Countermovement Jump Performance with Increased Training Loads in Elite Female Rugby Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Countermovement jump (CMJ) analysis traditionally focuses on peak concentric variables.
• Movement strategies during CMJ may provide more sensitive indicators of neuromuscular fatigue.
• Understanding fatigue in elite team-sport athletes is crucial for performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of progressive training loads on CMJ performance and mechanics in elite female rugby sevens athletes.
• To determine if CMJ movement strategy variables are more sensitive to neuromuscular fatigue than traditional metrics.
• To explore the relationship between training load, wellness, and CMJ performance indicators.

Main Methods:

• 12 elite female rugby sevens athletes participated in a 6-week training block with increasing loads.
• Weekly CMJ testing assessed 22 variables, including force, velocity, power, and time across eccentric and concentric phases.
• Training load (TRIMP) and daily wellness were self-reported.

Main Results:

• Training load (TRIMP) significantly increased, while wellness scores showed a small decrease.
• Several CMJ variables, including flight time, peak displacement, time to peak force, and force at zero velocity, indicated diminished neuromuscular function.
• Positive correlations were observed between wellness scores and key CMJ mechanics variables like max rate of force development and flight time.

Conclusions:

• Intensified training in elite athletes leads to decreased CMJ output and altered jump mechanics.
• Analyzing CMJ movement strategies, beyond single-point metrics, enhances the monitoring of neuromuscular fatigue.
• This approach offers a more sensitive tool for longitudinal fatigue assessment in team-sport athletes.