The Effect of Rugby Union Match Play on Sleep Patterns and Subsequent Impact on Postmatch Fatigue Responses
in International Journal of Sports Physiology and PerformanceClick name to view affiliation
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Purpose: Sleep is recognized as an important recovery strategy, yet little is known regarding its impact on postmatch fatigue. The aims of this study were to (1) describe sleep and postmatch fatigue, (2) understand how sleep is affected by contextual and match factors, and (3) assess how changes in sleep can affect postmatch fatigue. Methods: Twenty-three male rugby union players were monitored across 1 season (N = 71 player–match observations). Actigraphy was used during preseason to establish baseline sleep quality and quantity. Sleep was then measured 1 and 2 days after each match day (MD + 1 and MD + 2). Global positioning systems, notational analysis, and rating of perceived exertion represented external and internal load from matches. Subjective wellness and a standardized run were used to characterize postmatch fatigue 2 days prior (baseline) and at MD + 1 and MD + 2. Linear mixed models established the magnitude of change (effect size [ES]) between baseline, MD + 1, and MD + 2 for sleep and postmatch fatigue. Stepwise forward selection analysis ascertained the effect of match load on sleep and the effect of sleep on postmatch fatigue. Each analysis was combined with magnitude-based decisions. Results: Sleep characteristics and neuromuscular and perceptual postmatch fatigue were negatively affected at MD + 1 and MD + 2 (ES = small to very large). Kickoff and travel time had the greatest effect on sleep (ES = small). Wellness and soreness were influenced by sleep (fall-asleep time and fragmentation index) and collisions, respectively (ES = small). Conclusion: Sleep quality and quantity were affected independently of the match load (ie, running activity) sustained, and changes in sleep marginally affected postmatch fatigue.
Leduc, Weaving, Owen, Ramirez-Lopez, Skok, and Jones are with the Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom. Weaving and Jones are also with the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom. Lacome is with the Performance and Analytics Dept, Parma Calcio 1913, Parma, Italy. Ramirez-Lopez and Jones are also with the England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Leeds, United Kingdom. Tee is with the Dept of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Jones is also with the School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia, and the Div of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sports Science Inst of South Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Supplementary Materials
- Supplementary Table S1 (PDF 35 KB)
- Supplementary Table S2 (PDF 263 KB)
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