Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the existence of a relationship between training load and injury continues to be well supported in the literature and is strongest for subjective internal training load .
The directionality of this relationship appears to depend on the type and timeframe of load measured
Background The relationship between training load and musculoskeletal injury is a rapidly advancing area of research in need of an up date d systematic review .
Risk Factors for Injury in Subelite Rugby League Players
Background Although player fatigue and playing intensity have been suggested to contribute to injuries in rugby league players , no study has confirmed if the level of physical fitness is a risk factor for injury in rugby league players . The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for injury in subelite rugby league players . Hypothesis Low physical fitness levels are risk factors for injury in subelite rugby league players . Study Design Cohort study ; Level of evidence , 2 . Methods One hundred fifty-three players from a subelite rugby league club underwent preseason measurements of muscular power ( vertical jump ) , speed ( 10- and 40-m sprint ) , and maximal aerobic power ( multistage fitness test ) over 4 competitive seasons . All injuries sustained by players were prospect ively recorded over the 4 competitive seasons . Results The risk of injury was greater in players with low 10- and 40-m speed . Players with a low maximal aerobic power had a greater risk of sustaining a contact injury . In addition , players who completed less than 18 weeks of training before sustaining their initial injuries were at greater risk of sustaining a subsequent injury . Conclusions Subelite rugby league players with low speed and maximal aerobic power are at an increased risk of injury . In addition , players who complete less than 18 weeks of training before sustaining an initial injury are at greater risk of sustaining a subsequent injury . These findings highlight the importance of speed and endurance training to reduce the incidence of injury in subelite rugby league players
Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the existence of a relationship between training load and injury continues to be well supported in the literature and is strongest for subjective internal training load .
The directionality of this relationship appears to depend on the type and timeframe of load measured
Background The relationship between training load and musculoskeletal injury is a rapidly advancing area of research in need of an up date d systematic review .