Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#athletes #creatine-kinase #humans #hydrocortisone #male

Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review

Aben et al., 2022 | J Strength Cond Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Aben Hendrickus G J, Hills Samuel P, ... Russell Mark. Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022-Jul-01;36(7):2050-2067. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003741

Abstract

Aben, HGJ, Hills, SP, Cooke, CB, Davis, D, Jones, B, and Russell, M. Profiling the post-match recovery response in male rugby: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 2050-2067, 2022-To minimize underperformance, injury, and illness, and to enhance readiness for training and match-play, post-match responses are commonly monitored within professional rugby. As no clear consensus exists regarding the magnitude and duration of post-match recovery, this review summarized the literature (17 studies yielded from literature searching/screening) reporting neuromuscular (countermovement jump [CMJ], peak power output [PP], and flight time [FT]), biochemical (creatine kinase [CK]) or endocrine (cortisol [C] and testosterone [T] concentrations), and subjective (wellness questionnaire and muscle soreness) indices after rugby match-play. For neuromuscular responses (11 studies), reductions in PP <31.5% occurred <30 minutes after match, returning to baseline within 48-72 hours. Post-match reductions in FT of <4% recovered after 48 hours. For biochemical and endocrine responses (14 studies), increases in CK, ranging from 120 to 451%, peaked between 12 and 24 hours, returning to baseline within 72 hours of match-play. Initial increases of <298% in C and reductions in T concentrations (<44%) returned to pre-match values within 48-72 hours. Mood disturbances (6 studies) required 48-72 hours to normalize after peak decrements of <65% at 24 hours. This review highlights that 72 hours were needed to restore perturbations in neuromuscular, biochemical and endocrine, and subjective/perceptual responses after competitive rugby match-play. Notably, only 4 studies reported responses in more ecologically valid scenarios (i.e., those in which regular training and recovery strategies were used) while also reporting detailed match demands. A lack of research focusing on youth players was also evident, as only 3 studies profiled post-match responses in younger athletes. Deeper insight regarding post-match responses in ecologically valid scenarios is therefore required.

Key Findings

Deeper insight regarding post-match responses in ecologically valid scenarios is therefore required.

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 17
Age Range See abstract
Condition mood

MeSH Terms

  • Athletes
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Male
  • Rugby

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09