year 6, Issue 2 (Summer 2018)                   Ann Appl Sport Sci 2018, 6(2): 1-13 | Back to browse issues page


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Stoop R, Hohenauer E, ML Rucker A, Clijsen R. Anthropometric Properties versus Physical Performance in Rugby ::union:: Forwards and Backs - A Systematic Review. Ann Appl Sport Sci 2018; 6 (2) :1-13
URL: http://aassjournal.com/article-1-618-en.html
1- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland , rahel.stoop@supsi.ch
2- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland. THIM University of Applied Sciences, Landquart, Switzerland. Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
3- Department of Physiotherapy, Döpfer-Schulen, Regensburg, Germany
Abstract:   (8454 Views)
Background. Rugby ::::::union:::::: is a team sport with a high amount of physical contact during match play. The physical performance and anthropometric characteristics required, differ based on the playing position.
Objectives. The objective of this systematic review was to relate anthropometric properties with physical performance parameters in Rugby ::::::union:::::: backs and forwards across different playing levels of Tier 1 nations.
Methods. Two
electronic searches were performed in MEDLINE on the PubMed and on BISp (German Federal Sports Science Institute) databases from August 2016 to July 2017. All experimental study types in English and German were assessed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were 15-a-side senior male backs and forwards, with anthropometric and/or physical performance data.
Results.
In n = 7 studies out of 12 selected, the elite forwards were significantly taller than the elite backs (p < 0.05). This accounted not for lower playing levels. Across all levels the forwards were significantly heavier than the backs. Significantly lower body fat percentages for the backs demonstrated n = 5 out of 6 studies. Consequently, backs were more ectomorphic than forwards. Backs reached significantly lower sprint velocities over short distances and higher ones over longer distances (10 to 40 m).
Conclusion. Anthropometric parameters adapt to physical performance requested. In strength and endurance test situations heavier players may be underestimated postulating careful interpretation of those results to avoid misleading conclusion.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
• Regarding anthropometric properties, Rugby ::::::union:::::: forwards are significantly taller than backs at the elite level. The lower the classification level, the smaller the height difference between forwards and backs.
• Across all levels, the forwards are significantly heavier than the backs reflecting the demands of each playing position.
• As the level increases, so does the speed of the backs in sprints.
• Regardless of playing level, the backs performed significantly better in sprints and attained higher jump values than the forwards.
• In contrast, forwards achieved higher 1RM results in lower and upper body strength assessments.

Type of Study: Review Article | Subject: Sport Physiology and its related branches
Received: 2018/02/20 | Accepted: 2018/05/6

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