Repeated High-Intensity Effort Activity in International Male Rugby Sevens.

ABSTRACT: Couderc, A, Gabbett, TJ, Piscione, J, Robineau, J, Peeters, A, Igarza, G, Thomas, C, Hanon, C, and Lacome, M. Repeated high-intensity effort activity in international male Rugby Sevens. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1720-1726, 2023-Rugby Sevens is characterized by repeated high-intensity accelerations, sprinting, and collisions, commonly referred to as repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity. Although repeated acceleration and sprinting activity of Rugby Sevens has been investigated, to date, no study has investigated the repeated running and collision activity of international Rugby Sevens during competitive events. In this study, 15 elite players competed in 44 matches during the HSBC World Sevens Series. Global positioning systems and match analysis software were used to quantify the frequency of repeated running and collision efforts. High acceleration (≥2.5 m·s -2 ), high speed (above maximal aerobic speed), sprint (above 85% of maximal sprint speed), and collision efforts (tackles, ruck, and contact) were considered as high-intensity effort activities. An RHIE bout was defined as 3 or more high-intensity efforts with less than 21 seconds recovery between efforts. The difference between positional groups (forward and backs) and first and second halves was compared using magnitude-based inferential statistics. One hundred twelve individual match observations were analyzed. On average, players performed 27 high-intensity effort events across the game. The distribution of high-intensity efforts included the following: 37% collisions, 34% accelerations, 27.5% high-velocity running, and 1.5% sprints. An average of 3.7 RHIE bouts was performed per player. The difference in high-intensity efforts and number of RHIE bouts performed were trivial/small when compared between first and second halves, and between forward and back positional groups. Repeated high-intensity effort bouts play an important role in the activity profile of elite Rugby Sevens players. This study could provide a framework for performance analysts and coaches to analyze match-related performance of elite Rugby Sevens players, taking into account both the high-intensity running and collision components of the game. Coaches should implement training interventions to ensure the maintenance of RHIE performance during competitive events.

Effects of Native Whey Protein and Carbohydrate Supplement on Physical Performance and Plasma Markers of Muscle Damage and Inflammation during a Simulated Rugby Sevens Tournament: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

The importance of optimized recovery during a sport competition is undisputed. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of recovery drinks comprising either carbohydrate only, or a mix of native whey proteins and carbohydrate to maintain physical performance and minimize muscle damage during a simulated rugby sevens (rugby 7s) tournament. Twelve well-trained male rugby players participated in three simulated rugby 7s tournament days with a week's interval in between. Each tournament comprised a sequence of three simulated matches, interspersed with 2 h of recovery. Three different recovery drinks were tested: a placebo (PLA, nonenergetic chocolate-flavored drink), a carbohydrate drink (CHO, 80 g of carbohydrate) or an isoenergetic carbohydrate-protein drink (P-CHO, 20 g of Pronativ®, native whey protein and 60 g of carbohydrate). A different recovery drink, consumed after each match, was tested during each simulated tournament. Physical performance, muscle damage and muscle pain were assessed before and after each simulated tournament. Regarding physical performance, both P-CHO and CHO drinks had a positive effect on the maintenance of 50 m sprint time compared to the PLA drink (effect sizes large and moderate, respectively). Regarding muscle damage, the P-CHO supplement attenuated the creatine phosphokinase increase at POST6 compared to PLA (effect size, moderate). Finally, P-CHO and CHO drinks reduced the exercise-induced DOMS (effect size, moderate), compared to the PLA condition (effect size, large), while P-CHO only reduced pain on muscle palpation and pain when descending stairs compared to PLA 24 h post-tournament (effect size, small). This study suggests that consuming a recovery drink containing native whey proteins and carbohydrate or carbohydrate only after each match of a rugby 7s tournament may attenuate the exercise-induced increase in markers of muscle damage and maintain physical performance.

Concurrent Training Programming: The Acute Effects of Sprint Interval Exercise on the Subsequent Strength Training.

Exercise modality has been proposed to reduce the interferences between aerobic and resistance sessions during concurrent training. The aim of the study was to examine the acute effects of cycling or running sprint interval exercise on subsequent resistance training sessions. Twenty-five competitive male rugby union players were recruited. Players were tested during three conditions: CONTROL (resistance training session only), CYCLE and RUN (corresponding to a concurrent training scheme with cycling or running sprint interval exercise conducted on the morning, followed by a resistance training session). Four hours rest was proposed between the aerobic and resistance training session. Muscle performance (bar velocity during bench press and box squat, counter movement jump height) and subjective ratings (rate of perceived exertion, wellbeing) were assessed during and after aerobic or resistance training sessions. No significant difference was observed for muscle performance (vertical jump height and bar velocity). However, significant higher perceived exertion and low-value scaled subjective wellbeing were observed in RUN (7.7 ± 1.1 and 17.9 ± 4.1, respectively) as compared with the two other conditions (6.7 ± 1.5 and 21.1 ± 3.6 for CONTROL and 7.4 ± 1.1 and 20.1 ± 3.9 for CYCLE). It was concluded that the exercise modality (running or cycling) during the aerobic exercise using a sprint interval exercise did not impact the quality of the resistance session. However, subjective ratings were affected the following days. Cycling exercises might be more adequate when performing a sprint interval training session during concurrent training programs.

Differences in physical performance between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the physical performance of National female rugby sevens players selected or not selected to form the Brazilian National Olympic team. METHODS: Thirty women rugby sevens players from the Brazilian National team (15 Olympic and 15 non-Olympic athletes) participated in this study. Tests were performed on consecutive days, in the following order: day 1) standing long jump (SLJ); squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ); and one-repetition maximum test in the bench-press, prone-row, and parallel squat exercises; day 2) 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility and L-drill change of direction tests; and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (IR1). The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independent t test and effect sizes (ES). RESULTS: Greater jump performances were noticed for the Olympic players in all jump tests compared to the non-Olympics (ES=0.95, ES=1.05, and ES=0.93, for SLJ, SJ, and CMJ, respectively; P<0.05). Olympics revealed shorter sprint times than non-Olympics in 40-m distance (ES=0.88; P<0.05). Higher one-repetition maximum in the bench-press and Yo-Yo IR1 distance were also observed for the Olympics in comparison to non-Olympic players (ES=0.65 and 0.93, respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower-body power, upper-body strength, maximal sprint velocity and aerobic fitness were found to be important for distinguishing between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players. Coaches and practitioners should prioritize the development of these physical qualities in these team-sport athletes.

The Travel Demands of an Elite Rugby Sevens Team: Effects on Objective and Subjective Sleep Parameters.

PURPOSE: To explore the effects of travel related to international rugby sevens competition on sleep patterns. METHODS: A total of 17 international male rugby sevens players participated in this study. Actigraphic and subjective sleep assessments were performed daily during 2 separate Sevens World Series competition legs (Oceania and America). The duration of each competition leg was subdivided into key periods (pretour, precompetition, tournament 1, relocation, tournament 2, and posttour) lasting 2 to 7 nights. Linear mixed models in combination with magnitude-based decisions were used to assess (1) the difference between preseason and key periods and (2) the effect of travel direction (eastward or westward). RESULTS: Shorter total sleep time (hours:minutes) was observed during tournament 2 (mean [SD], 06:16 [01:08]), relocation (06:09 [01:09]), and the pretour week (06:34 [01:24]) compared with the preseason (06:52 [01:00]). Worse sleep quality (arbitrary units) was observed during tournament 1 (6.1 [2.0]) and 2 (5.7 [1.2]), as well as during the relocation week (6.3 [1.5]) than during the preseason (6.5 [1.8]). When traveling eastward compared with westward, earlier fall-asleep time was observed during tournament 1 (ES - 0.57; 90% CI, -1.12 to -0.01), the relocation week (-0.70 [-1.11 to -0.28]), and the posttour (-0.57 [-0.95 to -0.18]). However, possibly trivial and unclear differences were observed during the precompetition week (0.15 [-0.15 to 0.45]) and tournament 2 (0.81 [-0.29 to 1.91]). CONCLUSION: The sleep patterns of elite rugby sevens players are robust to the effects of long-haul travel and jet lag. However, the staff should consider promoting sleep during the tournament and relocation week.

Sleep Quality and Quantity of International Rugby Sevens Players During Pre-season.

Leduc, C, Jones, B, Robineau, J, Piscione, J, and Lacome, M. Sleep quality and quantity of international rugby sevens players during pre-season. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1878-1886, 2019-The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of training load on objective and subjective sleep measures among elite rugby sevens players during pre-season. Nine international male rugby sevens players participated in this study. Actigraphic and subjective sleep assessment were performed on a daily basis to measure sleep parameters. Training load was measured during the entire pre-season period, and sleep data from the highest and lowest training load week were used in the analysis through magnitude-based inferences. During the highest training load, likely to possibly small, moderate decreases in time in bed (effect sizes; ±90% confidence limits: -0.42; ±0.44 for session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE], -0.69; ±0.71 for total distance covered [TDC]) and total sleep time (-0.20; ±0.37 for sRPE, -0.23; ±0.35 for TDC) were found. Possibly small (-0.21; ±0.35 for high-speed distance, -0.52; ±0.73 for acceleration/deceleration [A/D]) and likely moderate (-074; ±0.67 for TDC) decreases were observed in subjective sleep quality. Possibly small to very likely moderate changes in sleep schedule were observed. Sleep quantity and subjective quality seem to be deteriorated during higher loads of training. This study highlights the necessity to monitor and improve sleep among elite rugby sevens players, especially for the intense period of training.

"Road to Rio": A Case Study of Workload Periodization Strategy in Rugby-7s During an Olympic Season.

The objective of this manuscript was to examine the periodization strategy of an international Rugby-7s team during an Olympic season. Training load data were collected in 14 elite male players over a 48-week period during the 2015-2016 Olympic season. The season consisted of 3 macrocycles including: preseason (12-weak duration), in-season (25-weak) fragmented into four 4-7 weeks mesocycles (In-1-4) and the final preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Olympic preparation, 11-weak). External training load (TL) such as the total distance (TD), the high-intensity distance (HID) and the number of accelerations performed, was monitored in training and competition over the entire duration of the season using a global positioning system (GPS) devices. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was multiplied by the session duration (min) to provide an internal TL (session-RPE) value for all training sessions and competitions. The Olympic preparation may enable planning of higher external TL compared to the preseason (TD, 21 ± 13%, moderate; total accelerations, 27 ± 4%, moderate) whereas no difference was observed for internal TL values between these two periods. High-intensity distance (HID) and internal TL (session-RPE) were lower (-11.0 ± 7.8%, small and -38 ± 3%, moderate, respectively) during the in-season compared to preseason. Internal TL, TD as well as HID were lower in the third in-season mesocycle (In-3) compared with the first in-season mesocycle (In-1) (-25 ± 12%, moderate; -32 ± 4%, moderate; -49 ± 8%, moderate, respectively). The staff managed the workload considering the in-season as the main part of the "Road to Rio." The strategy to reduce the workload at the middle of the season and to induce weeks of regeneration at the end of the in-season was highlighted by the training availability of 100% of the squad at the beginning of the Olympic preparation. The workload periodization strategy of an Olympic season differs from the strategy previously described during a non-Olympic season.

Training Periodization Over an Elite Rugby Sevens Season: From Theory to Practice.

PURPOSE: To describe the training periodization in rugby sevens players competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series during a non-Olympic season. METHODS: Workload data were collected over a 33-wk period in 12 male players participating in a full competitive season. Workload was quantified using session rating of perceived exertion and global positioning system-derived data during training and competition. Self-reported well-being was assessed using a questionnaire. Each variable was analyzed weekly and through 5 mesocycles (preseason, in-season 1-4), each of which ended with competition blocks. RESULTS: The perceived load decreased throughout the season for the full squad (-68% [26%] between preseason and final competitive block, large effect) and when unavailable players were removed from the analysis (-38% [42%], moderate). Weekly perceived load was highly variable, with a typical periodization in 4 phases during each mesocycle (regeneration, training overload, taper, and competition). During the preseason, the workload was higher during the overload training phase than during the competitive period (range: +23% to +59%, large to very large, for the distance covered above individual maximal aerobic speed and the number of accelerations). This observation no longer persisted during the season. The well-being score decreased almost certainly from in-season 3 (moderate). CONCLUSIONS: These results highlighted the apparent difficulty in maintaining high-load training periods throughout the season in players engaged on the World Rugby Sevens Series despite ∼4-7 training weeks separating each competitive block. This observation was likely explained by the difficulties inherent to the World Rugby Sevens Series (risk of contact injury, calendar, and multiple long-haul travel episodes) and potentially by limited squad-rotation policies.

Preconditioning Strategy in Rugby-7s Players: Beneficial or Detrimental?

PURPOSE: Preconditioning strategies are considered as opportunities to optimize performance on competition day. While investigations conducted in rugby players on the effects of a morning preconditioning session already exist, additional work is warranted. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in physical and psychophysiological indicators among international Rugby-7s players following a priming exercise. METHODS: In a randomized crossover-design, fourteen under-18 international Rugby-7s players completed, at 8:00am, a preconditioning session consisting of a warm-up followed by small-sided games, accelerations and 2 x 50-m maximal sprints (Experimental) or no pre-loading session (Control). Following a 2-hour break, the players performed a set of six 30-m sprints and a Rugby-7s match. Recovery-stress state and salivary stress-markers levels were assessed before the preloading session (Pre), immediately after (Post-1), before the testing session (Post-2) and after (Post-3). RESULTS: Experimental-Control differences in performance across a repeated sprint test consisting of six 30-m sprints were very likely trivial (+0.2 ±0.7%, 3/97/1%). During the match, the total distance covered and the frequency of decelerations were possibly lower (small) in Experimental compared to Control. Differences observed in the other parameters were unclear or possibly trivial. At Post-2, the perceived recovery-stress state was improved (small difference) in Experimental compared with Control. No difference in salivary cortisol response was observed while the preconditioning session induced a higher stimulation of salivary testosterone and alpha-amylase. CONCLUSIONS: The players' ability to repeat sprints and physical activity in match-play did not improve but their psychophysiological state was positively affected after the present pre-conditioning session.

Physical-Preparation Recommendations for Elite Rugby Sevens Performance.

Rugby sevens, a sport new to the Olympics, features high-intensity intermittent running and contact efforts more than short match durations, normally 6 times across 2 to 3 d in a tournament format. Elite rugby sevens seasons often include over a dozen competitive tournaments over less than 9 months, demanding deliberate and careful training-stress balance and workload management alongside development of the necessary physical qualities required for competition. Focus on running and repeated power skills, strength, and match-specific conditioning capacities is advised. Partial taper approaches in combination with high-speed running (>5 m/s from GPS measures) before and between tournaments in succession may reduce injury rates and enhance performance. In a sport with substantial long-haul intercontinental travel and repetitive chronic load demands, management of logistics including nutrition and recovery is inclusive of the formula for success in the physical preparation of elite rugby sevens athletes.

Supercompensation Kinetics of Physical Qualities During a Taper in Team-Sport Athletes.

Peaking for major competition is considered critical for maximizing team-sport performance. However, there is little scientific information available to guide coaches in prescribing efficient tapering strategies for team-sport players. PURPOSE: To monitor the changes in physical performance in elite team-sport players during a 3-wk taper after a preseason training camp. METHODS: Ten male international rugby sevens players were tested before (Pre) and after (Post) a 4-wk preseason training camp focusing on high-intensity training and strength training with moderate loads and once each week during a subsequent 3-wk taper. During each testing session, midthigh-pull maximal strength, sprint-acceleration mechanical outputs, and performance, as well as repeated-sprint ability (RSA), were assessed. RESULTS: At Post, no single peak performance was observed for maximal lower-limb force output and sprint performance, while RSA peaked for only 1 athlete. During the taper, 30-m-sprint time decreased almost certainly (-3.1% ± 0.9%, large), while maximal lower-limb strength and RSA, respectively, improved very likely (+7.7% ± 5.3%, small) and almost certainly (+9.0% ± 2.6%, moderate). Of the peak performances, 70%, 80%, and 80% occurred within the first 2 wk of taper for RSA, maximal force output, and sprint performance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the sensitivity of physical qualities to tapering in rugby sevens players and suggest that an ~1- to 2-wk tapering time frame appears optimal to maximize the overall physical-performance response.

Concurrent Training in Rugby Sevens: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercises.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of 2 high-intensity interval-training (HIT) programs (short interval vs sprint interval training) on muscle strength and aerobic performances in a concurrent training program in amateur rugby sevens players. METHODS: Thirty-six amateur rugby sevens players were randomly assigned to strength and short interval training (INT), strength and sprint interval training (SIT), or a strength-only training group (CON) during an 8-wk period. Maximal strength and power tests, aerobic measurements (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak] and maximal aerobic velocity), and a specific repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test were conducted before and immediately after the overall training period. RESULTS: From magnitude-based inference and effect size (ES ± 90% confidence limit) analyses, the current study revealed substantial gains in maximal strength and jump-height performance in all groups. The difference in change of slow concentric torque production was greater in CON than in SIT (0.65 ± 0.72, moderate). VO2peak and, consequently, mean performance in the RSA test were improved in the SIT group only (0.64 ± 0.29, moderate; -0.54 ± 0.35, moderate). CONCLUSIONS: The study did not emphasize interference on strength development after INT but showed a slight impairment of slow concentric torque production gains after SIT. Compared with INT, SIT would appear to be more effective to develop VO2peak and RSA but could induce lower muscle-strength gains, especially at low velocity.

Movement Patterns and Metabolic Responses During an International Rugby Sevens Tournament.

PURPOSE: To investigate the running demands and associated metabolic perturbations during an official rugby sevens tournament. METHODS: Twelve elite players participated in 7 matches wearing GPS units. Maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) were measured. High-intensity threshold was individualized relative to MAS (>100% of MAS), and very-high-intensity distance was reported relative to both MAS and MSS. Blood samples were taken at rest and after each match. RESULTS: Comparison of prematch and postmatch samples revealed significant (P < .01) changes in pH (7.41-7.25), bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3-]) (24.8-13.6 mmol/L), and lactate concentration ([La]) (2.4-11.9 mmol/L). Mean relative total distance covered was 91 ± 13 m/min with ~17 m/min at high-intensity. Player status (whole-match or interchanged players), match time, and total distance covered had no significant impact on metabolic indices. Relative distance covered at high intensity was negatively correlated with pH and [HCO3-] (r = .44 and r = .42, respectively; P < .01) and positively correlated with [La] (r = .36; P < .01). Total distance covered and distance covered at very high intensity during the 1-min peak activity in the last 3 min of play were correlated with [La] (r = .39 and r = .39, respectively; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant alterations in blood-metabolite indices from prematch to postmatch sampling suggest that players were required to tolerate a substantial level of acidosis related to metabolite accumulation. In addition, the ability to produce energy via the glycolytic energy pathway seems to be a major determinant in match-related running performance.

Quantifying Neuromuscular Fatigue Induced by an Intense Training Session in Rugby Sevens.

PURPOSE: To compare the sensitivity of a sprint vs a countermovement-jump (CMJ) test after an intense training session in international rugby sevens players, as well as analyze the effects of fatigue on sprint acceleration. METHODS: Thirteen international rugby sevens players completed two 30-m sprints and a set of 4 repetitions of CMJ before and after a highly demanding rugby sevens training session. RESULTS: Change in CMJ height was unclear (-3.6%; ±90% confidence limits 11.9%. Chances of a true positive/trivial/negative change: 24/10/66%), while a very likely small increase in 30-m sprint time was observed (1.0%; ±0.7%, 96/3/1%). A very likely small decrease in the maximum horizontal theoretical velocity (V0) (-2.4; ±1.8%, 1/4/95%) was observed. A very large correlation (r = -.79 ± .23) between the variations of V0 and 30-m-sprint performance was also observed. Changes in 30-m sprint time were negatively and very largely correlated with the distance covered above the maximal aerobic speed (r = -.71 ± .32). CONCLUSIONS: The CMJ test appears to be less sensitive than the sprint test, which casts doubts on the usefulness of a vertical-jump test in sports such as rugby that mainly involve horizontal motions. The decline in sprint performance relates more to a decrease in velocity than in force capability and is correlated with the distance covered at high intensity.

Specific Training Effects of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Exercises Depend on Recovery Duration.

This study aimed to determine whether the duration (0, 6, or 24 hours) of recovery between strength and aerobic sequences influences the responses to a concurrent training program. Fifty-eight amateur rugby players were randomly assigned to control (CONT), concurrent training (C-0h, C-6h, or C-24h), or strength training (STR) groups during a 7-week training period. Two sessions of each quality were proposed each week with strength always performed before aerobic training. Neuromuscular and aerobic measurements were performed before and immediately after the overall training period. Data were assessed for practical significance using magnitude-based inference. Gains in maximal strength for bench press and half squat were lower in C-0h compared with that in C-6h, C-24h, and STR. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during isokinetic knee extension at 60°·s(-1) was likely higher for C-24h compared with C-0h. Changes in MVC at 180°·s(-1) was likely higher in C-24h and STR than in C-0h and C-6h. Training-induced gains in isometric MVC for C-0h, C-6h, C-24h, and STR were unclear. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak increased in C-0h, C-6h, and C-24h. Training-induced changes in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak were higher in C-24h than in C-0h and C-6h. Our study emphasized that the interference on strength development depends on the recovery delay between the 2 sequences. Daily training without a recovery period between sessions (C-0h) and, to a lesser extent, training twice a day (C-6h), is not optimal for neuromuscular and aerobic improvements. Fitness coaches should avoid scheduling 2 contradictory qualities, with less than 6-hour recovery between them to obtain full adaptive responses to concurrent training.

Neuromuscular fatigue induced by a 90-minute soccer game modeling.

This study aimed to quantify neuromuscular fatigue induced by a soccer game. Eight amateur soccer players (age 20.4 ± 1.3 years, mass 70.4 ± 6.9 kg, and height 174.9 ± 5.2 cm) reproduced a 90-minute soccer game modeling composed of two 45-minute periods separated by a 15-minute rest. Torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups associated with electromyography, sprint speed, and vertical jump height was assessed before, at halftime, and immediately after the modeling. Most physical qualities decreased throughout the game with greater decays at match end than at halftime. Contrarily to quadriceps muscles, hamstring torque impairments were not accompanied by electromyographic activity reductions. Squat jump height was reduced at halftime and game end without any change for countermovement jumps. The sprint speed decrease was associated with stride frequency impairments without any change in amplitude and contact time. We concluded on torque production capacity and specific performance impairments during and after soccer games. Neuromuscular fatigue appeared primarily centrally mediated as attested by the reduced quadriceps muscle activity.