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Changes in anthropometry and performance, and their inter-relationships, across three seasons in elite youth rugby league players
Waldron, Mark Worsfold, Paul R. Twist, Craig Lamb, Kevin L.
Waldron, Mark
Worsfold, Paul R.
Twist, Craig
Lamb, Kevin L.
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2014-11-30
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Abstract
This study investigated changes in anthropometry and performance, and their inter-relationships, across three consecutive seasons (under-15 to under-17 age group) in elite youth rugby league players. Each player took part in annual anthropometrical and performance assessments, comprising measurements of stature; body mass; limb lengths and circumference; skinfolds, predicted muscle cross-sectional area (CSA); 20 m speed, counter-movement jump height, vertical power and aerobic power. Lean body mass % changed (P < 0.05) between the under-15 (70.9 ± 5.9 %), under-16 (72.0 ± 5.8 %) and the under-17 age groups (74.1 ± 5.7 %). Likewise, predicted quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) also changed (P < 0.05) between each age group (under-15 = 120.9 ± 37.8 cm2; under-16 = 133.2 ± 36.0 cm2; under-17 = 154.8 ± 28.3 cm2). Concomitant changes between the under-15 and under-16 group were found for 20 m speed (3.5 ± 0.1 cf. 3.4 ± 0.2 s; P = 0.008) and predicted jumping power (3611.3 ± 327.3 W cf. 4081.5 ± 453.9 W; P = 0.003). Both lean body mass and quadriceps muscle CSA consistently, related to both 20 m sprint time and jumping power, with r-values ranging between -0.39 to –0.63 (20 m sprint time) and 0.55 to 0.75 (jumping power). Our findings demonstrate the importance of gains in lean body mass across later-adolescence that support the ability to generate horizontal speed and predicted vertical power. This information should inform the expectations and subsequent training programs of elite rugby league practitioners.
Citation
Waldron, M., Worsfold, P., Twist, C., & Lamb, K. (2014). Changes in anthropometry and performance, and their interrelationships, across three seasons in elite youth rugby league players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(11), 3128-3136.
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Journal
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Research Unit
DOI
10.1519/JSC.0000000000000445
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2014, 28(11), pp. 3128-3136.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1064-8011
EISSN
1533-4287