gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Rugby involves all aspects of physical fitness including but not restricted to, balance, coordination, flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic endurance, reaction speed, strength and power [1], [2].

Considering the multitude of skills required by the rugby players, it is very important that training be based on relevant functional tests for this sport.

In order to increase the leg stability and performance, but also to decrease the number of sports injuries it is useful to investigate imbalances between left and right legs of the rugby players [3].

Objective: The study is aiming to demonstrate the importance of proper testing and adaptation of training according to the test results in order to increase physical performance and decrease the risk of injury.

Material/Methods: A total of 22 rugby players, underwent measurements of explosive force (Counter movement jump) evaluate using Myotest system and one leg explosive force (Squat jump) evaluate with Optojump system, before the start of a training camp and after two months of training. Exercise training comprised: strength training (once on 48 hours, 3-6 sets of 2-6 repetitions at 80-95% 1RM), aerobic training, completed by field training. During the training period was considered the power differences between legs and was emphasized the strengthening of the weaker leg.

Results: The evaluation of sportsmen at the end of the study showed an statistically significant increase in explosive power of the lower limbs (from 39.41±6.998 W/kg to 46.36±8.399 W/kg, p=0.009), along with an increase in explosive force at the same level (from 21.59 N/kg±1.82 to25.75±3.25 N/kg (p=<0.001).

Regarding the differences in explosive power between legs, although we didn’t find statistical differences at baseline, we noticed a mean difference of 0.48 W/kg between right and left leg. After only 2 months of training the mean differences was reduced to 0.28 W/kg.

Conclusion: Two months of intensive exercise training, significantly increase explosive power and force of the lower limbs. Emphasizing the strength training of the weaker leg, we can adjust the muscles imbalance and decrease the risk of injury. Based on testing results, physical trainers should create personalized training programmes for adjusting muscular imbalance. In case of injury followed by important asymmetry, proper rehabilitation should be performed before starting the specific exercise training.