title: The effects of tapering on power-force-velocity profiling and jump performance in professional rugby league players.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a preseason taper on individual power-force-velocity profiles and jump performance in professional National Rugby League players. Seven professional rugby league players performed concentric squat jumps using ascending loads of 25, 50, 75, 100% body mass before and after a 21-day step taper leading into the in-season. Linear force-velocity relationships were derived, and the following variables were obtained: maximum theoretical velocity (V0), maximum theoretical force (F0), and maximum power (Pmax). The players showed likely-to-very likely increases in F0 (effect size [ES] = 0.45) and Pmax (ES = 0.85) from pre to posttaper. Loaded squat jump height also showed likely-to-most likely increases at each load (ES = 0.83-1.04). The 21-day taper was effective at enhancing maximal power output and jump height performance in professional rugby players, possibly as a result of a recovery from fatigue and thus increased strength capability after a prolonged preseason training period. Rugby league strength and conditioning coaches should consider reducing training volume while maintaining intensity and aerobic conditioning (e.g., step taper) leading into the in-season.
authors.affiliation: 1Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; 2Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Savoie, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France; and 3Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Lacey
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brughelli
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McGuigan
authors.forename: Keir
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Samozino
authors.forename: Jean-Benoit
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Morin
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult