Routine, Routine, Routine: Sleep Regularity and its Association with Sleep Metrics in Professional Rugby Union Athletes.

Background: Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake time is often reported as a key component of circadian rhythmicity and quality sleep. However, the impact of sleep onset and offset time variability on overall sleep outcomes are underreported in elite athlete populations. This study investigated the relationship between sleep onset and offset time variability using the sleep regularity index (SRI) and measures of sleep and well-being in professional rugby union athletes.

Comparing Perceived Sleep Quality, Practices, and Behaviors of Male and Female Elite Rugby Union Athletes with the Use of Sleep Questionnaires.

 To evaluate the differences in subjective sleep quality, quantity, and behaviors among male and female elite rugby union athletes through two common sleep questionnaires.  A sample of 38 male and 27 female elite rugby union athletes filled out the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Global scores and individual items for each questionnaire were compared to assess differences between sexes.

Daytime naps improve afternoon power and perceptual measures in elite rugby union athletes-a randomized cross-over trial.

Daytime naps are used by elite athletes in both training and match-day settings. Currently, there are limited interventional studies on the efficacy of napping on physical performance in elite team-sport athletes. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effect of a daytime nap (<1 hour) on afternoon performance of peak power, reaction time, self-reported wellness, and aerobic performance in professional rugby union athletes.

Sleep and Performance during a Preseason in Elite Rugby Union Athletes.

Background: Preseason training optimises adaptations in the physical qualities required in rugby union athletes. Sleep can be compromised during periods of intensified training. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between sleep quantity and changes in physical performance over a preseason phase in professional rugby union athletes.

Cold water immersion attenuates anabolic signaling and skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, but not strength gain, following whole-body resistance training.

We determined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on long-term adaptations and post-exercise molecular responses in skeletal muscle before and after resistance training. Sixteen men (22.9 ± 4.

Age-related changes in physical and perceptual markers of recovery following high-intensity interval cycle exercise.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare physical performance, perceptual and haematological markers of recovery in well-trained masters and young cyclists across 48 h following a bout of repeated high-intensity interval exercise.

Methods: Nine masters (mean ± SD; age = 55.6 ± 5.

The Effect of Initial Knee Angle on Concentric-Only Squat Jump Performance.

Purpose: There is uncertainty as to which knee angle during a squat jump (SJ) produces maximal jump performance. Importantly, understanding this information will aid in determining appropriate ratios for assessment and monitoring of the explosive characteristics of athletes.

Method: This study compared SJ performance across different knee angles-90º, 100º, 110º, 120º, 130º, and a self-selected depth-for jump height and other kinetic characteristics.

Autonomic cardiovascular modulation in masters and young cyclists following high-intensity interval training.

Purpose: This study aimed at examining the autonomic cardiovascular modulation in well-trained masters and young cyclists following high-intensity interval training (HIT).

Methods: Nine masters (age 55.6 ± 5.

Cold-Water Immersion and Contrast Water Therapy: No Improvement of Short-Term Recovery After Resistance Training.

Context: An athlete's ability to recover quickly is important when there is limited time between training and competition. As such, recovery strategies are commonly used to expedite the recovery process.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of both cold-water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT) compared with control on short-term recovery (<4 h) after a single full-body resistance-training session.

Resistance Training Priming Activity Improves Upper-Body Power Output in Rugby Players: Implications for Game Day Performance.

Mason, BRJ, Argus, CK, Norcott, B, and Ball, NB. Resistance training priming activity improves upper-body power output in rugby players: implications for game day performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 913-920, 2017-"Priming" or preactivation strategies performed in the hours leading into competition have been suggested to improve game day performance.

Vascular Occlusion and Sequential Compression for Recovery After Resistance Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate vascular occlusion (OCC) and sequential intermittent pneumatic compression (SIPC) as recovery strategies after fatiguing resistance exercise. Twelve strength-trained male participants (age: 24.0 ± 6.

Does hydrotherapy help or hinder adaptation to training in competitive cyclists?

Purpose: Cold water immersion (CWI) may be beneficial for acute recovery from exercise, but it may impair long-term performance by attenuating the stimuli responsible for adaptation to training. We compared effects of CWI and passive rest on cycling performance during a simulated cycling grand tour.

Methods: Thirty-four male endurance-trained competitive cyclists were randomized to CWI for four times per week for 15 min at 15°C or control (passive recovery) groups for 7 d of baseline training, 21 d of intensified training, and an 11-d taper.

Reliability of a 2-bout exercise test on a wattbike cycle ergometer.

Purpose: To determine the intraday and interday reliability of a 2 × 4-min performance test on a cycle ergometer (Wattbike) separated by 30 min of passive recovery (2 × 4MMP).

Methods: Twelve highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 20 ± 2 y, predicted VO2max = 59.0 ± 3.

The reliability of a 30-s sprint test on the Wattbike cycle ergometer.

Purpose: To determine the reliability of a 30-s sprint cycle test on the Wattbike cycle ergometer.

Methods: Over 3 consecutive weeks, 11 highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age 31 ± 6 y, mass 74.6 ± 10.

Assessing the variation in the load that produces maximal upper-body power.

Substantial variation in the load that produces maximal power has been reported. It has been suggested that the variation observed may be due to differences in subjects' physical characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent in which anthropometric measures correlate with the load that produces maximal power.

The effects of 4 different recovery strategies on repeat sprint-cycling performance.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of different recovery strategies on repeat cycling performance where a short duration between exercise bouts is required.

Methods: Eleven highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 31 ± 6 y, mass = 74.6 ± 10.

Effects of two contrast training programs on jump performance in rugby union players during a competition phase.

Purpose: There is little literature comparing contrast training programs typically performed by team-sport athletes within a competitive phase. We compared the effects of two contrast training programs on a range of measures in high-level rugby union players during the competition season.

Methods: THE programs consisted of a higher volume-load (strength-power) or lower volume-load (speed-power) resistance training; each included a tapering of loading (higher force early in the week, higher velocity later in the week) and was performed twice a week for 4 wk.

Characterization of the differences in strength and power between different levels of competition in rugby union athletes.

Levels of strength and power have been used to effectively discriminate between different levels of competition; however, there is limited literature in rugby union athletes. To assess the difference in strength and power between levels of competition, 112 rugby union players, including 43 professionals, 19 semiprofessionals, 32 academy level, and 18 high school level athletes, were assessed for bench press and box squat strength, and bench throw, and jump squat power. High school athletes were not assessed for jump squat power.

Acute effects of verbal feedback on upper-body performance in elite athletes.

Argus, CK, Gill, ND, Keogh, JWL, and Hopkins, WG. Acute effects of verbal feedback on upper-body performance in elite athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3282-3287, 2011-Improved training quality has the potential to enhance training adaptations.

Kinetic and training comparisons between assisted, resisted, and free countermovement jumps.

Elastic band assisted and resisted jump training may be a novel way to develop lower-body power. The purpose of this investigation was to (a) determine the kinetic differences between assisted, free, and resisted countermovement jumps and (b), investigate the effects of contrast training using either assisted, free, or resisted countermovement jump training on vertical jump performance in well-trained athletes. In part 1, 8 recreationally trained men were assessed for force output, relative peak power (PP·kg(-1)) and peak velocity during the 3 types of jump.

Assessing lower-body peak power in elite rugby-union players.

Resistance training at the load that maximizes peak power (Pmax) may produce greater increases in peak power than other loads. Pmax for lower-body lifts can occur with no loading but whether Pmax can be increased further with negative loading is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to determine lower-body Pmax (jump squat) using a spectrum of loads.

Effects of a short-term pre-season training programme on the body composition and anaerobic performance of professional rugby union players.

Pre-season rugby training develops the physical requisites for competition and consists of a high volume of resistance training and anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. However, the effects of a rugby union pre-season in professional athletes are currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 4-week pre-season on 33 professional rugby union players.

Changes in strength, power, and steroid hormones during a professional rugby union competition.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess changes in strength, power, and levels of testosterone and cortisol over a 13-week elite competitive rugby union season. Thirty-two professional rugby union athletes from a Super 14 rugby team (age, 24.4 +/- 2.