Open AccessA simulated rugby match protocol induces physiological fatigue without decreased individual scrummaging performance
Author(s) -
A Green,
S Kerr,
B Olivier,
R Meiring,
Chloe Dafkin,
W McKi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
south african journal of sports medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2078-516X
pISSN - 1015-5163
DOI - 10.17159/2078-516x/2017/v29i1a3084
Subject(s) - rating of perceived exertion , heart rate , creatine kinase , perceived exertion , medicine , blood lactate , kinematics , visual analogue scale , muscle damage , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , simulation , cardiology , blood pressure , computer science , physics , classical mechanics
Background: A rugby union game consists of 80 minutes of strenuous exertion. Forwards are required to participate in the arduous activity of scrummaging throughout a game.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify whether rugby-match simulated fatigue modified individual scrummaging technique and reduced performance.Methods: Twelve forwards (body mass 106.2±13.3 kg; stature 179.5±8.4 cm) had individual scrum kinetics and kinematics assessed prior to and following a protocol that simulated a rugby match. The simulated rugby match protocol required participants to run at various velocities and perform rugby specific tasks. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was assessed using a 6-20 Borg scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Blood lactate, heart rate and RPE were measured prior to, at mid-point and after the simulated game, while markers of muscle damage (blood creatine kinase activity (CK) and urea) were measured prior to and following the protocol.Results: RPE (p<0.0001) and VAS (p<0.0001) showed significant increases between the pre- and post-simulation values. Of the physiological markers, heart rate (p<0.0001) and blood urea concentration (p=0.004) increased following the match simulation. No significant differences were observed for blood CK (p=0.281), individual scrummaging forces (p=0.433) or in the kinematic variables following the protocol. While physiological fatigue and subjective ratings of physiological fatigue may develop during a rugby simulation, no differences were observed in peak forces or in body kinematics at peak force.Conclusion: Physiological fatigue does not influence individual scrummaging performance and technique.