Monitoring Match-Related Fatigue in Youth Rugby Players Using a Readiness Index and Clinical Tests

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Rugby Performance Analysis

Background:

• Athlete readiness monitoring is crucial for managing training load and recovery in youth sports.
• Understanding short-term responses to match demands in rugby is essential for injury prevention and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate short-term athlete readiness in youth rugby players by integrating subjective measures, clinical tests, and match load data.
• To assess the responsiveness of a composite readiness index (4-day readiness index; 4-dRI) and specific clinical tests to match demands.

Main Methods:

• A single-team study monitored 28 male rugby players (17.8 ± 0.2 years) over four consecutive days (match day [MD] to MD+3).
• Readiness was assessed using four subjective dimensions (fatigue, mood, sleep quality, muscle soreness) combined into a 4-dRI.
• The Adductor Squeeze Test (AST), Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT), and Global Positioning System (GPS) data were collected.

Main Results:

• The 4-dRI significantly decreased by ~30% at 24 hours post-match (p < 0.001), indicating reduced perceived readiness.
• Higher GPS-derived match loads correlated with lower readiness on MD+1.
• The AST showed moderate associations with the 4-dRI (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.05), while the SRT was less responsive.

Conclusions:

• Both the 4-dRI and AST are responsive to short-term changes in readiness in youth rugby players.
• Integrated monitoring data, including subjective feedback and clinical tests, can enhance athlete management strategies in team sports.
• These findings support the use of combined monitoring tools for optimizing recovery and performance.