Changes in the physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a competition season
Loading...
Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the physical fitness characteristics of elite women’s rugby union players over a competitive season.
METHODS: Thirty-two elite women’s rugby union players, all members of the South African Rugby Union High Performance Squad, were
sub-divided into 2 positional categories of 17 forwards and 15 backs, respectively, and assessed pre-, mid- and post-competition season.
Players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass and sum of 7 skinfolds) and physical performance measurements (vertical jump,
10 m and 40 m sprint, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and multi-stage shuttle-run test).
Analysis. A 2-factor analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in physical fitness variables between and within playing positions
over the competition season (p<0.01).
RESULTS: In both groups, no significant changes were detected in the sum of skinfolds, vertical jump height, 1RM bench press and multi-stage
shuttle-run test scores throughout the season. However, sprint times (10 m and 40 m) significantly increased and then decreased for both
groups between the early (pre- to mid-season) and later phases of the season (mid- to post-season), respectively.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that, for improvement in physical fitness, players need to train at higher loads, especially in the preparatory
phase. Thereafter, they must take measures to actively maintain these gains throughout the competitive season. Direct supervision of their
conditioning should be encouraged.
Description
Keywords
Training, Physical fitness, Women's rugby, Competitive season
Citation
Hene, N. M. & Bassett, S. H. (2013). Changes in the physical fitness of elite women’s rugby union players over a competition season. SAJSM, 25(2): 47-50