Screening
Functional Movement Screening (Pearson et al., 2000)
The functional movement screening
(FMS) test is a reliable method that can analyse an athlete's ability as
well as identify weaknesses in technique. The FMS consists of 7 tests:
Deep Squat: requires
appropriate pelvic rhythm, closed-kinetic chain dorsiflexion of the ankles,
flexion of the knees and hips and extension of the thoracic spine, as well as
flexion and abduction of the shoulders.
Hurdle Step: assesses
bilateral functional mobility and stability of the hips, knees and ankles.
Performing the hurdle step test requires stance leg stability of the ankle,
knee and hip as well as maximal closed-kinetic chain extension of the hip
In-Line Lunge: requires
stance-leg stability of the ankle, knee and hip as well as apparent closed
kinetic chain hip abduction.
Shoulder Mobility: requires
shoulder mobility in a combination of motions including abduction/external
rotation, flexion/extension and adduction/internal rotation.
Active Straight Leg Raise: requires
functional hamstring flexibility.
Trunk Stability Push Up: assesses the
ability to stabilize the spine in an anterior and posterior plane during a
closed-chain upper body movement.
Rotary Stability: requires
asymmetric trunk stability in both sagittal and transverse planes during
asymmetric upper and lower extremity movement.
(Pearsonet al., 2000)
Anthropometric Measures and Body Mass
‘It is really important for a rugby player to have an ideal physical
appearances as well as optimum fitness level.’ (Chong et al., 2011). The
Anthropometry consists of measures of 4 skin-fold sights;
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Subscapular
- Supraspinale
(Gabbett et al., 2008)
Evaluation
Prior to the training program, the athlete will undertake a number of
1RM tests in order to determine which loads to use for the core strength
training exercises. These include;
- Bench press
- Back squat
- Dead lift
- Power clean
- Push press
A 10RM test will be used for the assistance exercises; this is used
instead of a 1RM test in order to reduce the strain on the smaller muscle
groups and the single joints (Baeche & Earle, 2008). These include;
- Bicep curl
- Shoulder press*
- Step up
- Seated calf raise
- Bent-over row
- Shoulder shrug
*Shoulder press is a core exercise, not assistance, but will use a 10RM
test as a danger precaution as the weights are lifted over the head.
Other Tests
20m and 40m sprints (Chong et al., 2011; Gabbett et al., 2008)
505 agility test (Gabbett,
2009; Meir et al., 2001)
Players that are lighter, leaner, with greater acceleration and
change-of-direction speed are better at tackling (Gabbett, 2009).
Ankle Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus (Waddington,
Adams & Jones, 1999)
The use of Ankle Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus
(AMEDA) can show the level of improvement in ankle stability after wobble board
training (Waddington, Adams & Jones, 1999).
Sit and Reach (Chong et al. 2011)
The level of flexibility can be measured using a sit and reach
test. This can be measured against normative data as well as seek
improvements in flexibility prior to stretching exercise (Hoffman, 2006).
Standing broad jump height (Chong et al., 2011; Gabbett et
al., 2008)
Lower body power is vital in rugby (Chong et al., 2011)
Bleep test (Chong et al., 2011; Gabbett et al., 2008)
VO2max can be estimated from a bleep test (Ramsbottom, Brewer &
Williams, 1988). A high estimated VO2max can be used as a common discriminator
between starters and non-starters in a rugby team (Gabbett et al., 2009).
Monitoring
The tests stated above will be repeated at different times throughout
the program to seek any changes (preferably improvements) in performance.
The dates of these can be seen on the periodisation program (Pearson et al.,
2000).
A training diary will also be allocated to the athlete, in which all
details from training sessions must be kept and the records can be used to
identify strengths and weaknesses (Askling, Karlsson & Thorstensson, 2003).
Report
Three months into the programme the athlete has shown an
increase in muscular hypertrophy, power and balance. An increase in body mass,
and a decrease in body fat from the skin-fold measurements, indicates greater
muscle mass. Standing broad jump height has increased indicating that the
core exercises have improved power. AMEDA results have improved which
shows that the athlete’s balance has improved from the stability exercises on
the wobble board. These exercises have
also decreased the athlete’s time in the 505 agility test. There has been a small improvement in the
athlete’s sit and reach scores which shows that the flexibility exercises of
the hamstring have improved his range of movement. Bleep test results have improved since the
season first started showing greater maximum oxygen intake. There have been no significant improvements in
sprint times. The athlete’s logbook has
shown no signs of discomfort in the ankle from any of the exercises as well as
no injuries in the neck or other areas.
