Sport si Societate

Alexandru OPREAN

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to assess the cardiovascular adaptation of forwards rugby players during effort. The results are then compared with aspects of  physiological demands on elite rugby players. We also intend to outline the functional profile of rugby players in the first romanian league, comparing results between positions.
The hypothesis from which we start is that the functional profile of professional rugby players in Romania is suboptimal, this beeing one of the causees of the quality decrease of the game of rugby in recent years. We also assume that the cardiovascular hemodynamics values vary depending on position held in forwards compartment.
Functional and anthropometric measurements and conditions of specific adaptation of the players were recorded.
Measurements were conducted in two rounds, respectively in pre-season and post season, the periods being physiologically distinct. The study took place in the 2008 – 2009 season, the team was "Bucharest Oaks," a selected team of the best players in the championship.
Out of the 32 athletes, 17 are players forwards, assessments being made on positions, the arithmetic mean and standard deviations at each station were registered.
Among conclusions we noted that although the results vary depending on position and the tasks of the game, reported to the results recorded on players from more advanced league, the romanian players show moderate adaptation to this kind of effort.