The effect of physical fatigue on tackling technique in Rugby Union

Abstract

<p><i>Objectives:</i> To measure the change in tackling technique of rugby union players following an acute bout of physically fatiguing exercise.<br/><i>Design:</i> Randomised cross-over study design with a physical fatigue condition and no-physical fatigue condition (control).</br><br/><i>Methods:</i> Nineteen male amateur club rugby union players (<i>n</i> = 19) and a total of 887 tackles were analysed. During each condition, each player performed four sets of six tackles (three dominant and three non-dominant shoulder) on a contact simulator. Between each set of tackles in the physical fatigue condition, players performed the prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability test. Using video, player's tackling proficiency for each tackle was measured by awarding either one point or zero points depending on whether a particular technique was performed or not. The sum of these points represents player's tackling proficiency (score out of 9, measured in arbitrary units).</br><br/><i>Results:</i> In the non-dominant shoulder, a difference between fatigue and control was found at set two (Fatigue 7.3 [7.1-7.6] AU vs. Control 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, <i>p</i> = 0.06, ES = 0.3 small) and set three (Fatigue 7.3 [7.0-7.5] AU vs. Control 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, <i>p</i> = 0.006, ES = 0.5 small). During the control condition, tackling proficiency scores improved from baseline for non-dominant tackles (Baseline 7.4 [7.2-7.6] AU, vs Set two 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, <i>p</i> = 0.08 ES = 0.3 small; vs Set three 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, <i>p</i> = 0.05, ES = 0.4 small). </br><br/><i>Conclusions:</i> In conclusion, this study shows that physical fatigue can potentially affect rugby union players' tackling technique. Therefore, players should develop technical capacity to resist the effects of physical fatigue during the tackle.</br></p>