Monitoring for overreaching in rugby league players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify indicators of non-functional overreaching (NFOR) in team sport athletes undertaking intensive training loads. Eighteen semi-professional rugby league players were randomly assigned into two pair matched groups. One group completed 6 weeks of normal training (NT) whilst the other group was deliberately overreached through intensified training (IT). Both groups then completed the same 7-day stepwise training load reduction taper. Multistage fitness test (MSFT) performance, VO2 (max), peak aerobic running velocity (V (max)), maximal heart rate, vertical jump, 10-s cycle sprint performance and body mass were measured pre- and post-training period and following the taper. Hormonal, haematological and immunological parameters were also measured pre-training and following weeks 2, 4 and 6 of training and post-taper. MANOVA for repeated measures with contrast analysis indicated that MSFT performance and VO2 (max) were significantly reduced in the IT group over time and condition, indicating that a state of overreaching was attained. However, the only biochemical measure that was significantly different between the IT and NT group was the glutamine to glutamate (Gln/Glu) ratio even though testosterone, testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio, plasma glutamate, and CK activity were significantly changed after training in both groups. Positive endurance and power performance changes were observed post-taper in the IT group confirming NFOR. These changes were associated with increases in the T/C ratio and the Gln/Glu ratio and decreases in plasma glutamate and CK activity. These results indicate that although there was no single reliable biochemical marker of NFOR in these athletes, the Gln/Glu ratio and MSFT test may be useful measures for monitoring responses to IT in team sport athletes.

Monitoramento da carga interna de treinamento em jogadores de futsal ao longo de uma temporada

“…These values of the TL were close those observed along 6 weeks of intensive training of rugby players, with the loads applied ranging from 1391±160 to 3107±289 14 , and from 1387±105 to 3296±298 A.U. 22 .…”

“…The use of the session-RPE method has proved to be an effective form to quantify the internal training load [13][14][15][16][17] . This method has shown a significant correlation with other methods based on the heart rate in karate athletes 18 , socker 7,9 and basketball players 1 .…”

Comparison of different ways of expressing creatine kinase concentration of soccer players during a competitive season

“…To monitor the training status of rugby athletes and identify a possible state of overtraining, Coutts 25 monitored a team of 18 players over a six-week preparation period. The team was divided into two groups; the second group performed the same training as the first group, but with greater volume and intensity.…”

“…Nunes 25 analyzed enzymatic, psychometric, and hematological parameters during a microcycle within a pre-season of professional soccer to determine which variable is more sensitive to training loads. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the CK and LDH enzymatic variables, as well as a reduction in hematological variables, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in response to the evaluated training load.…”

“…An elevation of serum CK level [CK serum ] is usually observed one to four days after physical activity [16][17][18][19] and is an indicator of the stress imposed on the skeletal muscle following exercise 13,20,21 . Recently, CK has also been used as a monitoring marker of training load [22][23][24] , especially in soccer 5,25 , since its measurement can be performed quickly and conveniently.…”