The effect of physical contact on changes in fatigue markers following rugby union field-based training.

Repeated physical contact in rugby union is thought to contribute to post-match fatigue; however, no evidence exists on the effect of contact activity during field-based training on fatigue responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of contact during training on fatigue markers in rugby union players. Twenty academy rugby union players participated in the cross-over study. The magnitude of change in upper- and lower-body neuromuscular function (NMF), whole blood creatine kinase concentration [CK] and perception of well-being was assessed pre-training (baseline), immediately and 24 h post-training following contact and non-contact, field-based training. Training load was measured using mean heart rate, session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and microtechnology (Catapult Optimeye S5). The inclusion of contact during field-based trainingalmost certainlyincreased mean heart rate (9.7; ±3.9%) and sRPE (42; ±29.2%) and resulted inlikelyandvery likelygreater decreases in upper-body NMF (−7.3; ±4.7% versus 2.7; ±5.9%) and perception of well-being (−8.0; ±4.8% versus  −3.4; ±2.2%) 24 h post-training, respectively, andalmost certainlygreater elevations in [CK] (88.2; ±40.7% versus 3.7; ±8%). The exclusion of contact from field-based trainingalmost certainlyincreased running intensity (19.8; ±5%) and distance (27.5; ±5.3%), resulting inpossiblygreater decreases in lower-body NMF (−5.6; ±5.2% versus 2.3; ±2.4%). Practitioners should be aware of the different demands and fatigue responses of contact and non-contact, field-based training and can use this information to appropriately schedule such training in the weekly microcycle. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]