Stochastic ordering of simulated rugby match activity produces reliable movements and associated measures of subjective task load, cognitive and neuromuscular function

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Sports Sciences on 31/07/2019, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2019.1646071?casa_token=jMOart4DiY4AAAAA%3Aas5sLP99oRsMzdowIu4fsTJXinjNh03Eqxgil5s6qs8PNf-phrJOwdukrJoUuneaIfFqRmzwiZeW.The study assesses the test–retest reliability of movement and physiological measures during a simulated rugby match that employed activities performed in a stochastic order. Twenty male rugby players (21.4 ± 2.1 y) completed two trials of a 2 × 23 min rugby movement simulation protocol during which the order of events was performed in a stochastic order, with 7–10 days between trials. Movement characteristics, heart rate (HR), RPE, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA%) of the quadriceps, Stroop test and subjective task load rating (NASA-TLX) were measured. The most reliable measures of external load was relative distance (typical error [TE] and CV% = 1.5–1.6 m min−1 and 1.4–1.5%, respectively), with all other movement characteristics possessing a CV% 5%). Future studies can confidently examine changes in several perceptual, neuromuscular, physiological and movement measures related to rugby activity using stochastic movements