The effects of customary post-game behaviour on rugby specific performance measures following competitive match play : a report submitted towards the attainment of MPhil (Sport and Exercise Science)
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Date
2012
DOI
Open Access Location
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Publisher
Massey University
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Abstract
Background:
Deviant off-field behaviour is now generally accepted as being part of a ‘normal’ sporting culture.
The majority of research into such behaviour has focussed primarily on the immediate impact of
alcohol consumption on sporting performance, with such research highlighting the ergolytic nature
of alcohol on performance. The fundamental issue with such research however is that the deviant
behaviour associated with sports such as rugby union typically occurs the night previous to or
following competition, accordingly the effect of such customary behaviour on recovery from
competition or on subsequent performance would be more specific to what actually occurs. Initial
work has found that moderate alcohol consumption adversely affects the recovery of exercise
induced microstructural damage post eccentric exercise, as well a negatively affecting subsequent
lower body power output post rugby simulation. Despite conclusions suggesting that alcohol
negatively influences both recovery and subsequent performance, such conclusions may not be truly
representative of what typically occurs due to the behaviour investigated being far different to what
occurs naturally. The question of how customary off-field rugby behaviour affects both recovery
and subsequent performance therfore remains unanswered.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether post-game behaviour, that is customary to
rugby union, is detrimental to the subsequent performance of players in the days following
competitive match play.
Methods:
Using a naturalistic means of investigation, thirty senior grade club rugby players were allocated to
either the standardized post game behaviour (SPGB) or investigated post game behaviour (IPGB)
conditions following a competitive rugby match. Players involved in the IPGB condition were left to
undergo customary post rugby game behaviour whilst those in the SPGB had their behaviour
controlled according to recommended guidelines. Performance measures, behaviour recall and
indicators of both muscle damage and hydration status were tested at both twelve and thirty six
hours following match play
Rugby’s customary post-game behaviour does not affect subsequent performance
Results:
Following competitive match play participants in the IPGB condition reported significant (p<0.01)
alcohol consumption with a corresponding decrease in sleep when compared with the SPGB.
Irrespective of such behaviour, performance measures were not significantly affected. Finally no
significant difference was seen between conditions in either hydration status or CK.
Conclusions:
The results of the present naturalistic study indicate that following a competitive match, customary
rugby behaviour consisting of significant alcohol consumption and a reduction in sleep failed to
significantly affect subsequent rugby specific performance measures in the days following the
match.
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Keywords
Alcohol consumption, Rugby players' performance, Rugby players' behaviour, Rugby players' alcohol use, Rugby Union