the concussion RTS strategy. Contextual (ie, toughness), concussion (ie, visibility), and RTS (ie, prognosis uncertainty) factors influenced athletes’ perceptions of social support agents’ support behaviors. Results add to our limited understanding of athletes’ social support during RTS following a concussion and suggest exploring the integration of behavior-specific (eg, checking in, providing reassurance, and demonstrating compassion) social support strategies to promote concussion rehabilitation and readiness to RTS.

Effects of photobiomodulation applied at different times on functional performance and ergogenic response of rugby athletes: Randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPhotobiomodulation (PBM) is indicated to accelerate the recovery of athletes and reduce muscle damage caused by physical exercise. The objective of this study was to establish the best time to apply photobiomodulation to increase the functional performance and ergogenic response of rugby athletes. MethodsRandomized crossover clinical trial with 18 rugby athletes of both sexes. The interventions were carried out from January to May 2019. The blood levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate, and performance in the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test, Single Hop Test, Triple Hop Test, Bangsbo Sprint test (BST), and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YoyoIR1) were evaluated. The athletes underwent two blocks of exercises with the BST and Yoyo-IR1, as well as the random application of four interventions: without application of photobiomodulation (CO), pre-exercise photobiomodulation (PBpre), PBM during the exercise interval (PBint), or post-exercise photobiomodulation (PBpos). The photobiomodulation using light-emitting diodes (850 nm, 8 J/cm2) lasted 10 min and was applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and triceps surae muscles. The results were compared between groups and times, and the effect size for the interventions was established. ResultsNo differences were found between groups in CK, lactate, and performance in the functional tests between groups and times. Only the PBpre presented improved performance in the first Yoyo-1R1 test (p < 0.01), while the PBint improved in the second Yoyo-IR1 test and BST (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe PBM did not change muscle damage markers or performance in the functional tests. For an ergogenic response, photobiomodulation applied before exercise improves performance, which can be maintained when PBM is performed in the exercise interval.

The Squat One Repetition Maximum May Not Be the Best Indicator for Speed-Related Sports Performance Improvement in Elite Male Rugby Athletes

In the strength and conditioning field, a variety of training exercises are being applied to improve speed-related performance, but there is a lack of traditional strength training guides that can be used for training effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a six-week traditional strength training program on elite rugby players and explore the relationships between the one repetition maximum (1RM) of traditional strength exercises and athletic performance. Twenty elite rugby players (age = 30.5 ± 1.5 years, mass = 96.7 ± 16.6 kg, height = 179.3 ± 6.0 cm) completed the strength training program, and 1RM values for bench press, squat, deadlift, and power clean, along with athletic performance metrics (20 m and 40 m sprints, vertical jump, broad jump, Bronco test, L-run), were measured before and after the training period. Medium effect sizes were observed in the deadlift (p = 0.04, d = 0.49) and bench press (p = 0.019, d = 0.57) 1RM, while the squat exhibited a very large effect size (p &lt; 0.001, d = 2.08). Both before and after training, greater power clean 1RM demonstrated a strong correlation with each athletic performance test. However, bench press 1RM, both pre-and post-training, did not significantly associate with functional performances (p &gt; 0.05). Notably, power clean 1RM showed the strongest correlation with athletic performance; despite being the most significant improvement in squat 1RM after the six-week training period, it was not associated with athletic performance outcomes in rugby players. This study underscores the varied impact of specific strength exercises on athletic performance, emphasizing the distinct role of power clean 1RM in predicting speed-related performance in male rugby players.