Objective: To explore aerobic power and energy expenditure of high level rugby players in China, which provide experimental basis for accurate training and nutritional strategy in match-play.
Methods: Eighteen master rugby players were selected as research subjects. The parameters such as VO2max, lactic aicd threshold (LT) and modify conconi test were measured respectively. The differences of energy were compared between the forward and the defender. The data were analyzed by independent sample t test.
Results: The VO2max(42.05±3.69 ml/min ·kg-1) of rugby players was poorer. The VO2max of the forward was 38.83±3.52 (ml/min ·kg-1), and that of the defender was 47.31±3.17 (ml/min ·kg-1),and there was significant difference between the forwards and the defenders (P＜0.05). The LT of the defenders was obviously higher than that of the forwards. Modifier conconi test had a high correlation (r = 0.772) with VO2max. The average energy consumption in the first half of the game was about(276.94±18.08)kcals, the second half was(225.58±22.86)kcals, and the second half was less than the first half (P＜0.05).
Conclusion: The aerobic power is different between the forwards and the defenders. The power of aerobic of Chinese players is weaker than that of the foreign rugby players.