Changes in anthropometry and performance, and their inter-relationships, across three seasons in elite youth rugby league players
Affiliation
University of New England, Australia ; University of Chester ; University of Chester ; University of ChesterPublication Date
2014-11-30
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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 & WilkinsAdditional Links
http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/pages/default.aspxType
ArticleLanguage
enDescription
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.ISSN
1064-8011EISSN
1533-4287ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1519/JSC.0000000000000445
Scopus Count
Collections
The following license files are associated with this item: