Influence of physical qualities on post-match fatigue in rugby league players

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the influence of physical qualities on markers of fatigue and muscle damage following rugby league match-play. Design: Between subjects design. Methods: Twenty-one male youth rugby league players (age 19.2. ±. 0.7 years; height 180.7. ±. 5.6. cm; body mass 89.9. ±. 10.0. kg) participated in the study. Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1), 3 repetition maximum back squat and bench press were assessed prior to 2 competitive fixtures. Neuromuscular fatigue (countermovement jump [CMJ] and plyometric push-up [PP]), and blood creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before and after match-play. During match-play, movements were recorded using microtechnology. Players were divided into high- and low-groups based on physical qualities. Results: High Yo-Yo and squat performance resulted in greater loads during match-play (. p