The Effects of Augmented Feedback on Sprint, Jump, and Strength Adaptations in Rugby Union Players Following a Four Week Training Programme

Purpose:Feedback can enhance acute physical performance. However, the effects of feedback on physical adaptation has received little attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of feedback during a four-week training programme on jump, sprint and strength adaptations.Methods:Twenty-eight semi-professional male rugby union players were strength-matched into two groups (feedback and non-feedback). During the four-week training programme, the Feedback group received immediate, objective feedback on a) mean concentric velocity during resistance training repetitions, b) distance feedback for standing broad jumps, and c) time for sprints. The Non-Feedback group were not provided additional information. Across the four-week mesocycle, subjects completed three strength and conditioning sessions per week. Countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump, 10 and 20m sprint, and three repetition maximum (3RM) barbell back squat and bench press were measured pre- and post- the training i...