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Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ...

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Hence, the purpose <strong>of</strong> this study is to monitor the changes in physical <strong>fitness</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>elite</strong> women’s <strong>rugby</strong> <strong>union</strong> <strong>players</strong> <strong>over</strong> the duration <strong>of</strong> a competitive season. The data could<br />

be used by the coaching staff, sport scientists and medical practitioners to determine the<br />

effectiveness <strong>of</strong> intervention programs in the attainment or maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>fitness</strong> levels<br />

throughout the season.<br />

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES<br />

The aim <strong>of</strong> this study was to assess the physical <strong>fitness</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>elite</strong> senior women’s <strong>rugby</strong> <strong>union</strong><br />

<strong>players</strong> <strong>over</strong> a competition season. In order to meet the primary aim <strong>of</strong> this study, the<br />

following objectives are relevant:<br />

<br />

To investigate seasonal variations in physical <strong>fitness</strong> <strong>of</strong> an <strong>elite</strong> women’s <strong>rugby</strong> <strong>union</strong><br />

player during a competition season between pre-season, mid-season and post-season.<br />

<br />

To identify which <strong>of</strong> the following anthropometric and physical characteristics are<br />

significantly different between forwards and backs, <strong>of</strong> an <strong>elite</strong> South African women’s<br />

<strong>rugby</strong> <strong>union</strong> player during a competition season:<br />

o anthropometric measures such as:<br />

• stature<br />

• body mass<br />

• skinfold<br />

• percentage body fat<br />

o physical measures such as<br />

• flexibility<br />

• vertical jump<br />

6

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