Variability of physical performance and player match loads in professional
rugby union

McLaren, S.J.; Weston, M.; Smith, A.; Cramb, R.K.; Portas, M.D.

Abstract

Objectives To examine the within- and between-player variability of physical performance and player match loads in professional rugby union. Design A single cohort, observational study. Methods Physical match performance data were collected from 28 male, professional, English Championship players over 15 competitive matches. Using microsensors, the variables selected for analysis were total distance, low-speed running distance, high-speed running distance, very high-speed running distance, total impacts, repeated high-intensity efforts, body load (PlayerLoad™), and low velocity (<7.2 km h−1) body load. Ratings of perceived exertion represented match internal loads. Variability was quantified using the coefficient of variation, with the meaningful interpretation of change in physical performance and match loads calculated using magnitude-based inferences. Results We found large between-match (within-player) variation for high-speed running distance (27.6%; ±90% confidence limits 6.9% [forwards], 20.1%; ±4.1% [backs]), very high-speed running distance (68%; ±19%, 34.1%; ±7.5%), total impacts (24.0%; ±5.9%, 36.4%; ±7.9%) and repeated high-intensity efforts (18.7%; ±4.4%, 39.5%; ±8.8%), with moderate variability for match ratings of perceived exertion (8.2%; ±1.8%, 10.8%; ±2.1%), body load (7.3%; ±1.7%, 10.0%; ±2.0%) and low velocity body load (8.9%; ±2.0%, 10.7%; ±2.1%). Threshold values for likely substantial between-match changes in high-intensity physical performance measures ranged from 21% to 76%, and were ∼10% for match ratings of perceived exertion, body load and low velocity body load. Conclusions Within- and between-player variability of high-intensity activity in professional rugby union is large, yet ratings of perceived exertion, body load and low velocity body load appear more stable by comparison and may be interpreted with greater accuracy.

Citation

rugby union. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.05.010

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 28, 2015
• Publication Date: 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 8, 2015
• Journal: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
• Print ISSN: 1440-2440
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.05.010
• Keywords: Between-match variation; Reliability; Internal load; External load; RPE; GPS