Internal and external loads in professional women's Rugby Sevens: analysis of a block-based training session with small games

• Main Authors: Filipe Oliveira Bicudo (Author), Lucas Savassi Figueiredo (Author), Lucieli Teresa Cambri (Author), Jacielle Carolina Ferreira (Author), Ana Paula da Silva Azevedo (Author), Gustavo Ferreira Pedrosa (Author), Samuel da Silva Aguiar (Author), Henrique de Oliveira Castro (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Termedia Publishing House, 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1899-1955; 10.5114/hm/191160
• Keywords: small-sided games; external load; internal load; female rugby sevens; performance monitoring; Sports; GV557-1198.995
• Source: Human Movement, Vol 25, Iss 3, Pp 54-61 (2024)

Purpose This study aimed to compare internal load (IL) and external load (EL) variables between blocks of a game-based Rugby Sevens training session. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Twenty-eight professional athletes from the first division of the Brazilian national championship were monitored during a game-based training session, which consisted of varying durations of ball-in-play blocks. The training session comprised 4 blocks of 1 min, 2 blocks of 2 min, and 1 block of 3 min of ball-in-play, with 1-min intervals between blocks of the same duration and 2-min intervals between blocks of different durations. Results A reduction in EL was reported during longer bouts of ball-in-play. Specifically, a reduction was observed when comparing block 5 to block 1 ( p = 0.021) and when comparing block 7 with blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 for distance per min. For accelerations and decelerations, blocks 5, 6, and 7 showed lower values than block 1 ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Block 4 showed an increase in rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values compared to blocks 1 ( p = 0.010) and 2 ( p = 0.004). Increased RPE values were also found in block 5 compared to block 1 ( p = 0.001), as well as compared to blocks 2 ( p = 0.001) and 3 ( p = 0.002). RPE in block 7 was higher than in blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4 ( p = 0.001). Conclusions In summary, higher RPE values were reported across blocks, and IL appeared to be more volume-dependent.