title: The effects of binge drinking behaviour on recovery and performance after a rugby match.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared the effects of "normal" post-game behaviour with recommended behaviour on physical performance in the days after a rugby union game. Additionally, the habitual drinking habits of rugby players were identified.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  After a rugby game, 26 players were split by team into a customary behaviour group (CB), who carried out their usual post-game behaviour, or recommended behaviour group (RB), whose diet and activity was controlled in the hours after the game. Counter movement jump, lower-body strength, repeated sprint ability, CK and hydration status were measured prior to and in the days after the game. Twenty-four hour behaviour recall questionnaires where completed throughout the trial period. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was also administered to participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to baseline values, large volumes of alcohol (p<0.01) and a loss in sleep (p<0.001) was reported by the CB group in the hours after the game. Measures of performance and hydration status were unchanged over time and no difference was evident between groups (all p<0.05). Total AUDIT scores for all participants were 17.7 ± 5. CK was elevated in the days following the game (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical performance was not affected by participation in a game of senior club rugby, irrespective of post-game behaviour and possible muscle damage. AUDIT scores indicate that club rugby players may be at risk of serious alcohol related harm, with post-game binge drinking likely to be a major contributor.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport & Exercise, Massey University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prentice
authors.affiliation: School of Sport & Exercise, Massey University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Stannard
authors.affiliation: School of Sport & Exercise, Massey University, New Zealand. Electronic address: M.barnes@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D063425:Binge Drinking / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000652:urine; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005080:Exercise Test; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012890:Sleep; D013046:Specific Gravity; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002792:Cholestyramine Resin; D003402:Creatine Kinase
keywords: Alcohol abuse; Dehydration; Muscle damage; Muscle strength; Sleep; Team sports