Strength, power and opto-acoustic reaction during off-season period in professional rugby players.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the degree of physical deconditioning after temporary reduction of exercise training volume and intensity in professional rugby players. Material and methods: 27 professional rugby players (age between 18 to 32 years) were tested to determine explosive force and power of the lower limbs by performing the Counter movement jump test (CMJ) and Complex acoustic reaction test. All tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the off-season period (4 weeks break period). During off-season period, rugby players have temporarily reduced their exercise training volume (by 50% to 65%) and intensity (by 50% to 70%). Results: After 4 weeks reduction of exercise volume and intensity, we recorded significant decrease (p=0.018) of explosive force (from 25.55±3.35 N/kg to 23.17±3.14 N/kg). Explosive power also decreased (from 45.61±9.06 W/kg to 42.35±6.19 W/kg), but the results was not statistically significant (p=0.191). Opto-acoustic reaction time significantly increased (from 1.34±0.07 s to 1.41±0.06 s, p<0.001). Conclusions: Off-season period due to temporary reduction of exercise training volume and intensity leads to physical deconditioning of the professional rugby players, offering a lower yield at the beginning of the season and an increased risk of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]