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Performance changes following training in junior rugby league players
Tim J Gabbett1, James Johns, Matt Riemann
1Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club, Brisbane, Australia. timg@broncos.com.au
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Young and older junior rugby players show different training adaptations. Young players excel in speed and power, while older players improve lower-body endurance more, indicating a need for tailored training programs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Youth Athlete Development
Background:
- Junior rugby league players undergo intense preseason training.
- Understanding age-related training adaptations is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injury.
- Differentiating responses between younger (<15 years) and older (<18 years) players is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course of training adaptations in young and older junior rugby league players.
- To compare the effectiveness of a 10-week strength, conditioning, and skills program on different age groups.
- To provide insights into age-specific responses to a standardized training stimulus.
Main Methods:
- A 10-week preseason program with 3 weekly sessions was implemented.
- Measurements included anthropometry, vertical jump, sprint speed, agility, and maximal aerobic power.
- Muscular endurance was assessed bi-weekly, with fitness tests every 3 weeks.
Main Results:
- Both age groups improved maximal aerobic power and muscular endurance.
- Younger players showed greater gains in speed, muscular power, and upper-body endurance.
- Older players demonstrated superior improvements in lower-body muscular endurance.
Conclusions:
- Young and older junior rugby league players exhibit distinct adaptations to training.
- Training programs should be individualized based on maturational and training age.
- This study offers realistic performance improvement benchmarks for junior rugby players.
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