Journal article
Preseason Body Composition Adaptations in Elite Caucasian and Polynesian Rugby Union Athletes
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.29(1), pp.9-17
2019
PMID: 29757054
Abstract
During pre-season training, rugby union (RU) athletes endeavour to enhance physical performance characteristics that are aligned with on-field success. Specific physique traits are associated with performance, therefore body composition assessment is routinely undertaken in elite environments. This study aimed to quantify pre-season physique changes in elite RU athletes with unique morphology and divergent ethnicity. Twenty-two Caucasian and Polynesian professional RU athletes received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessments at the beginning and conclusion of an 11-week pre-season. Interactions between on-field playing position and ethnicity in body composition adaptations were explored, and the least significant change (LSC) model was used to evaluate variations at the individual level. There were no combined interaction effects with the variables position and ethnicity, and any body composition measure. After accounting for baseline body composition, Caucasians gained more lean mass during the pre-season than Polynesians (2425±1303 g vs 1115±1169 g; F=5.4, p=0.03). Significant main effects of time were found for whole body and all regional measures with fat mass decreasing (F=31.1-52.0, p<0.01), and lean mass increasing (F=12.0-40.4, p<0.01). Seventeen athletes (9 Caucasian, 8 Polynesian) had a reduction in fat mass, and 8 athletes (6 Caucasian, 2 Polynesian) increased lean mass. This study describes significant and meaningful physique changes in elite RU athletes during a pre-season period. Given the individualised approach applied to athletes in regards to nutrition and conditioning interventions, a similar approach to that used in this study is recommended to assess physique changes in this population.
Details
- Title
- Preseason Body Composition Adaptations in Elite Caucasian and Polynesian Rugby Union Athletes
- Authors
- Adam J Zemski (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringShelley E Keating (Author) - University of QueenslandElizabeth M Broad (Author) - US Paralympics, United StatesDamian J March (Author) - Fiji Rugby Union, FijiKaren Hind (Author) - Leeds Beckett University, United KingdomGary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.29(1), pp.9-17
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0059
- ISSN
- 1526-484X
- PMID
- 29757054
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2019 The Author. This manuscript is as accepted for publication in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Excerise Metabolism, Vol 29, No. 1. The definitive version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0059
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450444202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Sport Sciences