The 8-week additional sensomotoric warm-up drills improves motor performance and postural stability in high-performance female Rugby-7 players

Authors

  • Karol Jaskulski Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
  • Patrycja Bobowik Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
  • Bartosz Wysoczański Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
  • Michal Starczewski Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland

Keywords:

rugby, knee, injury prevention, balance

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized training program to improve lower
limb muscle strength and balance in professional female rugby 7 players. Given the strong association between postural
stability, muscle strength and injury risk among athletes, and given the high incidence of injuries in rugby, preventive
measures are warranted.
Methods: The study group consisted of 15 rugby 7s players (aged: 25.53 ± 4.58 years) who trained at least 3 times per week
and had a minimum of 2 years of training experience. They underwent an 8-week training program (2 times per week) based
on the Fifa-11 and Activate protocols. Anthropometric measurements, postural stability assessment using a stabilographic
platform, and maximal muscle torque were measured in the participants.
Results: After completing the program, the players achieved significantly better values in static stabilographic indicators
with closed eyes: overall stability index (OSI) (P< .05), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) (P< .01), and medial-lateral
stability index (MLSI) (P< .01). Additionally, dynamic indices at various levels of platform instability showed improvement:
fall risk index (FRI12-6) (P< .01) and FRI6-2 (P< .001). An increase in the strength of the thigh extensors (right- R: P= .001;
left- L: P< .01) and flexors (R: P< .05; L: P< .05) was also observed.
Conclusions: The standard training for rugby players should be supplemented with exercises from the proposed intervention
to improve muscle strength and postural stability and thereby enhance proprioception.

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Published

31-12-2024

How to Cite

Jaskulski, K., Bobowik, P., Wysoczański, B., & Starczewski, M. (2024). The 8-week additional sensomotoric warm-up drills improves motor performance and postural stability in high-performance female Rugby-7 players. Acta Kinesiologica, 18(4), 72–78. Retrieved from https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/377

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Article