Development of a criterion method to determine peak mechanical power output in a countermovement jump.

There is a general agreement that the most valid method of measuring peak lower-body mechanical power output (LBPP) in a countermovement jump (CMJ) is by analysis of the corresponding vertical component of the ground reaction force (VGRF)-time history of the jump. However, there is no published standard protocol. The purpose of this study was to establish a standard protocol.

Effects of resisted sprint training on acceleration in professional rugby union players.

The use of weighted sled towing as a training tool to improve athlete acceleration has received considerable attention; however, its effectiveness for developing acceleration is equivocal. This study compared the effects of combined weighted sled towing and sprint training against traditional sprint training on 10 and 30 m speed in professional rugby union players (n = 20). After baseline testing of 10 and 30 m speed, participants were assigned to either the combined sled towing and sprint training (SLED) or traditional sprint training (TRAD) groups, matched for 10-m sprint times.

Influence of postactivation potentiation on sprinting performance in professional rugby players.

After a bout of high-intensity exercise of short duration (preload stimulus), the muscle is in both a fatigued and potentiated (referred to as postactivation potentiation [PAP]) state. Consequently, subsequent muscle performance depends on the balance of these 2 factors. Although research has shown PAP to be an effective method of increasing power during both the squat jumps, little data exist on its effect on more functional activities such as sprinting.

Optimal loading for the development of peak power output in professional rugby players.

The ability to develop high levels of muscular power is considered an essential component of success in many sporting activities; however, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial. Our aim in the present study was to determine the optimal load required to observe peak power output during the ballistic bench throw (BBT) and squat jump (SJ) in professional rugby players. Forty-seven, professional, male, rugby players of (mean +/- SD) mass 101.

Complex training in professional rugby players: influence of recovery time on upper-body power output.

After a bout of heavy resistance training (HRT), skeletal muscle is in both a fatigued and potentiated state. Subsequent muscle performance depends on the balance between these 2 factors. To date, there is no uniform agreement about the recovery time required between the HRT and subsequent muscle performance to gain performance benefits in the upper body.

Postactivation potentiation in professional rugby players: optimal recovery.

Following a bout of high-intensity exercise of short duration (preload stimulus), the muscle is in both a fatigued and a potentiated (referred to as postactivation potentiation) state. Consequently, subsequent muscle performance depends on the balance between these 2 factors. To date, there is no uniform agreement about the optimal recovery required between the preload stimulus and subsequent muscle performance to gain optimal performance benefits.