Evaluation of physical and physiological parameters of the elite underwater rugby players

Abstract

Underwater rugby (UWR) is a developing sport which is organised under umbrella of Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. Although this sports has over than 50 years history, very few studies have so far been published in the sports literature.  This research reveals physical and physiological profiles of UWR players in Turkey. Eleven male athletes participated to this study. Their body weight, height, body fat proportion, skinfold thicknesses, length and girth measurements, strength, flexibility, respiratory functions, anaerobic capacities, aerobic capacities were measured. In pool tests, 50 m crawl style, 50 m apnea, 8x25m apnea and 400 m crawl style with UWR equipments were done. Body mass index, body fat proportion, skinfold thickness of the underwater rugby players were higher compared to swimming and water polo literature. A positive correlation was found both between the 50 m apnea times and body fat proportions of the players and also among the 400 m crawl style with ABC equipments and body fat proportions and body weights of the players. A significant positive correlation was detected among skinfold thickness and the 50 m crawl style times with UWR equipments, 50 m apnea times, 8x25 m apnea times and 400 m crawl style times. Pulmonary volumes and capacities of the athletes were found higher than those of the water polo players and swimmers. This increase in the work of breathing muscles might be caused by hyperventilation of the underwater players before and after breathholding and blowing out the water in the snorkel after diving. In conclusion, more comparative data from UWR players is strongly warranted to define the physical and physiological features of UWR players.