Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 2022 Jul 1;36(7):2050-2067.

doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003741. Epub 2020 Sep 28.

Affiliations

Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review

Hendrickus G J Aben et al. J Strength Cond Res. 2022.

Abstract

Aben, HGJ, Hills, SP, Cooke, CB, Davis, D, Jones, B, and Russell, M. Profiling the post-match recovery response in male rugby: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 2050-2067, 2022-To minimize underperformance, injury, and illness, and to enhance readiness for training and match-play, post-match responses are commonly monitored within professional rugby. As no clear consensus exists regarding the magnitude and duration of post-match recovery, this review summarized the literature (17 studies yielded from literature searching/screening) reporting neuromuscular (countermovement jump [CMJ], peak power output [PP], and flight time [FT]), biochemical (creatine kinase [CK]) or endocrine (cortisol [C] and testosterone [T] concentrations), and subjective (wellness questionnaire and muscle soreness) indices after rugby match-play. For neuromuscular responses (11 studies), reductions in PP <31.5% occurred <30 minutes after match, returning to baseline within 48-72 hours. Post-match reductions in FT of <4% recovered after 48 hours. For biochemical and endocrine responses (14 studies), increases in CK, ranging from 120 to 451%, peaked between 12 and 24 hours, returning to baseline within 72 hours of match-play. Initial increases of <298% in C and reductions in T concentrations (<44%) returned to pre-match values within 48-72 hours. Mood disturbances (6 studies) required 48-72 hours to normalize after peak decrements of <65% at 24 hours. This review highlights that 72 hours were needed to restore perturbations in neuromuscular, biochemical and endocrine, and subjective/perceptual responses after competitive rugby match-play. Notably, only 4 studies reported responses in more ecologically valid scenarios (i.e., those in which regular training and recovery strategies were used) while also reporting detailed match demands. A lack of research focusing on youth players was also evident, as only 3 studies profiled post-match responses in younger athletes. Deeper insight regarding post-match responses in ecologically valid scenarios is therefore required.

Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Alaphilippe A, Mandigout S, Ratel S, et al. Longitudinal follow-up of biochemical markers of fatigue throughout a sporting season in young elite rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 26: 3376–3384, 2012.
    1. Augustsson J, Thomee R, Linden C, et al. Single-leg hop testing following fatiguing exercise: Reliability and biomechanical analysis. Scand J Med Sci Sports 16: 111–120, 2006.
    1. Baird MF, Graham SM, Baker JS, Bickerstaff GF. Creatine-kinase- and exercise-related muscle damage implications for muscle performance and recovery. J Nutr Metab 2012: 960363, 2012.
    1. Banfi G, Melegati G, Valentini P. Effects of cold-water immersion of legs after training session on serum creatine kinase concentrations in rugby players. Br J Sports Med 41: 339, 2007.
    1. Boerio D, Jubeau M, Zory R, Maffiuletti NA. Central and peripheral fatigue after electrostimulation-induced resistance exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37: 973–978, 2005.

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources