Impact of a pre-competition aerobic and anaerobic training on the maximal aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, dynamic balance, and visual-motor coordination of rugby and soccer players

Abstract

Pre-competition training emphasizes the development of total physical fitness components and maintains aerobic and anaerobic capacity with improved techno-tactical skills. The primary objective of this investigation was to establish the efficacy of a pre-competition training program. There were a total of 24 (12 rugby and 12 Soccer) elite players randomly selected from the Ba and Lautoka regions (Fiji). The players had a mean age of 21.45±2.34 years, body mass of 84.62±6.62 kg, stature 183.35±3.24, and body mass index of 22.62±4.31 kg/m2. This study was conducted nine weeks before the main competition. The study involved a pre-and post-test design, wherein all participants underwent two rounds of testing. The pretest was conducted before the commencement of an eight-week pre-competition training program, while the post-test was administered after the program was completed. This pre-competition training program was scheduled five times per week for 45 minutes per day. The participant's performance was measured using the Beep test, Wingate anaerobic test, star excursion balance test, and visual motor coordination test. After eight weeks of the pre-competition training program, significant improvement has occurred for maximal aerobic capacity (t=-14.79, p=<0.001), anaerobic power (t=-12.22, p=<0.001), dynamic balance (t=-7.41, p=<0.001), and visual motor coordination (t=8.38, p=<0.001) in all the players. The study confirmed that the eight weeks of pre-competition training programs containing aerobic and anaerobic workouts enhanced the performance of the Beep test, Wingate anaerobic test, star excursion, and visual motor coordination test.