The influence of` preseason training phase and training load on body composition and its relationship with physical qualities in professional junior rugby league players

Abstract

This study investigated changes in body composition in relation to training load determined using RPE and duration (sRPE), and its relationship with physical qualities over a preseason period. Sixteen professional academy players (age = 17.2 ± 0.7 years; stature = 179.9 ± 4.9 cm; body mass = 88.5 ± 10.1 kg) participated in the study. Body composition was assessed before and after each training phase and physical qualities assessed at the start and end of preseason. Across the whole preseason period, skinfold thickness, body fat percentage and fat mass were most likely lower (ES = -0.73 to -1.00), and fat free mass and lean mass were likely to most likely higher (ES = 0.31 to 0.40). Results indicated that the magnitude of change appeared phase-dependent (ES = -0.05 to -0.85) and demonstrated large individual variability. Changes in physical qualities ranged from unclear to most likely (ES = -0.50 to 0.64). Small to moderate correlations were observed between changes in body composition, and TL with changes in physical qualities. This study suggests training phase and TL can influence a player's body composition; that large inter-participant variability exists; and that body composition and TL are related to the change in physical qualities.

Training Practices of Academy Rugby League and their Alignment to Physical Qualities Deemed Important for Current and Future Performance

“…During pre-season, players are physically overloaded in order to facilitate a super-compensatory response, and in turn, improve physical capabilities. 54 The total number of pre-season training sessions documented in the current study are greater than previously reported in academy rugby league, Dobbin et al 10 reported 37 total pre-season training sessions, which is lower than our results (106). However, the aforementioned study only included resistance, conditioning and rugby sessions.…”

“…1,5 To date, extensive research has investigated the characteristics of rugby league match play, 4,6,7 and the physical qualities of players across different age categories and playing standards. [8][9][10] In order to develop rugby league players for elite competition, understanding the performance and development of physical qualities is essential. There are several studies available that describe the physical qualities of rugby league players, 1,9,[11][12][13] and their associations with match performance.…”

“…1,5 To date, extensive research has investigated the characteristics of rugby league match play, 4,6,7 and the physical qualities of players across different age categories and playing standards. 8–10…”

The Effects of In-Season, Low-Volume Sprint Interval Training With and Without Sport-Specific Actions on the Physical Characteristics of Elite Academy Rugby League Players

“…1 These characteristics are essential for players to succeed 1 and should be central to rugby league conditioning practices. 2 Developing the physical characteristics of rugby league players is the focus of preseason; 3,4 thereafter emphasis is placed on recovery, technical and tactical development, and match preparations. 5 This change in focus and reduced exposure to maximal-intensity work during training might explain the observed reductions in physical characteristics such as high-intensity intermittent running ability, sprint speed and lower-body power during the latter stages of a ~28-week season.…”

Body Composition and Postural Stability in Goalkeepers of the Polish National Junior Handball Team

“…Attention should also be paid to chemical and tissue composition and components in the somatotype. Undoubtedly, the shape and form of the body are most importantly influenced by its two main so-called plasticisers, muscular and fat tissue, and the third fundamental factor -the skeletal system [6][7][8][9][10][11].…”