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Position specific differences in the anthropometric characteristics of elite European Super League rugby players
Morehen, James C. Routledge, Harry E. Twist, Craig Morton, James P. Close, Graeme L.
Morehen, James C.
Routledge, Harry E.
Twist, Craig
Morton, James P.
Close, Graeme L.
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2015-01-05
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Abstract
Rugby league is a collision sport which traditionally adopts a large emphasis on lean muscle mass. Currently there is limited research on the anthropometry of European Super League players. The aim of this study was to assess body composition using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans to identify the typical profile of elite rugby league players. One hundred and twelve players from five different clubs competing in the European Super League were recruited for the study. DXA scans were performed and the total mass, lean mass, fat mass and percentage body fat were reported for each positional group. For the Fullback and Wingers, Centres, Half Backs, Hookers, Props and Back Row Forwards the mean (SD) body fat percentage was 13 (2.1), 13 (2.4), 12 (3.4), 15 (3.9), 16 (4.3) and 15 (2.1)%, respectively, and total mass was 86 (8.2), 91 (6.6), 81 (8), 84 (9.5) 102 (8.5) and 93 (5.5) kg, respectively. Despite small to very large inter positional differences in all anthropometric variables (effect sizes = −0.08 to 2.56), particularly between the Prop and the other playing positions, there was large intra-position variation in body fat, lean mass and total mass making a standardised position specific profile difficult to establish. When used with other key performance indicators, these data provide the first multi-team anthropometric profile of elite Super League players that can be used to guide individualised training and nutrition practices for current and aspiring athletes.
Citation
Morehen, J. C., Routledge, H. E., Twist, C., Morton, J. P., & Close, G. L. (2015). Position specific differences in the anthropometric characteristics of elite European Super League rugby players. European Journal of Sport Science, 15(6), 523-529. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2014.997802
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
European Journal of Sport Science
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Article
Language
en
Description
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in European Journal of Sport Science on 20 January 2015 available online: http://wwww.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17461391.2014.997802
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ISSN
1746-1391
EISSN
1536-7290