Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance in Rugby Players: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is a multi-joint test of whole-body force production relevant to rugby players. “Rugby AND (mid-thigh pull OR midthigh pull OR mid thigh pull” were searched in PubMed, Sportdiscus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Google Scholar; the final date of search was 24 January 2018. Data extraction from 24 articles included subject characteristics, force data, and IMTP testing procedures. Select ranges of peak forces reported were: Youth: 1162–2374 N; Academy: 1855–3104 N; Professional: 2254–3851 N. Rate of force development (RFD) at 100 and 200 ms ranged from 5521 to 11,892 N and 5403 to 8405 N, respectively, among professional rugby players. Studies’ research design were of moderate quality, but most studies lacked detailed reporting of IMTP procedures. Variability of force characteristics derived from the IMTP within similar populations (e.g., approximately 200% difference in peak force between samples of professional rugby league players) as well as large and unexpected overlaps between dissimilar populations, limit conclusions about force production capabilities relative to playing level, likely due to limitations and lack of standardization of IMTP procedures. Greater uniformity in IMTP testing procedures and reporting is needed. This manuscript provides a guide for reporting needs when presenting results from an IMTP in research.

Effects of Lower Limb Muscle Isometric Strength on the 3000m Skating Speed and Energy Metabolism Characteristics of Chinese Elite Female Speed Skaters

“…Isometric force refers to the force generated by a muscle contraction while maintaining a constant length, allowing muscle tension to reach its maximum capacity [21]. Although no external work is performed since the body does not move, the muscle still requires a signi cant amount of energy.…”

The Use of Physical Characteristics to Explain Variation in Ball-Carrying Capability in Elite Rugby Union: A Narrative Review

“…In comparison, Cunningham et al ( 14) used a maximum IMTP assessment to determine absolute and relative peak force. The use of the maximum IMTP assessment has grown in popularity across all sports and is increasingly being used in rugby union because of its perceived ease of use, time efficiency, and the reduced requirements for technical instruction when compared with full range of motion compound lifts such as the barbell back squat or barbell deadlift (37). However, Cunningham et al (2018) are the only investigators to use the maximum IMTP assessment and failed to report the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and 90% confidence intervals (90% CI), leaving the test-retest reliability of their assessment unknown (37).…”

Validity and Reliability of a Load Cell Sensor-Based Device for Assessment of the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Test

“…It is characterized by placing a barbell in the middle of the performer's thigh [8], and the performer attempts to produce the maximum amount of Sensors 2023, 23, 5832 2 of 9 isometric force possible [1]. The angles of the hip and knee used have varied in different studies [1,9], and although systematic reviews have attempted to find the most reliable execution angles [7] and create normative data for the IMTP test [10], these topics need further research. One of the limiting aspects of performing this test in the field setting is that it requires a force plate (FP) [3,8,11] These FPs are often expensive and require specialized personnel and are time-consuming in data analysis.…”