Abstract

In this study, we investigated changes in creatine kinase, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue of professional rugby league players after match-play. Twenty-three male rugby league players (10 backs, 13 forwards) had their creatine kinase, perceptual ratings of fatigue, attitude to training, muscle soreness, and flight time in a countermovement jump measured before and 1 and 2 days after (day 1 and day 2 respectively) league matches. Total playing time, offensive and defensive
contacts were also recorded for each player. Creatine kinase was higher both 1 and 2 days after than before matches (P50.05) in forwards and backs. Similarly, perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were higher than pre-match on both days
1 and 2 (P50.05), but did not differ between groups (P40.05). Jump performance was lower on day 1 but not day 2 for both groups (P50.05). While total playing time was longer in backs (P50.05), relative frequencies for all contacts were greater in forwards (P50.05). Contacts for forwards were correlated with all markers of fatigue (P50.05), but only flight time was correlated with offensive contacts in backs (P50.05). Despite the mechanisms of fatigue being different between forwards and backs, our results highlight the multidimensional nature of fatigue after a rugby league match and that these markers do not differ between positions. Verf.-Referat