4. Conclusion

The Rugbor v2 ergometer and its software have been used to study the mechanical stresses involved during impact engagement in rugby front row players. The parameters used to characterize the impact phase and the thrust show differences between groups of players, depending on their level of expertise and gender. Confronted with the "field" variables determined by the coach during the players' sports evaluation, these results are consistent in terms of players' performance and illustrate the dual-task aspect (pushing effort and head extension effort) implemented during the rugby scrum. In addition, by modeling the impact phase, player-specific mechanical characteristics become accessible. Finally, a particular type of electrical activity in the muscles has been demonstrated during impact engagement. This cyclostationary activity is currently being studied.

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