Effects of a short-term pre-season training programme on the body composition and anaerobic performance of professional rugby union players

Abstract

Pre-season rugby training develops the physical requisites for competition and consists of a high volume of resistance training and anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. However, the effects of a rugby union pre-season in professional athletes are currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 4-week pre-season on 33 professional rugby union players. Bench press and box squat increased moderately (13.6 kg, 90% confidence limits ±2.9 kg and 17.6 ± 8.0 kg, respectively) over the training phase. Small decreases in bench throw (70.6 ± 53.5 W), jump squat (280.1 ± 232.4 W), and fat mass (1.4 ± 0.4 kg) were observed. In addition, small increases were seen in fat-free mass (2.0 ± 0.6 kg) and flexed upper-arm girth (0.6 ± 0.2 cm), while moderate increases were observed in mid-thigh girth (1.9 ± 0.5 cm) and perception of fatigue (0.6 ± 0.4 units). Increases in strength and body composition were observed in elite rugby union players after 4 weeks of intensive pre-season training, but this may have been the result of a return to fitness levels prior to the off-season. Decreases in power may reflect high training volumes and increases in perceived of fatigue.     

From endurance to power athletes: The changing shape of successful male professional tennis players

The aim of the present study was to identify whether the relative shape and size characteristics of elite male tennis players have changed over time, and in addition whether any anthropometric parameters characterise the more successful players in Grand Slam tournaments. The height and body mass of the players qualifying for the first round in all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments during the period 1982–2011 was obtained, and successful players defined arbitrarily as those reaching round 3 or beyond. Body mass index (BMI) and the reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) were used as our measures of body shape. Multilevel modelling was used to explore the trend over time using non-linear polynomials. The results suggest that the body shape of elite tennis players has changed over time, with a non-linear (cubic polynomial regression model) increase in BMI and a similar non-linear decline in the RPI. BMI, reflecting greater muscle mass rather than greater adiposity, has emerged as an important factor associated with success, identified by a significantly positive (steeper) “successful player”-by-“year” interaction term. The evidence that the RPI of elite tennis players has also decreased over time, together with a significantly negative “successful player”-by-“year” interaction term, suggests that a more linear (ectomorphic) body shape is a less important factor in terms of success. These results suggest that elite male tennis players are becoming more power trained athletes as opposed to endurance athletes, with greater muscle mass being an important factor associated with success in all Grand Slam tournaments.     

中外优秀女篮运动员的身高、体重、年龄特征比较

通过对世界女子篮球优秀运动员的身高、体重、年龄等的统计分析表明：优秀女子篮球运动员的身高、体重、年龄等有其基本特点和规律。与之相比，我国优秀女子篮球运动员及运动队存在不足，应引起注意并采取有针对性的措施加以解决，尽快提高我国女子篮球运动的水平。     

Childhood single skinfold thickness is a better predictor for adult relative fat mass in females than the body mass index: Data from a 30-year longitudinal growth study

Abstract

Information on the prediction of adult relative fat mass (percent body fat,%BF) using measures from pre-pubertal ages and early childhood is scarce. In the present longitudinal study, we assess the development of different anthropometric indicators of percent body fat during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in 37½-year-old females stratified for low and high percent body fat. Consequently, we study the predictability of percent body fat based on simple anthropometric measurements during childhood and adolescence.

Anthropometric data from the Belgian longitudinal experimental growth study “LEGS” were used. Beginning in 1969, five yearly cohorts of about 100 individuals each (mean age 6 years) were recruited in public kindergartens. Of the original 515 participants (260 males, 255 females) that were measured annually from age 6 to 18 years, 59 males and 60 females agreed to participate in a follow-up study in 2004. During the follow-up measurements, the participants were invited for a body-composition assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We stratified the participants into low (%BF-BIA < 35%) and high (%BF-BIA≥35%) relative fat mass samples. Pearson correlations were calculated and used as tracking coefficients. Multiple stepwise linear regression was applied with anthropometric variables at each age separately as predictors for adult percent body fat, expressed as%BF-BIA, %BF-Segal, and %BF-D&W (Durnin & Womersley, 1974).

The results indicate that a single skinfold thickness during adolescence is a better predictor for adult percent body fat than adolescent body mass index. Additionally, our results suggest that this holds during childhood as early as from age 8 onwards. The use of single skinfold measurements as predictors for adult adiposity and obesity is supported by other arguments, including: (1) body mass index as a proxy for overweight does not discriminate between fat mass and fat-free mass, and (2) an excess of adipose tissue is more strongly associated with morbidity than the body mass index.     

Body composition differences by age and playing standard in male rugby union and rugby league: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine differences in body compositionn between playing standard and age in male rugby union and rugby league athletes. The MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines for design, implementation, and reporting were followed. Studies were required to be in male rugby union or league and have body composition as the primary or secondary outcome. Data was required to be presented separately for positional groups and body composition presented as whole-body. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and CINHAHL via EBSCOhost. 57 studies were included for meta-analysis. Results highlighted significantly higher fat-free mass in senior elite than senior sub-elite or junior elite athletes for all RU and RL forwards. Small and non-significant differences were found in fat mass between rugby union playing standards and age categories. Rugby league senior elite forwards had less fat mass than junior elite forwards. Practitioners should prioritise training and nutritional strategies that maximise fat-free mass development, especially in junior elite cohorts.     

Total,regional and unilateral body composition of professional English first-class cricket fast bowlers

There have been few reports of advanced body composition profiles of elite fast bowlers in the sport of cricket. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine total, regional and unilateral body composition characteristics of elite English first-class cricket fast bowlers in comparison with matched controls, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twelve male fast bowlers and 12 age-matched, non-athletic controls received one total-body DXA scan. Anthropometric data were obtained as well as left and right regional (arms, legs and trunk) fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content. Fast bowlers were significantly taller and heavier than controls (P < 0.05). Relative to body mass, fast bowlers possessed greater lean mass in the trunk (80.9 ± 3.7 vs. 76.7 ± 5.9%; P = 0.047) and bone mineral content in the trunk (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.3%; P = 0.049) and legs (5.4 ± 0.5 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6%; P = 0.003). In the arm region, fast bowlers demonstrated significantly greater unilateral differences in bone mineral content (10.6 ± 6.6 vs. 4.5 ± 3.9%; P = 0.012). This study provides specific body composition values for elite-level fast bowlers and highlights the potential for muscle and bone imbalances that may be useful for conditioning professionals. Our findings also suggest beneficial adaptations in body composition and bone mass in fast bowlers compared with their non-athletic counterparts.     

Preseason changes in markers of lower body fatigue and performance in young professional rugby union players

This study investigated the changes in measures of neuromuscular fatigue and physical performance in young professional rugby union players during a preseason training period. Fourteen young (age: 19.1?±?1.2 years) professional rugby union players participated in the study. Changes in measures of lower body neuromuscular fatigue (countermovement jump (CMJ) mean power, mean force, flight-time) and physical performance (lower body strength, 40?m sprint velocity) were assessed during an 11-week preseason period using magnitude-based inferences. CMJ mean power was likely to very likely decreased during week 2 (?8.1?±?5.5% to ?12.5?±?6.8%), and likely to almost certainly decreased from weeks 5 to 11 (?10?±?4.3% to ?14.7?±?6.9%), while CMJ flight-time demonstrated likely to very likely decreases during weeks 2, and weeks 4–6 (?2.41?±?1% to ?3.3?±?1.3%), and weeks 9–10 (?1.9?±?0.9% to ?2.2?±?1.5%). Despite this, possible improvements in lower body strength (5.8?±?2.7%) and very likely improvements in 40?m velocity (5.5?±?3.6%) were made. Relationships between changes in CMJ metrics and lower body strength or 40?m sprint velocity were trivial or small (<0.22). Increases in lower body strength and 40?m velocity occurred over the course of an 11-week preseason despite the presence of neuromuscular fatigue (as measured by CMJ). The findings of this study question the usefulness of CMJ for monitoring fatigue in the context of strength and sprint velocity development. Future research is needed to ascertain the consequences of negative changes in CMJ in the context of rugby-specific activities to determine the usefulness of this test as a measure of fatigue in this population.     

Anthropometry and body composition of female handball players according to competitive level or the playing position

Abstract

Anthropometry and body composition were investigated in 43 female handball players from the Italian championships, grouped according to their competitive level (elite vs. sub-elite) or their playing position [goalkeeper (n = 7), back (n = 14), wing (n = 18), or pivot (n = 4)]. The anthropometry consisted of several circumferences, lengths, widths, and skinfold measurement at six sites; the regional and total body compositions were assessed by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, with a Bonferroni post-hoc test where needed. The results showed that elite players have significantly lower percentages of fat and higher bone mineral content than sub-elite as well as a clear tendency to accrue more lean mass, especially in upper limbs. Overall, the physical characteristics and body composition of handball players in Italy compared unfavourably with those in other countries, suggesting a need for improved selection and training. When playing position was included in the analysis of the whole group of handball players (n = 43) significant differences were found between the stature, mass, body mass index (BMI), several skinfolds, circumferences and lengths, and total body mineral mass, lean mass and fat mass of players in different positions. Post-hoc analysis suggests that players on the wing and in goalkeeper positions differed most from one another. These findings confirm and expand on previous data about the presence of anthropometric differences within playing positions in handball.     

大学生篮球运动中踝关节损伤分析及预防

踝关节损伤是篮球运动中常见的一种损伤。文章通过问卷对普通高校大学生在篮球运动中踝关节损伤的原因、程度进行了调查,根据踝关节生理结构和篮球运动特点对损伤原因进行了研究;通过计算受调查者的身体质量指数(BMI),分析了肥胖度与受伤率的关系;并对踝关节损伤的预防提出了合理的建议。     

中外优秀网球选手年龄、身高、体重及克托莱指数的比较

对中外优秀男女网球选手年龄、身高、体重和克托莱指数进行了比较分析,结果表明：中外男女网球选手平均年龄均不存在显著的性别差异,且都处于黄金竞技年龄或最佳竞技年龄发展稳定阶段;我国与国外优秀男女选手平均年龄均存在显著的国别差异,我国男女选手比国外优秀选手年龄均明显偏小;中外选手在身高、体重及克托菜指数上均存在明显的性别差异,表现为男子大于女子;我国男女选手身高比国外优秀选手均明显偏低;在体重及克托莱指数上,我国男子均明显低于国外优秀选手,说明我国男子选手选手肌肉力量的发展程度与国外优秀选手存在一定的差距;而我国女子选手与国外优秀选手体重及克托莱指数无明显差异,这尚需作进一步考究。     

同一年龄不同骨龄的少年运动员身体形态、机能与运动能力差异的调查研究

研究同一年龄不同骨龄少年运动员的身体形态、机能、运动能力，从中找出它们之间的差异和变化规律。研究结果表明，同一年龄不同骨龄的少年运动员有不同的发育类型特征，其身体形态、机能、运动能力存在着明显差异。因此，以生活年龄和骨龄进行体质评价和竞赛分组肯定存在着一定的局限性、片面性和不合理性。在体质评价和运动竞赛时，应按同一生活年龄中不同发育类型来确定分组，在运动员选材中也要根据不同项目的要求按同一生活年龄中不同骨龄和发育类型来确定。     

Season-long increases in perceived muscle soreness in professional rugby league players: role of player position,match characteristics and playing surface

Rugby League (RL) is a high-impact collision sport characterised by repeated sprints and numerous high-speed impacts and consequently players often report immediate and prolonged muscle soreness in the days after a match. We examined muscle soreness after matches during a full season to understand the extent to which match characteristics influence soreness. Thirty-one elite Super League players provided daily measures of muscle soreness after each of the 26 competitive fixtures of the 2012 season. Playing position, phase of the season, playing surface and match characteristics were recorded from each match. Muscle soreness peaked at day 1 and was still apparent at day 4 post-game with no attenuation in the magnitude of muscle soreness over the course of the season. Neither playing position, phase of season or playing surface had any effects on the extent of muscle soreness. Playing time and total number of collisions were significantly correlated with higher ratings of muscle soreness, especially in the forwards. These data indicate the absence “contact adaptations” in elite rugby players with soreness present throughout the entire season. Strategies must now be implemented to deal with the physical and psychological consequences of prolonged feeling of pain.     

力量训练、有氧运动对体能类男性运动员BMI、骨骼肌含量、体脂百分比的影响

选取20名体能类男性运动员,分为力量训练组和有氧训练组进行为期8周的对照实验。实验发现不同运动对人体成分的改变效果不同,力量训练可以促进骨骼肌的增长,有氧训练可以起到降低体重、减小体脂、抑制骨骼肌增长的作用。     

规律运动与性别差异对高中生身体意象的影响

选用多维度身体与自我关系问卷作工具,对浙江省4所高级中学进行调查.结果显示:(1)除外表取向和疾病取向外,性别差异对高中生的身体意象其他各维度都具有显著影响.男生的外表评价、体能评价、健康评价、身体各部位满意度、体能关注、健康关注显著高于女生.(2)除对头发的满意度无显著性别差异外,对其他身体部位的满意度,男生显著高于女生.(3)规律运动对外表评价、体能评价、健康评价和体能取向有显著影响,而对其他身体意向构成维度没有显著影响.     

潮州市居民体质指数、血压、血脂及血糖水平分析

目的：调查潮州市居民体质指数及血压、血脂与血糖水平,为评估潮州居民健康生活方式提供依据.方法：对1 318名潮州市18岁以上居民进行问卷调查,统计分析其自述体质指数、低体重、超重、肥胖及异常血压、血脂和血糖发生率.结果：潮州市居民平均体质指数男性为22.86±3.65,女性为21.55±2.93.体重偏低、正常、超重和肥胖率分别为8.35％、65.63％、19.35％和6.67％.高血压、高血脂和高血糖发生率分别为18.29％、13.64％和10.63％.结论：潮州市居民体质指数、超重、肥胖率及高血压、高血脂发生率低于国内其他地区,低体重发生率则高于国内其他地区.     

2008—2009赛季CBA常规赛运动员身高、体重、年龄与运动成绩的相关性研究

运用文献资料法、数理统计法,对参加2008—2009赛季CBA常规赛比赛运动员的身高、体重、年龄等指标与运动成绩相关性进行比较分析。结果表明：CBA不同位置运动员的平均年龄、身高、体重和克托莱指数存在显著性差异;CBA常规赛不同名次运动员平均身高、体重、年龄和克托莱指数在前8名球队较为合理,顺应现代篮球运动的发展潮流。此结果可为中国篮球各级运动队的科学选材和训练提供借鉴与参考。     

Bigger,stronger, faster,fitter: the differences in physical qualities of school and academy rugby union players

Limited research has compared the physical qualities of adolescent rugby union (RU) players across differing playing standards. This study therefore compared the physical qualities of academy and school Under-18 RU players. One-hundred and eighty-four (professional regional academy, n = 55 school, n = 129) male RU players underwent a physical testing battery to quantify height, body mass, strength (bench press and pull-up), speed (10, 20 and 40 m), 10 m momentum (calculated; 10 m velocity * body mass) and a proxy measure of aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; IRTL1). The practical significance of differences between playing levels were assessed using magnitude-based inferences. Academy players were taller (very likely small), heavier (likely moderate) and stronger (bench press possibly large; pull-up plus body mass likely small) than school players. Academy players were faster than school players over 20 and 40 m (possibly and likely small), although differences in 10 m speed were not apparent (possibly trivial). Academy players displayed greater 10 m momentum (likely moderate) and greater IRTL1 performance (likely small) than school players. These findings suggest that body size, strength, running momentum, 40 m speed and aerobic fitness contribute to a higher playing standard in adolescent rugby union.     

通过身体的城市——相关西方社会理论的评述

本文首先提出了2个当代城市研究的个案,并批判了他们对于城市及其空间建构过程的片面性理解;其次,通过回顾经典的城市理论,本文梳理出了身体、空间和城市之间的相关性;最后,展开了关于当代城市理论的探讨,从空间组织形式的角度去探讨了身体与城市之间的实践关系。总体而言,本文在西方社会理论的脉络中探讨了身体、空间和城市等几个重要概念,并强调了对于"身体"概念的理解有助于我们更好地去理解城市及其内在逻辑。     

毽球运动对中青年妇女血脂、体重和体形的影响研究

目的:观察毽球运动对中青年妇女的体重、血脂、体重指数及身体形态等指标的影响,探讨毽球运动对中青年妇女的健身作用。实验对象:13名健康中青年妇女。运动方案:毽球运动3个月,每周5次,每次1.5-2h。结果:与运动前相比,受试者体重、BMI、体脂百分数降低,有显著性或非常显著性差异(p0.05,p0.01)。与运动前相比,受试者HDL升高,有显著性差异(p0.05)。与运动前相比,受试者TC、TG降低,有显著性差异(p0.05)。与运动前相比,受试者腰围、腰臀比下降,有显著性或非常显著性差异(p0.05,p0.01);与运动前相比,受试者小腿围显著性升高,有显著性差异(p0.05)。结论:三个月毽球运动可改善中青年妇女的身体成分和血脂水平,有助于改善中青年妇女的体形和促进健康。     

Development of expertise in elite and sub-elite British rugby league players: A comparison of practice experiences

Previous studies have investigated how individuals reach an expert level by counting the number of hours engaged in specific practice types. Here we sought to understand and compare the microstructure (e.g. practice tasks undertaken) of these practice hours experienced by elite and sub-elite British rugby league players. Semi-structured interviews explored the practice experiences of eight international and eight domestic level players. A two-staged thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The analysis revealed that both player groups experienced a rich and narrow landscape of affordances and were exposed to early diversification of sports experiences during childhood. Differences were identified in domestic level players’ experiences of amateur and professional sports, where episodes of negative developmental environments were reported. International players’ practice experiences revealed differences in their professional careers, where exposure to scenario-based practice and dynamic learning environments were reported. The findings suggest that insights from ecological dynamics provide a suitable theoretical framework to guide coaches in the design of practice environments that should consider the physical, psychological, emotional and social dimensions of expertise acquisition.