Does intensive pre-season strength training protect rugby players from non-contact injury
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Other.
Does Intensive Pre-season Strength Training Protect Rugby Players from Non-contact Injury?
Summary
Players at a top Australian rugby club who engaged in a rigorous off-season strength training program encountered significantly fewer non-contact injuries during the season compared to their less dedicated peers. This reduction in injuries is likely due to a focus on improving basic strength and using rugby-specific conditioning equipment.
Key Points
- Rugby, pre-season, off-season, injury prevention, strength training, muscle strain, eccentric loading
Article
Each year, Sydney University Football Club assembles an Elite Development Squad to prepare for the upcoming rugby season. In 2005, the squad comprised 50 players, excluding the club's Wallabies and Super 12 contract players. Despite juggling full-time study or work, these players committed to an intensive 14-week regimen, featuring six to seven sessions per week focused on weights, skills, and fitness.
Following the season, the club's doctor, Katherine Rae, and physiotherapist, Keiran Cleary, released a Medical Report analyzing injuries across the club's eight teams. They particularly highlighted the Elite Development Squad, noting that it suffered only two non-contact injuries during the season?"both muscle strains?"resulting in just four games lost.
Among the 36 players who completed the program, only one calf strain and one hamstring strain were recorded, with no back or groin issues leading to game absences. In contrast, the club overall reported 28 instances of low back pain, 27 hamstring injuries, 27 groin injuries, and 6 quadriceps strains.
Analysis
Two non-contact injuries in over 1,000 hours of play is remarkably low, especially compared to the club's other 80 injury instances. While it's risky to overemphasize one season's data, the stark difference in injury rates suggests more than mere chance. Three key factors likely contributed to these favorable outcomes:
1. Training Duration and Intensity
The off-season training, with about 90 sessions, provided an ideal chance for players to boost their strength and fitness. Such a demanding schedule requires immense commitment, typically beyond most non-professional players, while pros often lack the uninterrupted time due to ongoing leagues and international duties.
The squad also had access to physiotherapists, doctors, nutritionists, and dietary supplements, creating a professional training environment even without financial compensation.
2. Emphasis on Basic Strength Development
Sports scientist Martin Harland, experienced with professional teams, structured the strength program, stressing basic strength and rugby-specific fitness. His approach featured intense lower body exercises like squats, deadlifts, and cleans.
3. Use of the ScrumTruk
In addition to free weights, the squad utilized the MyoQuip ScrumTruk, essential for leg strength. Unlike traditional squats, this equipment places resistance horizontally, reducing lumbar spine stress. It targets quadriceps and calf muscles, with particular benefits for the hamstrings due to eccentric loading.
The ScrumTruk’s mechanism provides increasing resistance through the exercise, activating muscles fully, particularly at movement's end. This could enhance hamstring strength, due to greater eccentric loading when they are almost fully extended.
Conclusion
The reduced injury rates among Sydney University's elite squad suggest other teams might benefit from similar intensive off-season programs focused on developing lower body strength. The potential for improved injury prevention complements the significant strength gains these programs offer.
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