An Explorative Investigation of the Warm-up Practices of Professional and Amateur Rugby League Players

Warm-up Practices of Rugby League Players

Keywords: Warm-up, Static Stretching, Questionnaire, Perceptions, Rugby League

Abstract

This study aimed to assess warm-up practices within professional and amateur Rugby League players, specifically to determine players’ perceptions why particular methods were used and discover whether any differences existed in warm-up practices and perceptions between the two separate standards. The study used a 10 question online questionnaire to investigate 30 professional and 53 amateur players warm-up protocols and their perceptions behind their practices. To provide a richer understanding regarding the practices and perceptions surrounding warm-up protocols, the questionnaire was followed by two focus groups (professionals and amateurs), which included four participants in each. Following analysis of the questionnaire responses, it was discovered that professional players warm-up protocols were significantly longer in duration than amateur players (P = 0.009). However, for all other variables assessed including; specific warm-up protocols, static stretch duration, and perceptions and beliefs concerning warm-up protocols, there were no significant differences between professionals and amateurs. Overall findings demonstrated the widespread use of static stretching within warm-up for both professionals and amateurs; 71 of 83 players (86%) reported usage. It was also highlighted that injury prevention was the most commonly perceived benefit from performing a warm-up across both standards [(Professional; 15 of 30, 50%) (Amateur; 27 of 53, 51%)]. Findings from the focus group generally supported questionnaire responses, and it was identified that the warm-up practices and protocols of Rugby League players were influenced by others such as coaches and strength and conditioning coaches which emphasises the importance of the role such practitioners.

Author Biographies

Ryan Morrow, University of Lincoln

Ryan A. Morrow was a MSc by research student within the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln.

Daniel Bishop, University of Lincoln

Dr Daniel Bishop is an Associate Professor and School Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln.

Thomas Gee, University of Lincoln

Dr Thomas Gee is a Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning and Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport in the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln.

Published
2020-05-13
How to Cite
Morrow, R. A., Bishop, D. C., & Gee, T. I. (2020). An Explorative Investigation of the Warm-up Practices of Professional and Amateur Rugby League Players . International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.47206/iuscaj.v1i1.7
Section
Articles