The Application Of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Microtechnology Sensors within Elite Rugby League

Abstract

The application of microtechnology devices (Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and integrated triaxial accelerometers) has become common practice in team sports due to the ability to provide objective information on the physiological requirements of match-play and training. The aims of this thesis were to review the literature examining the application of GPS technology in team sports; and utilise novel applications of GPS and integrated accelerometer technology in rugby league to quantify pre-season training loads, match collision forces and the energetic demands of match-play; as well as to examine positional group differences. GPS was used to measure training demands, video and accelerometer data were utilised to quantify collision forces, and energetic demands were estimated via a time-motion model from accelerometer data. The systematic review highlighted inconsistencies in movement demand classifications and the difficulties encountered in quantifying collisions/impacts. The four studies identified marked differences in positional specific demands throughout training and match-play. Pre-season training differences in various external load parameters were observed in drills where players trained within specific positions, whereas minimal differences were evident between positional groups within conditioning, generic skill and speed/agility drills. Outside backs as full-match players expended the most energy per match from increased running demands, but experienced the lowest collision demands, the majority of which arose from attacking play. Adjustables, also full-match players (apart from hookers who interchange), experienced elevated energy expenditure from increased anaerobic demands, however sustained reduced collision demands. As interchange players, hit-up and wide-running forwards expended the least energy (due to decreased running demands), but endured increased collision demands. Indeed, hit-up forwards performed five times more tackles per minute than outside backs and twice as many hit-ups per minute as adjustables. However, despite differences in total energy expenditure, the anaerobic work performed by the outside backs and wide-running forwards at high speed equates to a similar load on the metabolic system as the accelerated running patterns of adjustables and hit-up forwards. The differential positional demands identified indicate that position-specific conditioning drills are required to replicate the energetic and collision demands of match-play.