A longitudinal evaluation of anthropometric and fitness characteristics in junior rugby league players considering playing position and selection level

Abstract

Abstract

Selection of Talents in Handball: Anthropometric and Performance Analysis

“…As regards the results obtained for the infantil category, significant differences were found between national and regional players in anthropometric parameters, explosive strength in the lower limbs, and forearm isometric strength (handgrip). These data are in line with the conclusions presented by Vaeyens et al 19 and Till et al 10 , where underlying maturation stage divergences may be behind this apparent dissonance. The absence of differences in performance regarding cadete-male may be due to the homogeneity of the sample in terms of maturation age, given that all participants in the study underwent a careful selection by a panel of expert judges.…”

“…This has made it possible for researchers to select and narrow down those variables with the greatest repercussion at the time of predicting performance, and to redirect the process of construction of a model of detection and selection of sportspeople [4][5][6][7] . The line of research that has proved to be more productive concentrates on outlining the characteristics of physical performance (conditional variables), as well as the anthropometric characteristics for which top levels are reached in different sport collectives [8][9][10] . The existing scientific literature reports that the stereotype of handball player, apart from the importance of body composition and anthropometric characteristics (height, muscle mass percentage, and biacromial diameter), should attest high values in the conditional variables, such as explosive strength capacity in the lower limbs 1,11,12 .…”

Do physical qualities influence the attainment of professional status within elite 16–19 year old rugby league players?

“…Although all players undertook similar programmes, this may suggest that the trainability and adaptability of players is an important consideration. Although difficult to assess, practitioners should monitor the development of characteristics over time 9,25 to evaluate responsiveness to training.…”

Longitudinal Development of Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics Within Academy Rugby League Players

“…Currently, longitudinal investigations within academy rugby league players are limited to either evaluating seasonal change (8,33) or tracking annual performance within players aged between 13 and 15 years (29)(30)(31). Recent comparisons of the seasonal changes in anthropometric and physical characteristics between Under 14,16,18, and 20 rugby league players (33) Longitudinal tracking of anthropometric and physical characteristics (29)(30)(31) has provided comparative data of the expected annual changes in performance between 13 and 15 years of age, while highlighting the changing and developing performance trajectories of junior players.…”