word count 253Text-only word count: 2904 Tables: 3 2 Abstract Objective: To investigate the application of differential ratings of perceived exertion for the examination of internal load during Australian Football League (AFL) matches.
Number of references: 30
Number of Figures: 0
Number ofDesign: Single cohort, observational study.
Methods:Using the centiMax rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, 26 professional AFL players provided ratings for match exertion (RPE-M), along with differential ratings for breathlessness (RPE-B), leg exertion (RPE-L), and technical demand (RPE-T) following 129 matches (5.0 ± 1.6 matches per player). Global positioning satellite (GPS) and accelerometer measures were also collected. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferences.Results: RPE scores were 93.0 8.2 AU (RPE-M), 89.0 11.0 AU (RPE-B), 91.5 9.8 AU (RPE-L), and 87.0 10.0 AU (RPE-T). There was a most likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-T (5.5%; 90% confidence limits 1.9%), a likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-B (3.5%;1.5%) and a possibly small difference between RPE-B and RPE-T (1.9%; 1.9%). Within-player correlations between RPE and GPS measures were small for RPE-M (r=0.14-0.28), unclear to small for RPE-B (r=0.06-0.24) and unclear to moderate for RPE-L (r=0.06-0.37). Differential RPE's combined to explain 76% of the variance in RPE-M. For all RPE scores, within-player variability was moderate-high (typical error: 7.9-12.4%), and the thresholds for a likely between-match change were 8.8-13.7%.
Conclusions:As differential RPE's represent distinct sensory inputs, the collection of these scores facilitate the interpretation of internal match loads and therefore represent a valuable addition to match data collection procedures. Moderate to high within-player variability should be considered when interpreting between-match changes in all RPE scores.
Purpose:To compare the agility demands of 4 small-sided games (SSGs) and evaluate the variability in demands for elite Australian Football (AF).Methods:Fourteen male elite Australian Football League (AFL) players (mean ± SD; 21.7 ± 3.1 y, 189.6 ± 9.0 cm, 88.7 ± 10.0 kg, 39.4 ± 57.1 games) completed 4 SSGs of 3 × 45-s bouts each with modified designs. Video notational analysis, GPS at 5 Hz, and triaxial accelerometer data expressed the external player loads within games. Three comparisons were made using a paired t test (P < .05), and magnitudes of differences were reported with effect size (ES) statistics.Results:Reduced area per player (increased density) produced a small increase in total agility maneuvers (SSG1, 7.2 ± 1.3; SSG2, 8.8 ± 4.1), while a large 2D player load was accumulated (P < .05, ES = 1.22). A reduction in players produced a moderate (ES = 0.60) total number of agility maneuvers (SSG 3, 11.3 ± 6.1; SSG 2, 8.3 ± 3.6); however, a greater variability was found. The implementation of a 2-handed-tag rule resulted in a somewhat trivial decline (P > .05, ES = 0.16) in agility events compared with normal AFL tackling rules (SSG 2, 8.3 ± 3.6; SSG 4, 7.8 ± 2.6).Conclusions:SSG characteristics can influence agility-training demand, which can vary considerably for individuals. Coaches should carefully consider SSG design to maximize the potential to develop agility for all players.
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