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AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ABILITY IN COLLEGIATE LEVEL MALE RUGBY ATHLETES BASED ON POSITION

Abstract

L. Merifield, K. Siddiqui, H. McCallion, T. Thornley, R. Pritchett

Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA

In team sports, aerobic and anaerobic ability play a key role in position. Depending on training practices, many physiological adaptations occur to increase either aerobic or anaerobic ability. During a rugby match, ‘back’ players perform more aerobically, while ‘forward’ players are required to have a power based performance. PURPOSE: This study compares aerobic and anaerobic ability in collegiate level male rugby athletes. METHODS: Players on the 2016 and 2020 teams were tested on power clean one rep max to measure overall power, and a Yo-Yo test to measure aerobic ability, vertical jump to measure relative lower body power, and 1 rep max bench press to measure absolute upper body power RESULTS: Results indicated that forward players had a higher anaerobic ability (Forward X̄=114 ±13.2 kg, Back X̄=102 ± 15.6 kg, F=12.302, P=0.00001) and absolute upper body power (Forward =123.0±19.88 kg (n=38), Back=110.18±14.47 kg (n=34), F=14.561, P=0.00029), while back players had greater aerobic ability (Forward X̄=15.5± 1.19 yo-yo score, Back X̄ =16.9 ±1.8 yo-yo score, F=24.048, P=0.00079) and relative lower body power(Forward X̄=25.38±4.183 kg (n=380, Back X̄=27.42±3.432 kg (n=34), F=5.053, P=0.02774). CONCLUSION: Training practices and genetic predispositions may contribute to the difference in ability between players. Further studies could be done to examine the most effective training practices based on position.

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