Factors influencing recovery of neuromuscular function post Australian Rules football matches

Abstract

Thesis Purpose: To examine the influence and interaction of individual physical fitness qualities upon neuromuscular function (NF) in both isometric and dynamic conditions following elite Australian Rules Football (ARF) matches. Thesis Rationale: Australian Rules Football (ARF) is a contact invasion sport played by two teams of 22 players in which players can cover distances of 10-18km with frequent high-intensity efforts. A potential of 26 games over 28 weeks can be played in a season with a range of six to eight days between games. High speed running and acceleration efforts have been suggested to be important variables for success in ARF and other team-based sports such as Football and Rugby League. Due to the subsequent fatigue response associated with these variables and the potential of a fatigued state to negatively influence performance, monitoring of an athlete’s recovery post competition is considered of importance. Research monitoring the acute time course recovery of neuromuscular, metabolic, endocrine and perceptual measures of fatigue following elite competition have shown disturbances developing within hours post-game, and lasting multiple days before returning to baseline levels. In particular, neuromuscular function (NF) has been shown to be an important component of recovery, as reductions have been related to an increased injury risk and reduction in both physical and skill related performance across a variety of football codes.