Quantifying neuromuscular performance of elite rugby union players: Measurement characteristics and moderating factors

This thesis investigates the neuromuscular status of elite rugby union players through longitudinal countermovement jump (CMJ) monitoring. A systematic and agnostic framework for selecting CMJ metrics is proposed, integrating reliability, sensitivity, and covariance considerations. Over four studies, reliability, sensitivity, and covariance were assessed to elucidate how CMJ variables capture changes in neuromuscular function. Study 1 established the inter-day reliability of multiple CMJ metrics, comparing best-versus-average data treatment protocols. Study 2 examined CMJ responses to weekly training stimuli, revealing comparable sensitivity for single and multiple jump data. Study 3 employed principal component analysis to reduce data complexity, identifying highly correlated metric groups across phases of the jump. Study 4 explored the influence of recent training loads on neuromuscular status, highlighting distinct temporal fatigue responses to running volume, session rate of perceived exertion, and resistance training. Collectively, these findings underscore CMJ testing as a robust, efficient method for monitoring neuromuscular status in professional rugby.

Author dc:creator

• Howarth, David John William

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
• The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
• © 2025 David John William Howarth
• au.edu.uts.lib/cph

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187592

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.lib.uts.edu.au:10453/187592