Rugby Union Athletes Research Articles

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.

Your team can make you a better person: Team cohesion is associated with off‐field prosocial behaviour via fairplay team norms and empathy in rugby union

AbstractAmple research has investigated the relationship between team cohesion and on‐field behaviour, while the association between the first and off‐field prosocial behaviour has been almost overlooked. To fill this gap, we conducted a study in a sample of Italian Rugby Union athletes to examine whether: (a) team cohesion is associated with off‐field prosocial behaviour; and (b) the underlying mechanisms of this association. We focused on the two dimensions of team cohesion, that is social and task cohesion, and hypothesized that social cohesion should be associated with off‐field individual prosocial behaviour via empathy, while the association between task cohesion and off‐field individual prosocial behaviour should be mediated by on‐field fairplay team norms. In total, 497 amateur, sub‐elite, and elite Italian Rugby Union players (128 females) took part in this study by filling out an online survey. Results revealed that social cohesion was associated with greater empathy, which in turn was associated with greater expression of off‐field prosocial behaviour. Task cohesion was associated with both greater on‐field fairplay team norms and greater empathy, which in turn was linked to more off‐field prosocial behaviour. Results are discussed with respect to the role of team cohesion in favouring the expression of prosocial behaviour off‐field, thus underlying the role of sport in fostering moral behaviour (also) in everyday community life.

The association of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and in-game performance in elite Rugby Union players

Genetic variation has been proposed as a factor in human athletic performance. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been studied extensively albeit with heterogeneous results. The insertion (I) and deletion (D) alleles have been associated with altered serum and tissue ACE, as well as endurance- and power-based performance respectively. It is suggested the distinction in rugby union performance can be partly attributed to variations in the ACE gene. The aim of this study was to identify associations between the ACE I/D genetic polymorphism and in-game performance in elite (≥ 5 games at top-flight) rugby union athletes. The athlete cohort consisted of 347 Caucasian men, divided into positional groups (backs and forwards) and positional subgroups (front five, back row, halves, centres, and back three). Ethical approval was provided by Manchester Metropolitan University with written informed consent obtained from all participants. Genotyping and genotype analysis was performed using a combination of the X9 High-Throughput Genomics System (Standard BioTools) and the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems) and their respective corresponding software. IBM SPSS Statistics 28 (SPSS, Chicago, IL) software was used to conduct Pearson's Chi-square (χ2) test of independence comparing genotype and allelic frequencies and the Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests to investigate differences between genotypes. Genotypic and allelic frequencies did not differ at the population level, nor at the positional group/subgroup levels. Performance did not differ between genotypes nor alleles at the population and positional group levels. Back row II genotypes beat more defenders than IDs (P = 0.008) but completed fewer tackles than both IDs (P = 0.05) and DDs (P = 0.013). Halfback DDs missed fewer tackles than both IDs (P = 0.003) and IIs (P = 0.01). Centre DD genotypes made more carries than IIs (P = 0.006). Back three IIs scored more tries than both IDs (P = 0.005) and DDs (P = 0.007) and made more clean breaks than IDs (P = 0.004). Most of the existing literature has been concerned with identifying the ACE gene as a marker of elite performance. To our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate how the inter-personal differences in rugby union performance are influenced by the ACE I/D polymorphism. The findings from this study may provide novel insight into the specialisation of training and rehabilitation modalities for athletes, based on their genetic makeup.

Effect of high intensity, intermittent exercise on EyeGuide Focus smooth pursuit assessments in amateur female rugby union athletes

Ocular assessment tools provide insights into neurological functioning when diagnosing sport-related concussions (SRCs). Emerging technologies such as EyeGuide Focus have attempted to improve on pre-existing clinical tools however the reliability of the tool is currently uncertain and it is unclear if physical exertion may affect the validity of the device as seen with similar ocular assessments. The aim of this study was to determine if EyeGuide Focus accuracy is affected by high-intensity, intermittent exercise. Seven amateur female rugby union athletes were recruited (Mean age [± SD] = 23 ± 5 years; stature = 172 ± 4 cm, mass = 87 ± 20 kg). Athletes completed baseline testing on the unit which included two to four familiarisation trials and three official tests on the unit measured in arbitrary units (AUs). Testing was completed in a dark room free from distraction, and participants wore noise-cancelling headphones (BOSE QC45) during assessment. The athlete then performed a brief warmup before beginning the exercise protocol by Whyte et al. (2022, Phys Therapy Sport, 58, 126-133) which involves repeated circuits of acceleration, deceleration, backpedalling, change of direction, jumping, and side shuffling. This protocol has previously displayed significant effects on Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening testing. Athletes repeated circuits until they reported 17-18/20 on the Borg Scale with 30s between each circuit. Athletes then completed three more trials at five- and 10-mins post-exercise cessation. Data were exported to Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for analysis. Athletes completed an average of 03:15 ± 23 s total work in circuits. Significant differences existed between athlete’s heart rate at rest and post-warmup, post individual circuits, and five mins post-test (P &lt; 0.05) but not 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.05). Mean EyeGuide Focus scores were 23443.29 ± 8082.18, 35684.04 ± 13279.40, and 22927.64 ± 6377.61 AUs at baseline, 5 mins post-test, and 10 mins post-test respectively. Scores were significantly different between baseline and 5 mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), and between 5- and 10-mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), but not baseline and 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.848). Three mins of high-intensity, intermittent exercise was sufficient to induce significant changes in amateur female athletes’ EyeGuide Focus scores, returning to baseline after 10 mins of rest. The findings indicate that physical activity can impact on EyeGuide Focus scores and thus sufficient rest is required when assessing athletes for SRCs. Future research should investigate if sport-related contact or collisions also impact scoring on this device.

Routine, Routine, Routine: Sleep Regularity and its Association with Sleep Metrics in Professional Rugby Union Athletes

BackgroundMaintaining a consistent sleep and wake time is often reported as a key component of circadian rhythmicity and quality sleep. However, the impact of sleep onset and offset time variability on overall sleep outcomes are underreported in elite athlete populations. This study investigated the relationship between sleep onset and offset time variability using the sleep regularity index (SRI) and measures of sleep and well-being in professional rugby union athletes. Twenty-three professional male rugby union athletes (mean ± SD, age: 23 ± 3 y) underwent sleep monitoring via wrist actigraphy for three weeks during a pre-season phase of training and completed a daily wellness questionnaire. Median SRI was calculated and used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups: >76.4 SRI (Regular, n = 11) and < 76.4 SRI (Irregular, n = 12).ResultsThe regular sleep group showed significantly longer total sleep duration (p = 0.02, d = 0.97) compared to the irregular group (7:42 ± 0:29 vs. 7:18 ± 0:20 h: min per night, respectively). Furthermore, while not statistically significant, the regular sleep group showed greater sleep efficiency and less wake episodes compared to irregular sleepers, as demonstrated by moderate effect sizes (d = 0.71 and 0.69, respectively).ConclusionsThe results from this study indicate that minimizing variability in sleep onset and offset time is beneficial for increasing sleep duration and may improve sleep efficiency during pre-season training in elite male rugby union athletes. This study provides evidence for the importance of including sleep-wake routines as a key component of sleep education interventions.

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.

Clinical Determinants of Knee Joint Loads While Sidestepping: An Exploratory Study With Male Rugby Union Athletes.

While several clinical factors have independently been linked to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors, their collective impact on knee loading during the sidestep maneuver is unknown. To better understand these factors, we assessed the relationship between strength, balance, and sprint kinetics and external knee abduction moments during sidestepping on each leg. Sixteen male academy-level rugby union athletes (age, 20 ± 3 years; body-height, 186 ± 9 cm; body-mass, 99 ± 14 kg) were bilaterally assessed in single-leg: isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee and concentric hip strength, balance at 2 difficulty levels, vertical and horizontal force production during maximal sprinting, and 3-dimensional motion capture while sidestepping on the preferred and non-preferred leg. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis based on this theoretical approach of the mechanics of ACL injury risk was performed. When sidestepping on the preferred leg, larger abduction moments were explained by less concentric hip extension strength and vertical force production during maximal sprinting (R 2 = 41%; ES = 0.64); when sidestepping on the non-preferred leg, larger abduction moments were explained by more concentric hip flexion strength (R 2 = 8%; ES = 0.29). Larger symmetry scores between the legs (representing greater abduction moments) were explained by more horizontal force production during maximal sprinting and less eccentric knee flexion strength (R 2 = 32%; ES = 0.56). Independently, the preferred and non-preferred legs contribute to increased knee abduction moments via unique distributions of strength and/or sprint kinetics. The allocations of strength and sprint kinetics appear interrelated through weaker posterior muscular strength and may be modifiable through a targeted strength training approach.

Non-contact lower limb injuries in Rugby Union: A two-year pattern recognition analysis of injury risk factors.

The cause of sport injuries are multifactorial and necessitate sophisticated statistical approaches for accurate identification of risk factors predisposing athletes to injury. Pattern recognition analyses have been adopted across sporting disciplines due to their ability to account for repeated measures and non-linear interactions of datasets, however there are limited examples of their use in injury risk prediction. This study incorporated two-years of rigorous monitoring of athletes with 1740 individual weekly data points across domains of training load, performance testing, musculoskeletal screening, and injury history parameters, to be one of the first to employ a pattern recognition approach to predict the risk factors of specific non-contact lower limb injuries in Rugby Union. Predictive models (injured vs. non-injured) were generated for non-contact lower limb, non-contact ankle, and severe non-contact injuries using Bayesian pattern recognition from a pool of 36 Senior Academy Rugby Union athletes. Predictors for non-contact lower limb injuries included dorsiflexion angle, adductor strength, and previous injury history (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.70) Dorsiflexion angle parameters were also predictive of non-contact ankle injuries, along with slower sprint times, greater body mass, previous concussion, and previous ankle injury (ROC = 0.76). Predictors of severe non-contact lower limb injuries included greater differences in mean training load, slower sprint times, reduced hamstring and adductor strength, reduced dorsiflexion angle, greater perceived muscle soreness, and playing as a forward (ROC = 0.72). The identification of specific injury risk factors and useable thresholds for non-contact injury risk detection in sport holds great potential for coaches and medical staff to modify training prescriptions and inform injury prevention strategies, ultimately increasing player availability, a key indicator of team success.

Eccentric Force-Velocity-Load Relationship in Trained Rugby Union Athletes.

McNeill, C, Beaven, CM, McMaster, DT, Ward, P, and Gill, N. Eccentric force-velocity-load relationship in trained rugby union athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 549-555, 2024-The force-velocity relationship is traditionally believed to resemble a hyperbolic shape, known as the "force-velocity curve." However, there is less evidence regarding this relationship during eccentric muscle action in multijoint isotonic exercise, especially in applied settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the force-velocity-load relationship in an incremental eccentric back squat test. In addition, 37 professional male rugby union athletes were recruited to participate. Separate generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of barbell load on relative eccentric peak force (REPF), relative eccentric mean force (REMF), eccentric peak velocity (EPV), and eccentric mean velocity (EMV). A significant effect of load ( p < 0.05) was observed for each of the eccentric variables tested. Each increase in barbell load tended to result in a linear increase in REMF and a decrease in EMV and EPV; however, we observed a plateauing effect for REPF as load increased. These results show that for "peak" variables lighter loads produced similar magnitudes of force, but generally moved at higher velocities than heavier loads. These observations suggest that the eccentric force-velocity-load relationship may vary depending on the parameters used. Quantifying rapid, multijoint eccentric performance is justified as it seems to provide valuable insight into individual athletic capability and training program design. Further research may investigate the responsiveness of the qualities to training and the causal nature of eccentric characteristics and athletic performance.

Breast injuries and breast protection and breast pain and breast support in community-based female rugby union athletes

Breast injuries and breast protection and breast pain and breast support in community-based female rugby union athletes

Comparing Perceived Sleep Quality, Practices, and Behaviors of Male and Female Elite Rugby Union Athletes with the Use of Sleep Questionnaires.

Objective To evaluate the differences in subjective sleep quality, quantity, and behaviors among male and female elite rugby union athletes through two common sleep questionnaires. Materials and Methods A sample of 38 male and 27 female elite rugby union athletes filled out the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Global scores and individual items for each questionnaire were compared to assess differences between sexes. Results Male athletes reported significantly longer sleep duration (7 h 50 m ± 50 m versus 7h 12 m ± 58 m respectively; p ≤ 0.01; d = 0.70) and higher habitual sleep efficiency (88% versus 83% respectively; p < 0.05; d = 0.54) when compared with female athletes. Individual items of the ASBQ revealed significant differences between male and female athletes for five questions. Male athletes displayed higher instances of taking stimulants before training or competition and consuming alcohol within 4 hours of going to bed. Conversely, female athletes expressed greater thought or worry while in bed and a higher instance of training late at night. Discussion Male athletes displayed better self-reported sleep quality and quantity than female athletes; however, the present study highlighted that male and female elite rugby union athletes face specific challenges that differ. It appears that the differences observed between male and female elite rugby union athletes may be due to differing levels of professionalism or differences in training or competition schedules.

Profiling Professional Rugby Union Activity After Peak Match Periods.

The aim of this investigation was to quantify professional rugby union player activity profiles after the most intense (peak) passages of matches. Movement data were collected from 30 elite and 30 subelite professional rugby union athletes across respective competitive seasons. Accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad and global navigation satellite system-derived measures of mean speed and metabolic power were analyzed using a rolling-average method to identify the most intense 5- to 600-second passages (ie,worst-case scenarios) within matches. Player activity profiles immediately post their peak 5- to 600-second match intensity were identified using 5 epoch duration-matched intervals. Mean speed, metabolic power, and PlayerLoad declined sharply (∼29%-86%) after the most intense 5 to 600seconds of matches. Following the most intense periods of rugby matches, exercise intensity declined below the average match-half intensity 81% of the time and seldom returned to or exceeded it, likely due to a host of individual physical and physiological characteristics, transient and/or accumulative fatigue, contextual factors, and pacing strategies. Typically, player exercise intensities after the most intense passages of matches were similar between match halves, positional groups, and levels of rugby competition. Accurate identification of the peak exercise intensities of matches and movement thereafter using novel methodologies has improved the limited understanding of professional rugby union player activity profiles following the worst-case scenarios of matches. Findings of the present study may inform match-representative training prescription, monitoring, and tactical match decisions (eg,substitutions and positional changes).

Original ArticleDaytime naps improve afternoon power and perceptual measures in elite rugby union athletes - A randomized cross-over trial.

Daytime napping are used by elite athletes in both training and match-day settings. Currently, there are limited interventional studies on the efficacy of napping on physical performance in elite team-sport athletes. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effect of a daytime nap (<1h) on afternoon performance of peak power, reaction time, subjective wellness, and aerobic performance in professional rugby union athletes. A randomised cross-over design was carried out amongst 15 professional rugby union athletes. Athletes performed nap (NAP) and no nap (CON) conditions on two occasions, separated by one week. Baseline testing of reaction time, subjective wellness, and 6-s peak power test on a cycle ergometer was completed in the morning, followed by 2 x 45-minute training sessions, after which athletes completed the NAP or CON condition at 1200h. Following the nap period, baseline measures were retested in addition to a 30-minute fixed intensity interval cycle and a 4-minute maximal effort cycling test. A significant group x time interaction was determined for 6-s peak power output (+157.6 W, p<0.01, d=1.53), perceived fatigue (-0.2 AU, p=0.01, d=0.37) and muscle soreness (-0.1 AU, p=0.04, d=0.75) in favor of the NAP condition. A significantly lower perceived exertion rating (-1.2 AU, p<0.01, d=1.72) was recorded for the fixed intensity session in favour of NAP. This study highlights that utilizing daytime naps between training sessions on the same day improved afternoon peak power and lower perceptions of fatigue, soreness, and exertion during afternoon training in professional rugby union athletes.

Normative isometric plantarflexion strength values for professional level, male rugby union athletes

ObjectivesThe primary aim was to establish normative values of isometric plantarflexor muscle strength in professional male rugby union players and compare forwards with backs. The secondary aims were to examine how individual playing position or age influences isometric plantarflexor strength. DesignCross-sectional. SettingTesting at professional rugby clubs. Participants355 players (201 forwards and 154 backs) from 9 clubs in the English Premiership club competition. Main outcome measuresMaximal unilateral isometric plantarflexion strength was measured, using a Fysiometer C-Station, in a seated position with a flexed knee and in maximal available dorsiflexion. Values are reported normalised to body mass and specific to playing position. ResultsMean combined limb isometric plantarflexion strength for the group was 193.1 kg (SD 32) or 1.86 xBW. (SD 0.31). Forwards were significantly weaker than backs (forwards = 1.75xBW (SD 0.26), backs = 2.00xBW (SD 0.28) (p=<0.0001)). Age category revealed no influence on plantarflexor strength. ConclusionThis study presents normative isometric plantarflexion strength values for professional male rugby union players. Forwards are typically relatively weaker than backs.

Fluid intake is a strong predictor of outdoor team sport pre-season training performance

ABSTRACT Our aim was to characterize fluid intake during outdoor team sport training and use generalized additive models to quantify interactions with the environment and performance. Fluid intake, body mass (BM) and internal/external training load data were recorded for male rugby union (n = 19) and soccer (n = 19) athletes before/after field training sessions throughout an 11-week preseason (357 observations). Running performance (GPS) and environmental conditions were recorded each session and generalized additive models were applied in the analysis of data. Mean body mass loss throughout all training sessions was −1.11 ± 0.63 kg (~1.3%) compared with a mean fluid intake at each session of 958 ± 476 mL during the experimental period. For sessions >110 min, when fluid intake reached ~10–19 mL·kg−1 BM the total distance increased (7.47 to 8.06 km, 7.6%; P = 0.049). Fluid intake above ~10 mL·kg−1 BM was associated with a 4.1% increase in high-speed running distance (P < 0.0001). Most outdoor team sport athletes fail to match fluid loss during training, and fluid intake is a strong predictor of running performance. Improved hydration practices during training should be beneficial and we provide a practical ingestion range to promote improved exercise capacity in outdoor team sport training sessions.

The effect of α-lactalbumin consumption on sleep quality and quantity in female rugby union athletes: a field-based study.

This double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of α-lactalbumin consumption on sleep quality and quantity in female rugby union athletes during a competition season. Eighteen semi-professional female rugby union players (age 23.8 ± 5.2 y; mean ± SD) wore wrist actigraphy watches for four seven-day blocks corresponding to the pre-season, a home game, a bye week (i.e. no competition game scheduled) and an away game. Participants consumed either an α-lactalbumin (α-LAC), or placebo drink (PLA) every night two hours before bed for the duration of the season. Generalised linear mixed models were used to investigate the effects of the nutritional intervention on sleep variables (total sleep time, sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset) over the duration of the season. There was a significant condition by period interaction effect on SOL (p = 0.01). While similar at baseline (23.3 ± 16.3 and 23.2 ± 18.9 min α-LAC and placebo respectively) and for the home game (22.4 ± 17.6 and 19.3 ± 14.9 min α-LAC and placebo respectively), SOL was reduced in the α-LAC group for the bye (11.6 ± 13.4 min) and away game (17.0 ± 11.5 min; p = 0.045). In comparison, SOL remained unchanged in the PLA group (bye 21.2 ± 17.3 and away 22.5 ± 18.5 min). Pre-sleep α-lactalbumin consumption improved SOL in a semi-professional female team-sport cohort. Thus, α-lactalbumin could be utilised by athletes to support sleep during a competitive season.

Alcohol use by Athletes: Hierarchy, status, and Reciprocity

Sport is considered a positive, health enhancing lifestyle choice. However, there is considerable evidence that many athletes, particularly those at university, engage in harmful levels of alcohol use. Despite decades of research showing student athletes consume alcohol at high levels, there have been no substantial in-roads into reducing consumption. At present, there is a need to better understand the social, cultural, and personal factors that drive athletes to consume harmful levels of alcohol. This study aimed to address this gap in literature by investigating the group level dynamics which may be driving heavy alcohol use and jeopardising attempts to reduce drinking. Over the course of one academic year, male (n = 9) and female (n = 6) rugby union athletes were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. Three overarching themes were identified that best represented the research findings, these were 1) social hierarchy, where alcohol use was used to create and sustain a social hierarchy, 2) status, where alcohol use was used to gain a reputation, and 3) reciprocity, where experienced athletes felt novices needed to go through the same (often painful and degrading) experiences they had. This study suggests that past approaches to reduce alcohol use among student athletes have substantially over-simplified the relationship and have over-focussed on the psychological contributors to this complex phenomena.

Characterization of differences in sleep behaviors between academy, semi-professional and professional levels of competition in rugby union athletes

Athletes display differing sleep habits to non-athletic populations; similarly, differences occur in sleep habits between athletes from different sports. There is currently limited research investigating the differences in sleep habits and behaviors between different levels of competition within the same sport. A total of 224 rugby union athletes (109 academy, 38 semi-professional, 84 professional) completed the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Professional athletes displayed a significantly longer self-reported sleep duration compared to semi-professional and academy athletes (7 h 52 min ± 51 min vs. 7 h 16 min ± 1 h 15 min vs. 7 h 19 min ± 1 h 12 min, p &lt; 0.01). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global scores revealed a significantly lower ( p = 0.04, d = 0.3) score for professional athletes (5.2 ± 2.5 AU) than academy athletes (6.0 ± 2.7 AU). Individual components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index revealed significant differences ( p &lt; 0.05) between groups for sleep duration and daytime dysfunction. No significant differences ( p &gt; 0.05) were observed between levels of competition for the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire global score; however, significant differences ( p &lt; 0.05) were observed for 6 of the 18 items. This study was the first to investigate sleep behaviors across multiple levels of competition in rugby union athletes. Professional athletes displayed longer sleep duration compared to semi-professional and academy level athletes. Additionally, results highlighted that differences exist between levels of competition for specific sleep behaviors. This study identified that sleep behaviors could be improved for all levels of rugby union athletes.

Application of a nutrition support protocol to encourage optimisation of nutrient intake in provincial academy rugby union athletes in New Zealand: Practical considerations and challenges from a team-based case study

Provincial academies represent an important bridge between amateur and professional level rugby union in New Zealand. Athletes are provided with professional-level coaching; however, limited direct nutrition support is available. Congested training schedules and the requirement to work or study due to a lack of financial support may present a challenge towards athletes meeting nutrition requirements. The aim of the study was to facilitate improvement in nutrient intake, body composition and subjective well-being in provincial academy athletes via the implementation of a nutrition-support protocol based around behaviour change techniques. Significant increases in total energy (pre: 2492 ± 762 kcal; post: 2614 ± 625 kcal), relative energy (pre: 24.4 ± 7.5 kcal·kg; 25.5 ± 6.0 kcal·kg), total protein (pre: 131.1 ± 41.8 g; 153.8 ± 37.1 g) and relative protein (pre: 1.3 ± 0.4 g·kg; post: 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kg) were observed. Furthermore, changes in subjective sleep quality, stress, mood and upper body soreness were observed following the intervention. No changes were observed in body composition, carbohydrate or fat intake. Significant variability in nutrition and body composition changes highlights the importance of applying an individualised approach to nutrition support provision in developmental athletes. Practitioners working within these environments should be aware of the challenges and influences contributing to athletes’ nutrition choices and habits.

Evaluation Of A Nutritional Education Intervention To Improve Nutrition Knowledge Within Female Rugby Union Athletes: Evaluation Of A Nutritional Education Intervention To Improve Nutrition Knowledge Within Female Rugby Union Athletes.

Nutritional knowledge is key for health and performance in athletes. Moreover, an athlete’s individual knowledge is crucial in specific athletic groups or sports, with a limited sport science support network. Female sports are unfortunately still underfunded compared to their male counterparts, and as a result, female teams often do not have the support of a dietician to help ensure optimal health and performance, instead placing this responsibility on the individual athlete. The lack of funding is also applicable to rugby union in the United Kingdom (UK), despite attracting greater funding, elite female rugby clubs have limited support staff with few having access to nutrition advice from registered experts. For this reason, it is therefore important that individual athletes have the tools to develop nutritional knowledge where a nutritionist or dietitian is not available. PURPOSE: Determine the level of nutritional knowledge in a group of elite female rugby union players; and to identify whether an online educational intervention can improve their nutritional knowledge. METHODS: Sixteen elite female athletes from a UK premiership rugby club participated in the intervention. An adapted 89-item Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) which was administered at baseline and repeated (R-NSKQ) after the educational intervention. Due to Covid-19, the intervention was run digitally with 5 weekly pre-recorded education sessions. RESULTS: Overall NSKQ scores were 49.9±16.7% at baseline and increased to 58.8±13.3% (P<0.01) post intervention. Knowledge regarding Body Composition 66.2±18.8 vs 78.6±3.6 (P=0.002), Macronutrients 52.4±24.4 vs 65.7±16.7 (P=0.016) and Sports Nutrition 45.3±18.8 vs 55.6±15.2 (P=0.015) all improved significantly as a result of the 5-week educational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that nutritional knowledge is lacking in elite female rugby players, but an educational programme can lead to a significant improvement in players’ knowledge.