Celebration of Scholars
Integrating Olympic Lifting to increase the flexibility and power of a Rugby player: A Case Study
Name:
Mary Doupis
Major: Exercise Sport Science
Hometown: Lindenhurst
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Funding: N/A
Name:
Catherine Miller
Major: Exercise Sport Science
Hometown: Wauconda
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Funding: N/A
Abstract
We hypothesized that integrating an Olympic lift, the Clean and Jerk, into a pre-existing training regimen of a Rugby player will increase power and flexibility(mobility). It is well established that the use of Olympic lifts will increase power, what is uncertain is the relationship between the Olympic lifting and improved range of motion. The subject performed a series of baseline tests for power including: broad jump, vertical jump and 30 yard dash. Flexibility was assessed using two of the seven screens in the Functional Movement Screening: Active Straight Leg Raise and Shoulder Mobility. The subject performed the Clean and Jerk three times a week for three weeks; five sets of five repetitions at 60% of a one repetition max (1rm) the first week, increasing to 70% of 1rm during the second week, and the final week at 80% of a 1rm. The subject increased his vertical jump by one inch, increased the broad jump by five inches, and decreased his 30 meter sprint by 0.5 seconds. The shoulder mobility screen showed bilateral improvement from a score of two to a three, and on the active straight leg raise improved bilaterally from a two to a three. By adding the Clean and Jerk into a rugby players routine it will increase power as well as improve range of motion. Based on these findings, we recommend integrating the Olympic lifts into pre-existing training programs.Submit date: March 18, 2015, 11:57 a.m.