Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Lean mass, muscle strength and quality in retired rugby players: UK Rugby Health Project

Entwistle, I.; Lees, M.; Francis, P.; Hume, P.; Hind, K.

Lean mass, muscle strength and quality in retired rugby players: UK Rugby Health Project Thumbnail


Authors

I. Entwistle

M. Lees

P. Francis

P. Hume

K. Hind



Abstract

Although athletes from sports such as rugby have greater lean mass and strength during their playing careers, little is known about these characteristics post-retirement. Therefore, this study investigated lean mass, strength, and muscle quality in retired elite and amateur rugby players and non-contact athletes. Retired elite male rugby players (n=42, 43.9±10.3 y; 101.1±13.4 kg; 1.82±0.09 m), amateur rugby players (n=46, 48.0±10.5 y; 98.9±16.6 kg; 1.79±0.07 m) and non-contact athletes (n=30, 51.3±12.5 y; 91.3±13.4 kg; 1.79±0.07 m) received one total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment of appendicular lean mass (ALM) and ALM index (ALMI). Grip strength was measured, and muscle quality (grip strength/unit of arm lean mass) was calculated. Sarcopenia was identified as ALMI<7.23 kg/m2 and handgrip strength<37.2 kg. Total lean mass, ALM and grip strength were greater in the elite rugby compared to amateur rugby and non-contact groups (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in muscle quality or sarcopenia prevalence. Retired elite rugby players had greater lean mass and grip strength than amateur rugby and non-contact athletes, although muscle quality was similar. The greater lean mass and strength might reflect genetic influences or previous participation in a highly physical sport.

Citation

Entwistle, I., Lees, M., Francis, P., Hume, P., & Hind, K. (2022). Lean mass, muscle strength and quality in retired rugby players: UK Rugby Health Project. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(11), 958-963. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1854-0052

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 27, 2022
Online Publication Date Jun 29, 2022
Publication Date 2022-10
Deposit Date May 12, 2022
Publicly Available Date Jun 29, 2023
Journal International Journal of Sports Medicine
Print ISSN 0172-4622
Electronic ISSN 1439-3964
Publisher Thieme Gruppe
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 11
Pages 958-963
DOI https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1854-0052
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1208399