title: Influence of physical qualities on post-match fatigue in rugby league players.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the influence of physical qualities on markers of fatigue and muscle damage following rugby league match-play.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between subjects design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one male youth rugby league players (age 19.2 ± 0.7 years; height 180.7 ± 5.6 cm; body mass 89.9 ± 10.0 kg) participated in the study. Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1), 3 repetition maximum back squat and bench press were assessed prior to 2 competitive fixtures. Neuromuscular fatigue (countermovement jump [CMJ] and plyometric push-up [PP]), and blood creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before and after match-play. During match-play, movements were recorded using microtechnology. Players were divided into high- and low-groups based on physical qualities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High Yo-Yo and squat performance resulted in greater loads during match-play (p<0.05). There were larger reductions in CMJ power in the low Yo-Yo group at both 24 (ES=-1.83), and 48 h post-match (ES=-1.33). Despite greater internal and external match loads, changes in CMJ power were similar between squat groups. There were larger increases in blood CK in the low Yo-Yo group at 24 (73% vs. 176%; ES=1.50) and 48 h post-match (28% vs. 80%; ES=1.22). Despite greater contact loads, the high squat group exhibited smaller changes in blood CK post-match (ES=0.25-0.39).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Post-match fatigue is lower in players with well-developed high-intensity running ability, and lower body strength, despite these players having greater internal and external match loads.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia. Electronic address: richard.johnston@acu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rich D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia; School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Tim J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gabbett
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
authors.forename: Billy T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Hulin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D053580:Muscle Strength; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003402:Creatine Kinase
keywords: CK; Muscle damage; Muscular strength; Neuromuscular fatigue; Team sports; Yo-Yo