TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - The effects of binge drinking behaviour on recovery and performance after a rugby match
JO  - Journal of science and medicine in sport
A1  - Prentice, Christopher
A1  - Stannard, Stephen R.
A1  - Barnes, Matthew J.
SP  - 244
EP  - 248
VL  - 17
IS  - 2
N2  - OBJECTIVES: This study compared the effects of "normal" post-game behaviour with recommended behaviour on physical performance in the days after a rugby union game. Additionally, the habitual drinking habits of rugby players were identified. <br><br>DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. <br><br>METHODS: After a rugby game, 26 players were split by team into a customary behaviour group (CB), who carried out their usual post-game behaviour, or recommended behaviour group (RB), whose diet and activity was controlled in the hours after the game. Counter movement jump, lower-body strength, repeated sprint ability, CK and hydration status were measured prior to and in the days after the game. Twenty-four hour behaviour recall questionnaires where completed throughout the trial period. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was also administered to participants. <br><br>RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, large volumes of alcohol (p<0.01) and a loss in sleep (p<0.001) was reported by the CB group in the hours after the game. Measures of performance and hydration status were unchanged over time and no difference was evident between groups (all p<0.05). Total AUDIT scores for all participants were 17.7 ± 5. CK was elevated in the days following the game (p<0.001). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Physical performance was not affected by participation in a game of senior club rugby, irrespective of post-game behaviour and possible muscle damage. AUDIT scores indicate that club rugby players may be at risk of serious alcohol related harm, with post-game binge drinking likely to be a major contributor.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1440-2440
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.04.011
ID  - ref1
ER  -