Research by Lecturer Fujimoto and Colleagues Published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Left: Lecturer Akira Kumazaki. Right: Lecturer Tomomi Fujimoto.
A study co-led by Lecturer Akira Kumazaki of our Department of Health and Sports and Lecturer Tomomi Fujimoto of our laboratory, entitled “Longitudinal Development of Physical Characteristics and Function in Japanese Junior Rugby Union Players,” has been published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance!
The study followed 83 high school rugby players in Japan’s Hokushinetsu region over the three years from school entry to graduation. It measured anthropometric characteristics (height, body mass, fat mass, and fat-free mass), muscular strength (including bench press and isokinetic knee flexion and extension strength), and sprint performance (50-m sprint time and jumping). Compared with players in leading rugby nations, the Japanese junior players did not show growth in body size, lower-limb strength, or sprint performance. These longitudinal findings may inform junior training, talent identification, and the future development of rugby in Japan.
Publication
Title
Longitudinal Development of Physical Characteristics and Function in Japanese Junior Rugby Union Players
Longitudinal Development of Physical Characteristics and Function in Japanese Junior Rugby Union Players
Authors
Akira Kumazaki*, Tomomi Fujimoto*, Yuiko Matsuura. *Co-first authors
Journal
Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023 Jul 27:1-9.
doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0114