Movement and physiological match demands of elite rugby league using portable global positioning systems

Author(s)
Waldron, Mark
Twist, Craig
Highton, Jamie
Worsfold, Paul
Daniels, Matthew
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
Twelve elite players from an English Super League club consented to participate in the present study using portable global positioning system (GPS) devices to assess position-specific demands. Distances covered at low-intensity running, moderate-intensity running, high-intensity running, very high-intensity running, and total distance were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in forwards compared with outside backs and adjustables. Metres per minute was higher in adjustables and forwards, owing to higher values for relative distance in medium-intensity running and a rise in high-intensity running from previous absolute values. Sprint distance, sprint frequency, and peak speed were higher in outside backs than both adjustables and forwards. A moderate, significant correlation (r = 0.62, P = 0.001) was apparent between session ratings of perceived exertion and summated heart rate. Results support the requirement for position-specific conditioning and provide preliminary evidence for the use of session ratings of perceived exertion as a measure of match load.
Citation
Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(11), p. 1223-1230
ISSN
1466-447X
0264-0414
Link
Publisher
Routledge
Title
Movement and physiological match demands of elite rugby league using portable global positioning systems
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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