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Wade, JA, Fuller, JT, Devlin, PJ, and Doyle, TLA. Senior and junior rugby league players improve lower-body strength and power differently during a rugby league season. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1367–1372, 2022—This investigation evaluated lower-body strength and power changes across a rugby league season in elite junior and senior athletes. Twenty-five senior and 20 junior rugby league players performed an isometric midthigh pull and countermovement jump at 3 time points in a National Rugby League training season (mid-preseason, end-preseason, and in-season). Linear fixed-effects models were used to compare isometric midthigh pull force and countermovement jump power between player experience groups (senior vs. junior) across the season phases (mid-preseason vs. end-preseason vs. and in-season). Cohen's effect sizes (ES) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pairwise comparisons. For senior players, absolute and relative strength (ES = 0.38, p < 0.007) and power (ES = 0.64, p < 0.008) increases were observed at end-preseason compared with mid-preseason, but there were no changes in-season (ES = 0.02, p > 0.571). For junior players, strength did not change (ES < 0.01, p > 0.738) and absolute power decreased (ES = 0.29, p < 0.014) at end-preseason compared with mid-preseason; large increases were evident for absolute and relative strength (ES = 1.43, p < 0.001) and power (ES = 0.62, p < 0.001) in-season. This research demonstrates senior and junior rugby league players exhibit unique patterns of improvements in lower-body strength and power across different phases of the season. This highlights the importance for training programs to differ between junior and senior athletes and target different physical qualities for both groups at different times of the season, thus providing guidance for strength and conditioning coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation determined differences in lower body strength and power between elite junior (17-20 years) and elite senior (open-aged) rugby league athletes. Twenty junior and 25 senior athletes performed an isometric mid-thigh pull, countermovement jump, repeated jump, and broad jump tests during a National Rugby League pre-season. The effects of age (junior vs. senior) and position (adjustables vs. hit-up forwards vs. outside backs) on test results were investigated using a two-way analysis of variance. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pairwise comparisons. Isometric mid-thigh pull absolute peak force was greater for senior players compared to junior players (ES=0.88, p<.05). Countermovement jump absolute peak power was greater for outside backs (ES=1.12) and hit-up forwards (ES=1.23) compared to adjustables (p<.05), greater for senior outside backs compared to junior outside backs (ES=1.53, p<.05), and greater for junior hit-up forwards compared to senior hit-up forwards (ES=1.00, p<.05). This research demonstrated the differences in strength and power of rugby league athletes between playing age and position. Improving lower body strength should be prioritised for athletic development of junior rugby league athletes, with consideration given to requirements across different playing positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Step‐up variations are frequently used in sports performance to develop coordinated and powerful movements that transfer to running. This study aimed to quantify the kinetic characteristics of the first foot contact of four different step‐up variations. Ten professional rugby league players participated in this study and performed the Barbell One Box Step‐Up with Catch (BB1), Barbell Two Box Step‐Up (BB2), Vest Two Box Run (VEST) and Step‐Up Jump (JUMP) as part of routine in‐season strength training sessions during one season. Peak force, total impulse and maximal rate of force development (RFD) were measured from first foot contact on the step‐up box. Significantly greater peak force and RFD were observed in JUMP than any other variation (standardized mean difference; SMD: 3.9–5.5; p < 0.001). Total impulse was equal between JUMP and BB1, and significantly greater in JUMP than BB2 and VEST (SMD: 1.3–2.3; p < 0.001), and in BB1 than BB2 and VEST (SMD: 1.8–2.8; p < 0.001). Significantly larger peak force and RFD were observed in BB2 and VEST than BB1 (SMD: 0.6–0.7) and in total impulse in BB2 than VEST (SMD: 1.6) (p < 0.05). The results of this study highlight that step‐up exercise variations maximize different kinetic characteristics, which may transfer differently to athlete running performance. Highlights: The Step‐Up Jump variation was shown to produce the largest relative peak force, largest rate of force development (RFD) and equal largest total impulse and therefore may have the greatest transferability to maximal speed running through the maximization of the stance phase.The Barbell Two Box Step‐Up (BB2) and Vest Two Box Run (VEST), produced significantly greater peak relative force and RFD than the Barbell One Box Step‐Up with Catch (BB1) and therefore may have better transferability to acceleration ability.Coaches can use the findings of this study to assist their selection of step‐up variations that are best suited to develop running ability and should consider the testing results and individual requirements of each athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Glassbrook, DJ, Fuller, JT, Wade, JA, and Doyle, TLA. Not all physical performance tests are related to early season match running performance in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1944–1950, 2022—This study aimed to determine which physical tests correlate with early season running performance. Sixteen professional rugby league players performed the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (IFT), 1.2-km time trial, 1 repetition maximum (RM) barbell back squat, isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), barbell squat jump (SJ), and ballistic bench press throw (BBP). Bivariate Pearson's correlations and linear regression were used to compare physical tests with peak match running intensities recorded by a portable Global Positioning System and represented by peak match velocity and acceleration, as well as peak 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute instantaneous acceleration/deceleration periods of play. Significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations (r = −0.55 to −0.60) were observed between the IFT and relative 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks, and between the relative 1RM back squat and relative 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.52–0.84) were observed between the following physical tests and match performance pairs: IFT and peak acceleration; relative 1RM back squat and peak acceleration; SJ peak power (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration; CMJ peak force (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration; CMJ peak power (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration and 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks; and relative BBP peak power and peak velocity and peak acceleration. The results of this study highlight that not all generic tests of physical qualities are related to peak match running performance and only those with significant correlations are likely to be able to indicate how players may perform during match-play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johnston, RD, Thornton, HR, Wade, JA, Devlin, P, and Duthie, GM. The distribution of match activities relative to the maximal mean intensities in professional rugby league and Australian football. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1360–1366, 2022—This study determined the distribution of distance, impulse, and accelerometer load accumulated at intensities relative to the maximal mean 1-minute peak intensity within professional rugby league and Australian football. Within 26 rugby league (n = 24 athletes) and 18 Australian football (n = 38 athletes) games, athletes wore global navigation satellite system devices (n = 608 match files). One-minute maximal mean values were calculated for each athlete per game for speed (m·minP−1P), accelerometer load (AU·minP−1P), and acceleration (m·sP−2P). Volumes for each parameter were calculated by multiplying by time, specifying total distance, accelerometer load, and impulse. The distribution of intensity of which these variables were performed relative to the maximal mean was calculated, with percentages ranging from 0–110%, separated into 10% thresholds. Linear mixed models determined whether the distribution of activities within each threshold varied, and positional differences. Effects were described using standardized effect sizes (ESs), and magnitude-based decisions. Across both sports, the distribution of activity (%) largely reduced the closer to the maximal mean 1-minute peak and was highest at ∼60% of the maximal mean peak. When compared with Australian football, a higher percentage of total distance was accumulated at higher intensities (70–80% and 100–110%) for rugby league (ES range = 0.82–0.87), with similar, yet larger differences for accelerometer load >80% (0.78–1.07) and impulse >60% (1.00–2.26). These findings provide information of the volume of activities performed relative to the mean maximal 1-minute peak period, which may assist in the prescription of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Firefighting is physically and mentally taxing and recruits are expected to have optimal health and fitness. However, physical fitness tends to decline following initial training, placing firefighters at an increased risk for stress and injury. Efforts are needed to engage and support firefighters in maintaining adequate health and fitness to withstand the rigorous demands of their occupation. This study examined the feasibility of TARP, a pragmatic strength and conditioning intervention for metropolitan‐based firefighters, delivered in collaboration with a professional National Rugby League club. Methods: A mixed‐methods approach was utilised to examine program implementation, recruitment and sample characteristics, intervention satisfaction and acceptability, and participants' response to the intervention. Evaluation measures included field notes taken during steering committee meetings, participant flow data, baseline and follow‐up outcome measures, self‐report questionnaires, and telephone interviews with a sample of participants. Results: Participants (N = 113) were predominantly men (82%) with a mean age of 43 ± 9.3 years and BMI of 26.6 ± 2.9 kg/m2. Program satisfaction was high (95% very satisfied or somewhat satisfied) among program completers (42% retention). Key strengths of the program included delivery through the professional sports club, quality of facilities and equipment, and scheduling flexibility. Future programs should consider incorporating education or training to support behaviour change maintenance and strategies to retain participants at follow‐up. Conclusions: Results provide valuable insights into the design and delivery of interventions for firefighters and demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships between community stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Firefighting is physically and mentally taxing and recruits are expected to have optimal health and fitness. However, physical fitness tends to decline following initial training, placing firefighters at an increased risk for stress and injury. Efforts are needed to engage and support firefighters in maintaining adequate health and fitness to withstand the rigorous demands of their occupation. This study examined the feasibility of TARP, a pragmatic strength and conditioning intervention for metropolitan‐based firefighters, delivered in collaboration with a professional National Rugby League club. Methods: A mixed‐methods approach was utilised to examine program implementation, recruitment and sample characteristics, intervention satisfaction and acceptability, and participants' response to the intervention. Evaluation measures included field notes taken during steering committee meetings, participant flow data, baseline and follow‐up outcome measures, self‐report questionnaires, and telephone interviews with a sample of participants. Results: Participants (N = 113) were predominantly men (82%) with a mean age of 43 ± 9.3 years and BMI of 26.6 ± 2.9 kg/m2. Program satisfaction was high (95% very satisfied or somewhat satisfied) among program completers (42% retention). Key strengths of the program included delivery through the professional sports club, quality of facilities and equipment, and scheduling flexibility. Future programs should consider incorporating education or training to support behaviour change maintenance and strategies to retain participants at follow‐up. Conclusions: Results provide valuable insights into the design and delivery of interventions for firefighters and demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships between community stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]