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