Neuromuscular, biochemical and perceptual post-match fatigue in professional rugby league forwards and backs

J Sports Sci. 2012;30(4):359-67. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2011.640707. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated changes in creatine kinase, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue of professional rugby league players after match-play. Twenty-three male rugby league players (10 backs, 13 forwards) had their creatine kinase, perceptual ratings of fatigue, attitude to training, muscle soreness, and flight time in a countermovement jump measured before and 1 and 2 days after (day 1 and day 2 respectively) league matches. Total playing time, offensive and defensive contacts were also recorded for each player. Creatine kinase was higher both 1 and 2 days after than before matches (P < 0.05) in forwards and backs. Similarly, perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were higher than pre-match on both days 1 and 2 (P < 0.05), but did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Jump performance was lower on day 1 but not day 2 for both groups (P < 0.05). While total playing time was longer in backs (P < 0.05), relative frequencies for all contacts were greater in forwards (P < 0.05). Contacts for forwards were correlated with all markers of fatigue (P < 0.05), but only flight time was correlated with offensive contacts in backs (P < 0.05). Despite the mechanisms of fatigue being different between forwards and backs, our results highlight the multidimensional nature of fatigue after a rugby league match and that these markers do not differ between positions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Creatine Kinase / blood*
  • Fatigue* / blood
  • Football / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Musculoskeletal Pain* / blood
  • Perception
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Creatine Kinase