Las vertientes de la arquitectura sostenible

In summary, the above literature review has led to the conclusion that readiness testing, assessing restoration of performance levels, is essential within elite rugby union settings. Although, implementing performance tests that fit well within a team’s daily and weekly structure, that would benefit decision making over player preparedness, is more problematic. The overall aim of the following research chapters is, therefore, to identify a monitoring tool that could effectively assess restoration of performance post rugby union match play.

Firstly, a specific objective of this research was to ascertain the match demands experienced by elite rugby union players. Via analysis of match data taken GPS, assessing movement

requirements, match load experienced by players will be revealed. As previously stated, the novel aspect of this research in comparison to that of previous study (Cahill et al., 2013; Quarrie et al., 2013), is that this research encompasses players who play less than 80 minutes of a rugby match and thereby represent a true reflection of current elite positional demands. Secondly, another objective of this research associated with the collection of match demands data,

encompasses assessment of performance tests that identify the match characteristics that affect time-course of restoration. Although this research will not assess which match characteristics influence restoration of performance to a greater degree than others, an understanding of the sensitivity of selected performance tests will be ascertained. Match characteristics that impose a greater levels of fatigue with resultant longer periods of restoration of performance are of significant interest to the rugby clubs and could help them plan subsequent training sessions post-game, for both positional groups and individuals.

In addition to assessment of GPS match data; a further objective of this research was to identify a measurement tool that would assess restoration of performance and readiness for training and match play within rugby union. This measurement tool has to be accurate, reliable and feasible for use within elite rugby environments, where time and budget constraints exist. The tools proposed for assessment of readiness are, therefore, the CMJ test and the self-report well- being questionnaire. These tools are used to assess pre and post-match changes in

performance, with restoration of neuromuscular function collated via CMJ performance tests, and the more subjective notions of recovery collected via self-report well-being questionnaires. CMJ and WB questionnaires were identified for use from the literature review above; due to the ease with which they can be implemented and the logistical issues that surround the setting in question. Previous match characteristic research and the effect that matches have upon restoration of performance have predominately focused upon rugby league (Johnston et al., 2013; McLellan et al., 2011b; Twist & Highton, 2013; Twist et al., 2017; Twist et al., 2012), with limited research into rugby union specifically (Crewther et al., 2009; West et al., 2014). This research aims to add to the knowledge of performance measures that can detect a meaningful change in neuromuscular function as a result of specific match characteristics in rugby union. Lastly, another objective of this research was to assess the frequency and magnitude of impacts experienced by players during elite rugby union match play, using both video footage and GPS data. This combination of methodologies will provide practitioners with greater insight into elite rugby union impacts, as the footage and GPS data combined will provide more detail than earlier research (Cahill et al., 2013; Coughlan et al., 2011; Venter, Opperman, & Opperman, 2011). The studies by Cunniffe et al. (2009) and Cahill et al. (2013) did not involve analysis of impacts, while two studies that do consider impacts within match analysis assessment

(Coughlan et al., 2011; Venter et al., 2011) involve smaller sample sizes and less extensive analysis of impact across positional groups. A more detailed analysis of where impacts occur during match play will further help quantify the demands experienced by players and will provide additional information about the effect of specific match characteristics upon time- course of recovery for positional groups. The GPS data collected within this study will identify the match intensity experienced by the players (illustrated by GPS variables), while the video footage will act as a reference file against which to compare the GPS results data. This combined data collection will help to ascertain match involvements and their associated impacts.

The novel approach outlined within this research, incorporating greater analysis of match data and more specific use of the methods of neuromuscular assessment presented in Table 2.13, will enable a more global overview of player readiness. This is in contrast to research by McLean et al. (2010) and McLellan et al. (2011b) who only used CMJ, biochemical and WB values and did not provide any immediate feedback to players or practitioners, with the result that concurrent interventions could not be implemented. To date, methods used in the key research by McLellan et al. (2011b) included questionable CMJ protocols where, for example, subjects hands were not placed upon hips during the jump. This protocol has been shown to be inaccurate (Domire & Challis, 2007) where arm swing allows greater muscular force to be generated, therefore illustrating that some of the results presented may be difficult to compare. 2.7.1 Research questions proposed

• Do the physiological requirements of elite rugby union players differ across positional groups, irrespective of duration played?

o Do backs cover a greater distance across all distance zones compared to forwards?

o Are forwards involved in a greater number of impacts across all impact zones compared to backs?

o Are backs involved in more accelerations and decelerations compared to forwards?

o Do backs complete game activities at a greater intensity than forwards? • Which jump modality is more reliable within and between sessions in elite rugby

settings?

o Are bilateral jumps more reliable than unilateral jumps?

o Is CMJ measurement an accurate, reliable and feasible task for use within elite rugby, to assess restoration of performance?

• Does time-course of recovery of elite rugby union players post-match differ across positional groups?

o Are CMJ performances and WB scores restored within 60 hours post-match? o Do forwards take longer to restore CMJ performance and WB scores due to the

greater number of impacts they experience during games?

o Do many of the impacts experienced from players during match play occur only during collision situations?