The effects of elapsed time after warm-up on subsequent exercise performance in a cold environment.

ASSESSMENT OF CONDITIONING-SPECIFIC MOVEMENT TASKS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS MEASURES IN TALENT IDENTIFIED UNDER 16-YEAR-OLD RUGBY UNION PLAYERS JOANNA R. PARSONAGE,1 RHODRI S. WILLIAMS,1 PAUL RAINER,1 IAN MCKEOWN,2 MORGAN D. WILLIAMS1

AND

1

Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Health, Sport, and Professional Practice, University of South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom; and 2Port Adelaide Football Club, South Australia, Australia

ABSTRACT Parsonage, JR, Williams, RS, Rainer, P, McKeown, I, and Williams, MD. Assessment of conditioning-specific movement tasks and physical fitness measures in talent identified under 16-year-old rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 28(6): 1497–1506, 2014—Preparedness to train was assessed using a battery of conditioning-specific movement tasks (CSMTs) on a group of talent identified rugby union players (n = 156; age = 15 6 7 years; stature = 176 6 7 cm; and mass = 74 6 14 kg). In addition to explore the link between movement competency and performance, a series of standard fitness tests was conducted. Overall the group’s CSMTs competency ratings were low, but task dependent. The proportion of competent players ranged from 14% for a single leg squat to 70% for a double to single leg landing. Players were subsequently grouped based on their CSMTs ratings using cluster analysis. This analysis classified players on features of the CSMT battery that distinguished between groups rather than an arbitrary score. Fitness test scores were then compared between the 3 groups identified. The “general low competency” group jumped 9.1 cm lower (p = 0.0218), sprinted slower across 10, 20 and 40 m (range, p = 0.0126–0.0018) and covered 389 m less (p = 0.0105) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 distance compared with the “squat competent group.” In summary, at this important time before academy selection, most players could not competently perform the CSMTs that underpin rugby conditioning and may not be prepared for the transition into the “training to compete” stage of the suggested long-term athlete development model. For this sample of players, the athlete development process may therefore be unnecessarily inhibited. Address correspondence to Morgan D. Williams, morgan.williams@ southwales.ac.uk. 28(6)/1497–1506 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Ó 2014 National Strength and Conditioning Association

Moreover, our observations that competency in some CSMTs may explain better running and jumping performances in some players suggest that a focus on monitoring and addressing movement competencies during the training to train stage of player development should be considered.

KEY WORDS fitness testing, movement competency, longterm athlete development, movement skill, preparedness to train, cluster analysis INTRODUCTION

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ince the professionalization of Rugby Union in 1995, one of the most prominent changes to the sport has been the increased physicality with players becoming bigger, faster, and stronger (17). In response to the reported increased physical demands, most national rugby union governing bodies have invested in development programs. Subsequently, developmental pathways have been mapped and documented with a focus to prepare youth players for the demands of professional Rugby Union and facilitate long-term player development through an academybased system. Each academy is tasked with the identification and long-term nurturing of talented youth athletes. The program delivery takes an holistic theme that encompasses the combination of: technical, physical, tactical, social, and personal development with most players entering an academy at 16 years of age and which lasts up to 4 years before a decision is made to sign them as a professional player. At this important stage of a potential rugby player’s career, those selected players are introduced to a new and challenging environment that involves a training schedule integrated with education and social activities. Preparation is important to make the most of this opportunity. One potential benefit of an academy system is that the governing body can control the environment, their recruits are exposed to, ensuring the program is player-centered and it is developmentally appropriate. As a general guide, based on the long-term athlete development (LTAD) framework, VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 6 | JUNE 2014 |

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Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.

Movement and Physical Fitness in Rugby Players (35) when entering the academy system, players should be at the “training to compete” stage (stage 4 of 6) with sportspecific skill development the main focus. An important consideration crucial to athletic development and preparation (35) is that the players should have already transitioned through the “training to train,” stage (stage 3) of which they consolidate the basic movement skills underpinning their sport (4). Gym- and field-based conditioning are embedded in all rugby union academy programs and their effectiveness relies on basic movements such as: squatting, lifting, running, sprinting, landing, and jumping being mastered early rather than once they enter academy programs or professional teams (38). Furthermore, the correct execution of these movement skills ensure an athlete can train effectively and efficiently, resulting in a decreased likelihood of injury, and thus promoting the principles of long-term player development (27). Assessment of basic movements that underpin conditioning before entry into the academy may provide valuable information to help understand the players’ level of preparedness to train and thus aid in LTAD. To date, for rugby union players who are ,16 years old and who have not entered the academy system athletic development is rated and tracked by regional academies using physical fitness testing and game performance. Physical fitness assessments are largely outcome-driven and no data are provided to address how competently the tests or specific movements are performed. We are unaware of a screening tool or test battery used to assess rugby union players’ preparedness for the “train to compete” stage of development that coincides around the age of entry into academies. Moreover, it is during this stage of development that talented players are often “fast tracked” based on rugbyspecific skill level (i.e., tackling and passing), physical characteristics, playing performance, and level of maturation. It has been shown that youth rugby league players who were selected to play in the opening game of the season possessed superior anthropometric and physiological test scores during preseason testing with height, weight, change of direction speed, and aerobic power being major determinants (21). Therefore, equipping young players to master basic movement skills required for rugby union conditioning earlier rather than once entering the academy may help player development and enhance physical performance. Assessing movement competency is therefore warranted to switch the focus of the young player from performance outcomes to how competently they can execute the given movements. Despite no rugby union assessment available at present, the functional movement screen (FMS) (10,11) is the most established assessment of movement competency for athletic populations. The aim of the FMS is to bridge the gap between preparticipation medical screening and physical performance test. In addition, the FMS aims to provide a reliable tool to objectively measure functional movement patterns that are modifiable and indicative of an elevated likelihood of sustaining musculoskeletal injury. The FMS

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consists of 7 functional movement patterns aimed at exposing movement deficiencies, limitations and asymmetries. However, the FMS tests are generic and do not assess the competency of movements such as running and jumping, and those more applied movements executed during gym-based conditioning such as lifting. Running, jumping, landing, and lifting are embedded in contemporary rugby conditioning whether gym based (Olympic weightlifting and assistant exercises) or field based (speed/plyometrics). Prolonged and repeated poor movement execution at an young age can be detrimental to an athlete’s long-term development, increasing their susceptibility to musculoskeletal injury (5) and inhibiting performance thus retarding progress. Therefore, including such movements in the screening of youth Rugby players, at this critical stage of their development, before entering an academy may aid in identifying those athletes who may require attention. Early identification may provide useful feedback on the effectiveness of the development program in place. It may also take the focus of their training away from performance outcomes typically measured such as load lifted and address issues identified with the quality of movement with the aim to promote a smooth transition from stage 3 (training to train) to stage 4 (training to compete) of the LTAD model (4). An anticipated benefit of addressing these movement issues identified before entry to the academy would be to enhance the likelihood of players coping with the high expectations to perform in training and on the field, high physical demands, and large training volumes that are associated with full-time conditioning at a regional level. Thus, the primary and novel purpose of this study was to gather and report reference data for conditioning-specific movement tasks (CSMT) and physical fitness characteristics in talented under 16-year-old rugby union players. Obtaining the level of movement competency from a battery of CSMTs before they potentially enter regional academies may provide valuable information for the individual, coach, and managers of development programs. A secondary objective of this was to perform an exploratory analysis that classified players into groups by their CSMT ratings, then compare the physical fitness tests scores between the groups. It was anticipated that such an analysis would examine links purported between movement competencies (efficiency) and physical fitness performance.

METHODS Experimental Approach to the Problem

Over a 1-week training camp, talented youth rugby players completed a battery of functional movement and physical fitness tests. All CSMTs were captured by video and assessed qualitatively. Reference data for all tests were reported. To group the sample of rugby players based on the CSMT scores, cluster analysis was used. Cluster analysis is a classification tool that retains all information and groups’ individuals that display similar characteristics across the full range

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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research of factors. It does not rely on an arbitrary threshold that may contain very different individuals who scored a similar aggregate score. The subsequent cluster analysis revealed 3 groups with distinct defining features that discriminated them from the other groups. Countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint, and endurance test scores were compared between the groups. It was hypothesized that group differences would provide test validity (i.e., less competent individuals perform inferior to those individuals who are more competent) and support the use of CSMT for screening talented under 16year-old rugby union players. Subjects

Before any contact with potential subjects was made, the study proposal was reviewed and received ethical approval from the University’s Faculty Ethics Committee. In total, 156 male youth Rugby players (age, 15 6 7 years; stature, 176 6 7 cm; and mass, 74 6 14 kg) identified by their regional academy as potential future elite players attended a training camp. All players were invited to take part in the study and before participation; both players and parents received and read a detailed written information sheet pertaining to the study’s requirements and informed consent/assent forms (all approved by the University’s Faculty Ethics Committee) in advance of the training camp. All information was presented in plain English describing the study, identifying what the participants were going to be asked to do, highlighting the rights of the participant/parent or guardian, and outlining the potential risks and benefits of participation. Subjects could only participate in the study if parent/guardian informed consent and participant’s assent had been obtained in writing by signature on the corresponding forms. Procedures

To accommodate the large number of subjects, the cohort was split in half based on the area of the region in which the participants played. Testing for each group then took place over 2 consecutive days in February, during the competitive season. Day 1 consisted of stature, mass, CMJ, 40-m sprint performance, and 6 CSMT. The 6 CSMT were overhead squat (OH squat), Romanian deadlift (RDL), single leg squat (SL squat), double leg-single leg landing (DL-SL landing), sprint, and CMJ. Day 2 consisted of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (IR1). Conditioning-Specific Movement Tasks

Overhead Squat. The OH squat was performed by the subject holding a 20-kg Olympic bar (YORK; 2979, York Barbell Company, York, PA, USA) above their head. They then were instructed to squat down to an achievable depth, while heels remained on the floor, arms were locked out and the trunk maintained in an upright position (12). The OH squat was selected to assess the functional mobility of the hips, knees, and ankles (26) and challenging the symmetrical alignment of both the shoulders and thoracic spine (10). The OH squat is also an important exercise for the snatch and some of its variations.

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Romanian Deadlift. The RDL was performed by lowering a 20-kg Olympic bar as far as the hamstrings would allow while maintaining 158 knee flexion and a neutral spine. The RDL was selected as it is a regularly prescribed “core” lift in rugby union conditioning programs within the academy. It is regarded as essential for developing movement proficiency in the Olympic weightlifting movements and lower back and hamstring strength (6,20). Double-Leg to Single-Leg Landing. Subjects jumped forward from a double leg stance to a single leg stance, holding for 5 seconds once the landing was stuck. In professional rugby union, knee injuries account for a high proportion of all injuries documented, possibly because the large volume of single limb loading during landing and cutting maneuvers (14). For this reason, single leg landing competencies were used to analyze the position of the lower limb on landing, because valgus movement of the knee has been highlighted as a predictor of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (19,30). Again selection for this exercise was justified because it is regularly included in game, plyometric, and speed conditioning. Single Leg Squat. Single leg squats were performed with arms extended out in front. Subjects went to the lowest achievable depth, while keeping the heels on the floor and neutral spine. They then return to start position before repeating on the opposite leg. The SL squat pattern was used to assess frontal plane knee motion as a relationship between hip muscle dysfunction, and poor squat performance has been identified (13). Sprinting and Jumping. Posture when jumping and sprinting is important from both an injury and performance perspective (18,31). Thus sprinting and jumping was included to identify any instability, which may compromise an optimal alignment of the spine and limbs. A standardized demonstration of each movement pattern was given by a research assistant with a background in strength and conditioning. Subjects were also provided with the same standardized instructions of how to correctly complete each movement pattern. Each subject was allowed to familiarize themselves with the movement patterns by completing 3 repetitions of each. They were then instructed to complete 2 repetitions of each movement pattern. Verbal correction was given to each subject in between the 2 repetitions. For the unilateral movements (SL squat and DL-SL leg landing), subjects performed the movement on their left extremity before their right. All CSMT tasks were filmed using 2 video cameras (SONY legria hv40, Brooklands, Surrey, United Kingdom). One camera captured the movement in the frontal plane and the other in the sagittal plane (sagittal plane was filmed on the right side of the body). All footage was transferred to a Mac Book Pro and stored electronically for analysis. All VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 6 | JUNE 2014 |

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Movement and Physical Fitness in Rugby Players movement analysis was performed by the 1 skilled operator. Cook’s FMS 4-point scale was adopted to assess and scores ranged from 0 to 3. (10). A score of 3 was awarded if the subject executed the movement correctly. A score of 2 was awarded if the subject was able to correctly complete the movement, but with the presence of compensatory movements (Table 1 for detailed description of criteria). Finally, a score of 1 was given if they were unable to complete the movement correctly. Competency for each CSMT was interpreted as a score of 2 or above. If there was any pain reported while performing these movements, a score of 0 was recorded. A 4-point scale was applied to CMJ and sprint performance to assess participants’ capacities to execute

movement patterns. Only for sprints, was the frontal footage used for assessment, given the high-speed nature of the movement in relation to sampling frequency (50 Hz). Analysis of the sprinting movement was taken between 20 and 40 m, which was toward the end of the acceleration phase (28). Physical Fitness Tests

A 5-minute standardized warm-up was used before testing commenced. Subjects performed 3 CMJ with hands placed on hips. Jump height data were collected using a Just Jump mat (Probotics, Inc., Huntsville, AL, USA). Countermovement jump with hands on hips have been shown to be more reliable and preferable in the assessment of explosive leg strength (34).

TABLE 1. Description of scoring criteria for each of the 6 functional movement test.* Score 3

OH squat Hip/knee/ankle aligned Upright trunk† Heels flat

2

1

Head in front of bar Depth $908 Bar controlled/ elbows locked out Hip/knee/ankle aligned Heels flat

RDL Neutral spine

SL sqaut

DL-SL landing

Sprint

CMJ

Hip/knee/ankle Hip/knee/ankle Hip/knee/ankle Hip/knee/ankle aligned aligned aligned aligned Pelvis horizontal Pelvis horizontal Pelvis horizontal Upright trunk

Knee flexion maintained (;15) Synchronicity of Upright trunk† movement Heels flat Depth $908 Balanced Neutral spine

Hip/knee/ankle aligned Knee flexion not Heels flat maintained Trunk not upright Movement not Balanced synchronized Depth ,908 Pelvis is not horizontal Bar in front of Trunk not upright head Depth ,908 Bar not controlled/ elbows not locked out Hip/knee/ankle Neutral spine is Hip/knee/ankle not aligned not maintained not aligned Heels not flat Heels not flat More than 1 compensatory movement More than 2 Loss of balance compensatory movements More than 2 compensatory movements

Upright trunk

Limb symmetry

Full triple extension

Heels flat

No arm rotation Countermovement

Landing Stuck

Hip/knee/ankle aligned Landing stuck

Hip/knee/ankle Hip/knee/ankle aligned aligned Pelvis not Countermovement horizontal Limb asymmetry Trunk not upright

Pelvis not horizontal Trunk not upright Arm rotation across body Heels not flat

Lack of triple extension

Hip/knee/ankle not aligned Landing not stuck

Hip/knee/ankle Hip/knee/ankle not not aligned aligned No More than 1 countermovement compensatory movement More than 1 More than 2 compensatory compensatory movement movements

*OH = overhead; RDL = romanian deadlift; SL = single leg; DL-SL = double leg-single leg; CMJ = countermovement jump. †When the body’s center of mass (depth of squat) is achieved primarily by excessive hip and trunk flexion.

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TABLE 2. Intrarater and interrater reliability for each functional movement test task (n = 30).* Intrarater relaibility Test

Agreement (%)

OH squat RDL SL squat (L) SL squat (R) DL-SL landing (L) DL-SL landing (R) Sprint CMJ

90 93 93 100 77 77 87 93

Kappa Bowker 0.70 0.88 0.61 1.00 0.63 0.79 0.76 0.89

0.80 0.57 0.56 1.00 0.26 0.07 0.26 0.57

Interrater reliability Level of agreement

Agreement (%)

Substantial Excellent Substantial Excellent Substantial Substantial Substantial Excellent

100 97 90 90 87 87 97 83

Kappa Bowker 1.00 0.94 0.79 0.62 0.79 0.78 0.93 0.70

1.00 0.80 0.16 0.08 0.72 1.00 0.80 0.17

Level of agreement Excellent Excellent Substantial Substantial Substantial Substantial Excellent Substantial

*OH = overhead; RDL = romanian deadlift; SL = single leg; R = right; L = left; DL-SL = double leg-single leg; CMJ = countermovement jump.

Approximately 2 minutes rest was provided between each jump. Jump heights were recorded and the best attempt was used for analysis. Sprint performance was measured using Fusion sport, Smartspeed (Queensland, Australia) timing gates over 40 m with split times recorded at 10, 20, and 40 m. Three sprint attempts were permitted with approximately 2 minutes rest allocated between each maximal sprint. The best sprint was recorded for analysis. Endurance capacity was assessed using the Yo-Yo IR1. This test has been shown to be reliable in the assessment of an individual’s aerobic capacity to perform intermittent high-intensity exercise (3). Statistical Analyses

The statistical software package used for all analyses was JMP Statistical Discovery version 10.02 (SAS Institute, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom). For reliability of the CSMT, a sample of 30 completed trials was randomly selected using a random number generator in the statistical software. Using this sample retest reliability and interrater reliability were determined and reported using percentage agreement, Kappa, and Bowker statistics. The skilled operator assessed all movement capacity assessments for the 30 subjects, then retested after a minimum of 2 weeks. Interrater reliability was obtained by a comparison of a second operator who was experienced and a certified strength and conditioning specialist who independently reviewed the footage. The qualitative level of agreement was based on the Kappa statistics as previously described (1). Descriptive statistics were reported for all performance and anthropometric tests. Frequency distribution was reported for all movement competency tests. Wards two-way cluster hierarchical analysis was performed to classify groups based on the CSMT task scores. The scree plot was then used to identify the number of clusters (i.e., the point at which the scree plot plateaus). Contingency analysis using the likelihood ratio

test and x2 statistics was used to confirm the number of clusters and identify features of the CSMT that distinguished between the groups. Once groups were classified, differences between groups for the performance test were then tested using analysis of variance with Tukey HSD post hoc analysis. Effect size (ES) was also calculated from the pairwise comparison analysis using the mean group difference obtained from Tukey’s HSD and divided by the pooled SD of the 2 groups compared.

RESULTS Retest and intertester reliability for all CSMTs are reported in Table 2. All CSMTs displayed a level of agreement that was substantial or above. Physical characteristics and performance data for the sample are reported in Table 3. Figure 1 shows the rating distributions for each CSMT. The SL squat produced the lowest competency scores with over 80% attained a score of 1 on both the right and left leg with only 1% rated at 3. Subjects also performed poorly in the OH squat with only 28% executing the movement correctly and attaining a score of 2 or above. For the RDL, 55% of subjects scored 2 or above, the same proportion of subjects rated 2 or above were found for the CMJ (55%) and sprint (47%) tasks. The highest competency scores of the CSMTs were observed for the DL-SL leg landing (left = 65%, right = 70%). Group Classification

From a sample of the subjects with complete CSMT data sets (n = 82). Three groups were identified from the Cluster analysis (Table 4). The CSMTs that discriminated between groups were OH squat (p = 0.0001), SL squat (left p , 0.0001; right p , 0.0001), RDL (p , 0.0001), and CMJ (p = 0.0340). One group performed generally competent across all CSMTs that discriminated between groups and best on both the OH squat and SL squat tasks. This group was termed as the squat competent (SC) group. The second VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 6 | JUNE 2014 |

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TABLE 3. Descriptive statistics for physical fitness test scores for the under 16 youth rugby players. n Stature (cm) Mass (kg) Vertical Jump (cm) 40-m sprint–10 m 20 m 40 m Yo-Yo IR1 (m)

156 156 97 154

Mean 6 SD

Minimum

Maximum

6 6 6 6 6 6 6

155.0 42.0 27.1 1.55 2.75 5.06 320

194.0 119.0 70.8 2.96 3.99 7.02 2120

176.3 74.4 44.3 1.86 3.22 5.85 1150

150

group similarly performed competently across all CSMTs apart from the SL squat tasks. This group was therefore termed the squat low competent (SLC) group. The final group was classified as the general low competency (GLC) group because the subjects in this group returned the poorest scores across all CSMTs. Group Differences in Physical Fitness

Table 4 also shows the physical fitness, stature, and mass descriptive statistics by group. No differences between stature (p = 0.9154) and mass (p = 0.3077) were found between groups. Group performances on all physical fitness tests were different (CMJ, p = 0.0283; 10 m, p = 0.0145; 20 m, p = 0.0016; 40 m, p = 0.0010, and Yo-Yo IR1, p = 0.0017). For CMJ, the SC group jumped 9.1 cm higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 17.1 cm; p = 0.0218) than the GLC group. Other comparisons were nonsignificant SC vs. SLC

6.9 14.4 7.8 0.14 0.20 0.40 403

(5.7 cm; 95% CI, 22.6 to 14.1; p = 0.2232) and SLC vs. GLC (3.4 cm; 95% CI, 23.3 to 10.1 cm; p = 0.4417). For all sprints, the SC group was faster than the GLC group over 10 m (0.10 seconds; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.18 seconds; p = 0.0126), 20 m (0.21 seconds; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.35 seconds; p = 0.0021), and 40 m (0.40 seconds; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.67 seconds; p = 0.0018). Only at 40 m, was the GLC group different compared with the SLC group. The SLC group was 0.20 seconds faster (95% CI, 0.00 to 0.40 seconds; p = 0.0454) than the GLC group. No other significant differences between groups were identified at any of the distances. Finally, SLC and the SC group covered further distance on the Yo-Yo IR1 test than the GLC group. The SC group ran 389 m further (95% CI, 78 to 701 m; p = 0.0105) than the GLC group, whereas the SLC group ran 287 m further (95% CI, 53 to 521 m; p = 0.0124). Squat competent vs. SLC were no different (95% CI, 2235 to 440 m; p = 0.7490). Effect sizes and the corresponding 95% CIs are

Figure 1. Distribution frequencies of scores for each of the 6 functional movement test task. DL-SL lading = double leg-single leg landing.

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TABLE 4. Percentage of subject that were rated 2 or above on each conditioning-specific movement task and physical fitness results.*

CSMT (% of group who scored 2 or above) OH Squat† SL Squat (L)† SL Squat (R)† RDL† CMJ† DL-SL landing (L) DL-SL landing (R) Sprint Physical fitness (mean 6 SD) Stature (cm) Mass (kg) Jump height (cm)† Sprint time (s) 10 m† 20 m† 40 m† Yo-Yo IR1 (m)†

SLC group (n = 25)

SC group (n = 11)

GLC group (n = 46)

48 0 0 88 76 76 64 72

64 82 100 73 46 73 82 27

7 13 0 24 39 57 65 44

175.3 6 5.8 73.8 6 11.2 46.8 6 6.0

176.0 6 5.8 66.7 6 7.7 52.5 6 4.9

176.0 6 6.9 72.0 6 14.3 43.4 6 9.5

1.83 3.16 5.71 1367

6 6 6 6

0.08 0.15 0.28 398

1.77 3.05 5.51 1469

6 6 6 6

0.08 0.13 0.24 304

1.86 3.26 5.91 1080

6 6 6 6

0.11 0.20 0.37 399

*SLC = squat low competent; SC = squat competent; GLC = general low competent; CSMT = conditioning-specific movement task, OH = overhead; SL = single leg; RDL = romanian deadlift; L = left; R = right; CMJ = countermovement jump; DL-SL = double leg-single leg. †Significantly different between groups (p # 0.05).

presented for all paired comparisons in Figure 2. It can be seen that the magnitude of the differences were most notable between the SC against GLC group (all .1.0). Based on the

ES, SC performed better than SLC and SLC performed better than GLC, although differences between SLC and GLC were mostly marginal based on the lower limits of the 95% CIs.

DISCUSSION

Figure 2. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals for physical fitness test multiple comparisons between squat competent (SC), squat low competent (SLC), and general low competent (GLC) group. Yo-Yo IR1 = Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1.

Basic conditioning movement tasks of talented under 16-yearold rugby union players were assessed using a specifically designed battery (CSMT). The CSMT adopted a protocol similar to that previously used in athletic populations (12), but incorporated movement tasks specific to those in rugby union conditioning (i.e., sprinting, jumping, landing, and lifting), but not rugby skills such as tackling, passing, and kicking that are assessed by other coaching staff. In addition, selection of the tasks performed and the criteria they were scored was aligned with the training to train phase of the LTAD model presented by Balyi and Hamilton (4). It was anticipated that the Rugby VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 6 | JUNE 2014 |

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Movement and Physical Fitness in Rugby Players players assessed at this stage of development would perform tasks competently giving their exposure to these movements through playing and training. Consolidation of such skills would result in the athlete being prepared to enter the next stage of physical development, where strength, power, and speed become a predominant focus (4). However, from the sample of players assessed, it was found that only 3 participants achieved a score of $2 across all 6 CSMTs. The proportion of competent players (scores of 2 or 3) for each CSMT ranged from 14 to 70% of the cohort suggesting in many cases the players may not be sufficiently prepared to train to compete. This may be a result of a lack of exposure to learning opportunity and guidance, and insufficient practice. Such findings have possible consequences for a player’s future athletic development. The consequence of such actions include inefficient and ineffective training, delayed progress, and possible greater risk of injury occurrence (18). Based on our findings, the CSMT may be a worthwhile and suitable screening tool for rugby union players to assess preparedness to train for competition. Therefore, screening youth players at this early age provides an opportunity in which to correct any faulty movement patterns that are identified in CSMTs before an increase in training load, volume, and intensity. The professionalization of rugby union has resulted in increased tackle and ruck count during matches (33). Both tackles and rucks are high-energy collisions between players of which now require players to be physically stronger to cope with the high-contact loads being exerted on the body. The development of strength and power is a longitudinal process achieved through the implementation of a tailored conditioning program. The ability to competently perform OH squat and RDL exercises, both prominent in strength training programs in Rugby Union may be seen as advantageous to a player’s athletic development and performance. Yet, OH squat was performed poorly with just 28% of the sample attaining a score of $2 suggesting that for most, the correct execution of the OH squat needs to be addressed. This task is the only one also featured in Cook’s FMS because of its perceived value in assessing the functional mobility of multiple joints (10). The inability to execute the OH squat competently can be attributed to the limited mobility of the lower limb joints including the hip, knee, and ankle (8) or a lack of exposure to the exercise. Many movements performed during rugby training and play rely on force being produced through the triple extension of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, similar to those in OH squat and other CSMTs (22). Restricted mobility of any of these 3 joints may limit triple extension and result in reduced force capacity leading to impaired performance. No comparisons of the current study’s OH squat performance could be made with previous literature, because average FMS scores based on 7 tasks are reported (25). The RDL is prescribed to develop hamstring strength and has been shown to aid in the injury prevention (7) through lengthened state eccentric

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loading (36). From our findings, 45% of the players would not gain the benefits because they could not competently perform the exercise. Furthermore, the RDL is also taught as a precursor to a more complex lift (15), ensuring an athlete establishes the correct position required to execute a power clean. The more complex lift such as power cleans are largely incorporated into the strength and conditioning programs of all academy players, thus the ability to perform a RDL correctly before entering the academy is important to facilitate athletic progression (22). The best-performed CSMT was the DL-SL landing, and this task did not discriminate between groups. Yet, the proportion of subjects who were deemed to be competent was still relatively low (left leg = 65% and right leg = 70%). Rugby union comprises of large volumes of single limb loading during both landing and cutting maneuvers of which are used to cut lines and evade opponents. When executed poorly, these movements have been associated with high incidence of lower limb injuries (14). Single leg landing competency has been used to investigate valgus knee motion regarding ACL tear (37) with hip muscle strength and stability once again highlighted as a predisposing factor to injury (40). The SL squat produced the poorest results. Such poor performance may indicate limited hip muscle function of which has been shown to be detrimental to athletic performance and increased susceptibility to lower limb musculoskeletal injury (13,23). This may be an area for future interventions with the implementation of specific exercises to combat poor hip muscle strength, which results in a lack of lower limb stability. Sprinting over 40 m and CMJ were 2 performance tests included in the study. Both tests were also assessed qualitatively as a CSMT, and both returned poor results. This is of concern as these are fundamental movements, which according to the LTAD framework, should have been mastered before the age of 15 years. The ability to catch, pass, and run at speed is fundamental to rugby union at an elite level (16). Therefore, it is of concern that 53% of subjects scored poorly in the sprint CSMT. However, the sprint CSMT was only captured in the frontal plane, failing to capture sagittal plane sprint kinematics of which have also been shown to effect performance (24). The future addition of sagittal plane assessment to the sprinting CSMT may provide a more detailed analysis of underpinning sprint performance. The CMJ was also rated poorly with 45% of subjects scoring 1 or less. Within rugby union, jumping and landing are critical skills in lineouts and contesting high ball. To effectively jump vertical force should be maximal through triple extension of the hips and knees ankles (22). A lack of triple extension as found in the current study may therefore inhibit vertical jump performance. The second part of the study grouped subjects based on their CSMT scores. Three groups were identified and 1 group (GLC) returned the lowest scores across all CSMT

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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research tasks. When these groups were compared across all physical performance tests (vertical jump, 40 m sprint, and Yo-Yo IR1), the lowest scores were once again attained by the GLC group providing some empirical evidence to support the assumed link between movement assessment and physical performance in jumping, sprinting, and running to exhaustion (endurance). Research into this link is extremely limited. At present, only one study investigating the link between movement assessment and physical performance reported contrasting findings (32). That study’s findings are likely because a much smaller sample from a population of elite golfers, a sport that does not require such physical attributes as sprint speed, vertical jump height, and aerobic endurance. However, a well-known link that has been frequently reported is the relationship between the implementation of the squat exercise (one of the 6 CSMTs) in improving athletic performance at a youth level, specifically jump height and sprint time (9). For youth athletes to smoothly transition into the training to compete stage, it is important that movement deficiencies are highlighted before the application of a training program, which incorporates the gym-based conditioning required to attain the above physical performance results (4). It has been shown that for rugby union players to progress to the next level of competition, the development of strength and power through a progressive program is a major determinant (2). In particular, a player’s speed has been identified as a physical performance characteristics related to advantageous game behaviors such as breaking the line and evading opposing players and enhancing a players potential for success in rugby union (39). This can be supported by McGill et al. (29) who identified a relationship between preseason movement quality and fitness scores with in-season game performance measures. Although this is a novel link at present, it further supports the inclusion of CSMT in youth rugby union players to improve physical fitness attributed at a vital stage of their athletic development. Future research to establish a cause-effect relationship between CSMT results and physical performance tests through the application of an intervention to improve poor CSMT scores would be of great interest in this topic area. The study presents reference data for talented rugby union players ,16 years of age are presented. To our knowledge, this is first study to report physical fitness and functional performance data in this population. Therefore comparisons against youth athletes from alternative sports have to be made. The anthropometric and physical fitness results from the current study are within the same range to those reported by Gabbett et al (21) in subelite junior rugby league players. Elite junior rugby league players from that study produced superior results across all measures. However, they were 1 year senior to the subjects in the current study.

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is considering including a movement screen assessment to meet their specific requirements and philosophies. Coaches should consider including CSMT assessments of youth rugby players before entry into academies and as part of ongoing monitoring test battery to compliment the typical physical fitness and anthropological tests already performed. Although academy-based strength and conditioning coaches will assess their athletes regularly, once in the academy, obtaining movement assessments and video footage before entry informs them of current movement competency status and allows them to tailor training accordingly. Furthermore, maintaining records, so a movement assessment trail can be analyzed retrospectively, may have additional benefits to the athlete, coach, and other members of staff including medical staff. The database used to keep track of players could contain the video footage captured, assessment ratings, and physical fitness scores that can be securely stored and accessed by coaches at anytime during the time the player is with the region. In the short term, feedback on the player’s preparedness to train is obtained and the identification of dysfunctional movement patterns at this early stage allows sufficient time to address any issues identified before training objectives shifts towards competitive performance. Long term, staff members of the academy can review the progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the long-term development of each player or as a group collectively. Indicators of possible injury risk or characteristics that may impair development may also be identified from similar retrospective review of the data. Finally, based on the findings presented as part of the exploratory analysis, a link between movement competency ratings and physical performance, in particular, the sprinting over 40 m and endurance running may suggest that successful intervention after CSMT screening may aid physical performance and thus facilitate long-term development of the athlete.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

6. Birds, S and Barrington-Higgs, B. Exploring the deadlift. Strength Cond J 32: 46–51, 2010.

This study provides a starting point and reference data for those involved in working with talented youth players who

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