Characteristics of rugby football players viewed from strength and speed types in anaerobic power

Abstract

The level and type of anaerobic power for forward and back players of rugby football were investigated. Subjects were thirty-five college rugby football players and sixteen college male sprinters and throwers. Peak frequency of revolution and peak power during 7-s pedalling were measured at torques of 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0 kgm. The level of anaerobic power was determined by the maximum peak power and its relative value to body weight. The type of anaerobic power was determined by the coefficients of linear equation representing relationship between peak frequency of revolution and torque.Results were as follows; 1) Maximum anaerobic power of forward players was larger than that of back players, but the relative value to body weight was smaller. 2) Maximum anaerobic power and the relative value to body weight for forward or back players of varsity team were larger than those of the farm team. 3) Maximum anaerobic power and the relative value to body weight of foward players were smaller than those of the throwers. The maximum anaerobic power relative to body weight of back players was smaller than that of the sprinters, but no difference in maximum anaerobic power. 4) Foward players were characterized as strength type because they exerted higher level of anaerobic power in the larger torques. On the other hand, back players were characterized as speed type because they were superior in the smaller torques. 5) Rugby football players were characterized as speed type in comparison with the throwers, but as strength type compared with the sprinters.