Post-match recovery methods used by U19 and U21 provincial rugby union players in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the most preferred post-match recovery methods utilized by U19 and U21 provincial rugby union players (n=97; Mean age: ± 20.2 years) in Gauteng Province of South Africa. Questionnaire-based data were collected from a purposive sample size of 97 rugby players. The findings indicated that most of the rugby players (99%) used some mode of recovery intervention and confirmed the importance of such intervention (91%). Results also indicated the order of prevalence of post-match recovery methods used by the players as follows: nutrition (68%), 8 hours of sleep (54%), hydrotherapy (52%), active recovery (52%), music (44%), static stretching (40%), compression garments (38%), passive rest (32%), imagery (27%) and massage (10%). Further research is required to identify specific physiological and psychological benefits of the different modes of recovery. Future studies should also examine the relationship between players’ self-perceived benefits and actual physiological changes associated with the implementation of the various recovery techniques.

Keywords: Rugby union, post-match, recovery methods.