The role of skill in task execution among elite rugby players has become the
focus of numerous researchers. Thus, this study aimed to explore the
frequency, the most highly utilized and successful as well as unsuccessful
attempts of evasive agility skills executed by attacking ball carriers among
elite rugby players and their relationship to selected phase outcomes. The
study undertaken was a structured non-participant observational descriptive
study, conducted through notational analysis of the recorded 2015 Rugby
World Cup matches with the sample being attacking ball carriers among the
top three and bottom three elite rugby teams which participated in the 2015
Rugby World Cup. The descriptive analyses of the current study undertaken
revealed that attacking ball carriers among the top three displayed a 59%
(straight), 39% (side-step) and 2% (crossover-step) while the bottom three
exhibited a 45% (straight), 52% (side-step) and 3% (crossover-step) of these
movement patterns. Alternatively, the inferential statistical analyses indicated
that for both the teams there was no significant difference in the frequency of
the execution of the side-step and crossover-step (p>0.05) while a significant
difference was observed for these teams for the straight evasive agility skill
(p0.05) while a significant
difference was observed for these teams for the straight evasive agility skill
(p
Knee and hip extension are two proposed mechanisms of non-traumatic
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to investigate the
changes of the hip extension angles following exertion induced by an
overground simulated soccer match-play. Fifteen male recreational players
consented to this study and were required to complete a 90 minutes of
simulated soccer match-play. Knee and hip angles were measured at initial
contact during 45° anticipated side-cutting tasks performed prior to the
simulation (time 0 min), at the end of the first half (time 45 min) prior to the
second half (time 60 min) and at the end of the soccer match simulation (time
105 min). A two (group: dominant, nondominant) × four (time: 0 min, 45
min, 60 min and 105 min) mixed between- and within- subjects ANOVA was
utilized. Results revealed that both knee and hip extension angles were
significantly altered over time (knee: F3,102 = 4.464, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.116;
hip: F3,102 = 9.998, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.227), however no significant differences
were observed between dominant and nondominant sides (knee: F1,34 =
0.026, p = 0.872, η2 = 0.001; hip: F1,34 = 0.225, p = 0.638, η2 = 0.007).
Pairwise comparisons indicated that the knee and hip is more during the
second half of the simulation (time 60 min and time 105 min), compared to
pre-exertion (time 0 min) (p < 0.05). The more erect knee and hip landing
postures observed suggested a greater risk of ACL injury during the latter
stage of each halves of match-play, supporting epidemiological observations.
Further interrogations of the kinematic differences in the knees and hips
across limb dominance are warranted for a more comprehensive
understanding of the changes in a multiplanar perspective following soccer
specific fatigue development.
Batting velocity is an important component for successful hitting. Previous research has shown that batting velocity is influenced by increased muscular strength. Resistance training is broadly applied by strength and conditioning coaches to increase strength. However, recently, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has been proven to be able to increase muscular strength in high performance athletes. This study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of dynamic WB-EMS training on muscular strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players. Forty softball players were randomly assigned to two groups: DS-EMS (n = 20) and DS (n = 20). Both groups performed 100 basic dry swings per session using a standard bat. Additionally, DS-EMS group performed whole body electromyostimulation after the dry swing training. The training program was conducted three times a week and all participants were tested before (baseline) and after (week-8) the training programs. Both groups showed statistically significant increases in predicted 1RM torso rotational strength (p ≤ 0.01) and batting velocity (p ≤ 0.01) after 8 weeks of training. The WB-EMS group showed significant increase in predicted 1RM bench press, and predicted 1RM squat (p ≤ 0.01). The WB-EMS group showed greater increases (p ≤ 0.01) in batting velocity compared to control group. These data indicate that an 8-week of dry swing training supplemented by dynamic WB-EMS sessions may significantly increase strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players.