Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine heart rate, blood lactate concentration and estimated energy expenditure during a competitive rugby league match. Seventeen well-trained rugby league players (age, 23.9+/-4.1 years; VO2max, 57.9+/-3.6 ml*kg/min; height, 1.82+/-0.06 m; body mass, 90.2+/-9.6 kg; mean+/-s) participated in the study. Heart rate was recorded continuously throughout the match using Polar Vantage NV recordable heart rate monitors. Blood lactate samples (n=102) were taken before the match, after the warm-up, at random stoppages in play, at half time and immediately after the match. Estimated energy expenditure during the match was calculated from the heart rate-VO2 relationship determined in laboratory tests. The mean team heart rate (n=15) was not significantly different between halves (167+/-9 vs 165+/-11 beats/min). Mean match intensity was 81.1+/-5.8% VO2max. Mean match blood lactate concentration was 7.2+/-2.5 mmol/l, with concentrations for the first half (8.4+/-1.8 mmol/l) being significantly higher than those for the second half (5.9+/-2.5 mmol/l) (P<0.05). Energy expenditure was approximately 7.9 MJ. These results demonstrate that semi-professional rugby league is a highly aerobic game with a considerable anaerobic component requiring high lactate tolerance. Training programmes should reflect these demands placed on players during competitive match-play. Verf.-Referat