Movement and physiological match demands of elite rugby league using portable global positioning systems

Abstract

Twelve elite players from an English Super League club consented to participate in the present study using portable global positioning system (GPS) devices to assess position-specific demands. Distances covered at low-intensity running, moderate-intensity running, high-intensity running, very high-intensity running, and total distance were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in forwards compared with outside backs and adjustables. Metres per minute was higher in adjustables and forwards, owing to higher values for relative distance in medium-intensity running and a rise in high-intensity running from previous absolute values. Sprint distance, sprint frequency, and peak speed were higher in outside backs than both adjustables and forwards. A moderate, significant correlation (r = 0.62, P = 0.001) was apparent between session ratings of perceived exertion and summated heart rate. Results support the requirement for position-specific conditioning and provide preliminary evidence for the use of session ratings of perceived exertion as a measure of match load.

Physiological Responses to an Intensified Period of Rugby League Competition

“…Alternatively, the maintenance of peak force may be due to a greater involvement of the lower body in high velocity movements as opposed to high force movements during competition (21,22,43). These findings suggest that rugby league competition compromises the velocity of lower body movements rather than the ability to generate force.…”

“…Depending on playing position, players cover distances in the range of 3,000-8,000 m during a match (27,33,43). Over the course of a rugby league season, players are required to compete on a weekly basis over a 7-8 month period, with generally 5-10 days between matches.…”

The physical demands of Super League rugby: Experiences of a newly promoted franchise

“…Highton, Worsfold, & Daniels, 2011a) and has tended to focus on established ESL teams 55 competing at the top of the table (Twist et al, 2014;Waldron et al, 2011a). Previous 56 research in the NRL has found that the physical demands are greater when competing 57 against bottom four ranked teams (Gabbett, 2013) and also the amount of HSR has 58 previously been used to differentiate between standards of competition (Gabbett, 2014).…”

Changes in Anthropometry and Performance, and Their Interrelationships, Across Three Seasons in Elite Youth Rugby League Players

“…Adult rugby league involves prolonged periods of low-to-moderate intensity movement, interspersed by multiple sprints and contacts with the opposition (18,38,48). Adolescent youth players perform a similar pattern of activities during a match, with a notable 10-min annual increase in match duration.…”