Physiological variables associated with performance in a European professional male rugby team: analysis of a training intervention

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to identify the impact on conditional variables through a training intervention. A retrospective observational study was conducted in a professional rugby team, where an intervention was conducted for 4 weeks. Data were collected for a total of 18 weeks: 14 weeks pre-intervention, including 7 matches; and 4 weeks post-intervention, including 4 matches. The variables selected and analysed were distance (m), sprint distance (m), distance per minute (m/min), maximum speed (km/h), high intensity actions (n) and accelerations and decelerations >3 m/s² (n). In training, a significant difference was found before and after the intervention in Dist. Sprint (t = 4.303), in Vel. Max (t = 4.141), and in Acc+Dec>3 m/s² (t = 2.939). [...]