load of competitive matches. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) confirm the reliability of these measurements in the context of relevant analytical goals and (2) compare the locomotive and physiological responses to modified physical contact during the rugby league movement simulation
Search Results
Jonathan P. Norris, Jamie Highton, and Craig Twist
Mark Waldron, Jamie Highton, and Craig Twist
Purpose:
This study assessed the reliability of a rugby league movement-simulation protocol, relative to interchanged players (RLMSP-i).
Methods:
Fifteen male participants completed 2 trials of the RLMSP-i, separated by 1 wk. The RLMSP-i comprised low- to moderate-intensity running, interspersed by high-intensity sprinting and tackling activity, based on global positioning system (GPS) data recorded during Super League performances.
Results:
The lowest coefficient of variation (CV ± 95% CI) was observed for total m/min during both interchange bout 1 (1.1% ± 0.2%) and bout 2 (1.0% ± 0.2%). The percentage of heart rate peak and ratings of perceived exertion demonstrated CVs of 1.2–2.0% and 2.9–3.5%, respectively. The poorest agreement between trials was found for blood lactate concentration (16.2% ± 2.8%). In no case was the CV smaller than the smallest worthwhile change, yet in every case the moderate changes were larger than the CV.
Conclusions:
The RLMSP-i’s reliability is sufficient to enable the detection of moderate changes in various performance and physiological measurements that accurately simulate some, but not all, aspects of rugby league matches.
Thomas Mullen, Craig Twist, and Jamie Highton
. Furthermore, physiological and perceptual responses can be measured regularly in a controlled environment, which would not be feasible in competition. Accordingly, in rugby league, various iterations of the Rugby League Movement Simulation Protocol (RLMSP) have successfully been used to examine changes in
Thomas Mullen, Craig Twist, Matthew Daniels, Nicholas Dobbin, and Jamie Highton
. Waldron M , Highton J , Twist C . The reliability of a rugby league movement-simulation protocol designed to replicate the performance of interchanged players . Int J Sports Physiol Perform . 2013 ; 8 ( 5 ): 483 – 489 . 10.1123/ijspp.8.5.483 23238019 24. Kempton T , Sirotic AC
