Concurrent Training in Rugby Sevens: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercises
Résumé
Purpose:
To assess the impact of two high-intensity interval training (HIT) programs (short-interval vs. sprint-interval training) on muscular strength and aerobic performances within a concurrent training program in amateur rugby sevens players.
Methods:
Thirty six amateur rugby sevens players were randomly assigned to either strength and short interval training (INT), strength and sprint interval training (SIT) or a strength only training group (CON), during an 8-week period. Maximal strength and power tests, aerobic measurements (VO2peak and maximal aerobic velocity) and specific repeated sprint ability test (RSA) were conducted before and immediately after the overall training period.
Results:
From magnitude-based inference and effect size (ES±90% confidence limit) analyses, the present study revealed substantial gains in maximal strength and jump height performance in all groups. The difference in change of slow-concentric torque production was greater in CON than in SIT (0.65±0.72, moderate). VO2peak and consequently mean performance in the RSA test were improved in SIT group only (0.64±0.29, moderate; -0.54±0.35, moderate).
Conclusions:
Our study did not emphasize interference on strength development following INT but showed a slight impairment of slow-concentric torque production gains following SIT. As compared with INT, SIT would appear as more effective to develop VO2peak and RSA but could induce lower muscular strength gains especially at slow velocity.