Características antropométricas, fisiológicas y funcionales en jugadores profesionales de Rugby Seven.

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Developing specific abilities in Rugby Seven players optimizes their game performance.

Objective: Characterize anthropometric, physiological and functional qualities of Rugby Seven professional athletes.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, 14 rugby seven athletes of the national team were recruited. Demographic, tactical and anthropometric data (body mass index (BMI) and composition) were obtained. The following outcomes were evaluated: physiological parameters (oxygen consumption (VO2)) and functional parameters (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test, vertical jumps (Single Squat Jump-Counter Movement Jump (CMJ)).

Athletes were grouped according to their game position (forwards and backs) for comparison (Mann-Whitney and Fisher's test).

A simple linear regression and ANOVA were used to establish association between demographic variables and functional outcomes (significance: p<0.05; suggestion: p<0.1).

Results: Median age was 23.5 years (22-29), and median BMI was 26.6kg/m2 (23.4-33.3), higher in forwards (p=0.005). KERR fat was 17.5% (15.7-21.9), suggestively higher in forwards (p=0.076).

Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was 54.8ml/kg/min (48.2-61), higher in backs (p=0.035).

Jumping tests showed a suggestively higher muscular peak power in forwards (p=0.086), with no difference in the relative power (p=0.807).

For each year of age increased, the VO2 max speed decreased in 0.14m/s (p=0.05). For each BMI point increased, the VO2 max speed decreased in 0.2m/s (p=0.007), and the VO2 max decreased in 1.21ml/kg/min (p=0.001).

Smoking increased the fatigue index in 4w/kg (p=0.094), 21.4% were smokers.

Conclusion: Older age, BMI and smoking are associated with poorer functional performance in these athletes. Forwards show higher percentage of body fat and lower VO2.