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Determining female-specific high-intensity activity GPS thresholds in women's rugby union: Use of current use of male-derived absolute speed thresholds underestimates true levels

Bradley, Eddie, Roberts, Jennifer and Archer, David (2024) Determining female-specific high-intensity activity GPS thresholds in women's rugby union: Use of current use of male-derived absolute speed thresholds underestimates true levels. European Journal of Sport Science. p. 211. ISSN 1746-1391

Item Type: Article

Abstract

GPS speed thresholds in women's rugby union are usually based on data derived from the men's game. However, evidence suggests the maximum speeds achieved by female players are 2–8 km.h−1 slower and the volume of high-intensity running (HIR) in women's rugby may be underestimated. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of adjusting absolute thresholds on the volume of high-intensity locomotion. GPS units recorded movement data from 58 players across 18 English Premier15 s matches. Distance in HIR and sprint (Spr) zones were calculated using male-derived criteria: AbsMale (HIR >18 km.h−1; Spr ≥21 km.h−1). Two alternative thresholds were compared: AbsFVmax (HIR >16 km.h−1; Spr ≥19 km.h−1); AbsFemale (HIR >14 km.h−1; Spr ≥17 km.h−1). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and effect sizes to determine differences in distances between thresholds. AbsMale HIR and Spr distances were 63 ± 71 m and 30 ± 53 m. Significantly greater distances at higher-intensity speeds were observed with female-adjusted thresholds. AbsFVmax: HIR: 139 ± 116 m (p = 0.01, ES 0.80); Spr: 60 ± 90 m (p = 0.131, ES 0.41) and AbsFemale: HIR: 239 ± 157 m (p < 0.01, ES 1.45); Spr: 137 ± 152 m (p < 0.01, ES 0.94). 24 players (41%) achieved speeds greater than the 21 km·h−1 threshold with the male-derived thresholds. At AbsFVmax threshold this increased to 44 (76%) and 100% at the AbsFemale threshold. Existing male-derived thresholds appear to underestimate high-intensity locomotion of female players. With adjusted thresholds, specifically the AbsFemale, the proportional volume of high-intensity activity in the women's game (8.2% total distance) aligns more closely to that observed during men's match-play.

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More Information

Depositing User: Eddie Bradley

Identifiers

Item ID: 17758
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12149
ISSN: 1746-1391
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/17758
Official URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsc.1...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Eddie Bradley: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-3518-3305
ORCID for David Archer: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-6119-7538

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 24 Jun 2024 15:44
Last Modified: 24 Jun 2024 15:45

Contributors

Author: Eddie Bradley ORCID iD
Author: David Archer ORCID iD
Author: Jennifer Roberts

University Divisions

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing > School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Subjects

Sciences > Sport Sciences

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