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. 2023 Nov 10;9:106. doi: 10.1186/s40798-023-00650-z

Table 7.

Muscular power reported in male, adolescent rugby league players according to age group, playing level, and playing position

Study Playing level Position Sample size (n) Age (y) CMJ height (cm) MBT distance (m) Methods CMJ Methods MBT
Arm swing Trials Equipment Position Ball Trials
12 years of age
Gabbett et al. [1]a Academy Forwards 13 12.5 ± 0.5 28.2 ± 10.8 NR 2 (best) Chalk
Academy Backs 14 12.3 ± 0.5 30.8 ± 4.5
13 years of age
Gabbett et al. [48] Academy All 53 13.2 ± 0.6 37.0 ± 6.2 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Gabbett et al. [1]a Academy Forwards 7 13.5 ± 0.5 33.1 ± 6.8 NR 2 (best) Chalk
Academy Backs 10 13.7 ± 0.4 38.5 ± 8.1
Till et al. [51] Academy All 209 13.6 ± 0.3 37.9 ± 5.2 5.2 ± 0.7 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Till et al. [45] Eliteb All 255 13.6 ± 0.3 38.2 ± 5.1 5.1 ± 0.7 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Elitec All 130 13.7 ± 0.2 39.6 ± 5.0 5.4 ± 0.6
Till et al. [8] Amateur All 249 13.6 ± 0.6 39.2 ± 4.9 5.7 ± 0.9 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 261 13.6 ± 0.6 39.9 ± 5.6 5.7 ± 0.9
Elite All 70 13.8 ± 0.7 41.2 ± 7.2 5.8 ± 1.0
Till et al. [50] Amateur All NR 13.6 ± 0.2 37.5 ± 4.5 5.4 ± 0.8 No 3 (NR) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 13.7 ± 0.1 38.6 ± 4.7 5.4 ± 0.5
Elite All 13.4 ± 0.3 38.7 ± 4.3 5.3 ± 0.8
Till et al. [102] Academy All NR 13.6 ± 0.2 38.9 ± 5.0 5.4 ± 0.6 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Outside backs NR 13.7 ± 0.2 42.4 ± 4.8 5.4 ± 0.5
Pivots NR 13.5 ± 0.3 38.4 ± 4.5 5.0 ± 0.6
Props NR 13.6 ± 0.2 35.9 ± 4.1 5.6 ± 0.8
Backs NR 13.7 ± 0.2 37.2 ± 4.0 5.6 ± 0.5
Till et al. [39] Amateur All 50 13.6 ± 0.3 41.4 ± 4.8 5.6 ± 1.1 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 32 13.6 ± 0.2 40.9 ± 6.2 5.7 ± 1.2
Elite All 13 13.6 ± 0.3 42.8 ± 7.9 5.7 ± 0.9
Till et al. [95] Academy All NR 13.8 ± 0.1 39.4 ± 5.3 5.4 ± 0.5 No NR NR Seated 2 kg NR
14 years of age
Gabbett et al. [47] Academy All 14 14.1 ± 0.2 41.5 ± 1.4 No NR Yardstick
Gabbett et al. [1]a Academy Forwards 11 14.5 ± 0.5 34.7 ± 8.2 NR 2 (best) Chalk
Academy Backs 12 14.6 ± 0.5 37.1 ± 4.4
Gabbett et al. [24] Academy All 23 14.5 ± 0.5 35.9 ± 6.8 Yes 2 (best) Yardstick
Elite All 36 14.3 ± 0.9 50.0 ± 5.6
Till et al. [51]f Academy All 227, 226 14.6 ± 0.3 40.8 ± 5.0 5.8 ± 0.6 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Till et al. [45] Eliteb All 309 14.6 ± 0.3 40.3 ± 5.3 5.8 ± 0.7 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Elitec All 86 14.6 ± 0.3 41.9 ± 5.1 6.0 ± 0.5
Till et al. [102] Academy All NR 14.6 ± 0.2 41.3 ± 4.4 5.9 ± 0.5 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Outside backs NR 14.7 ± 0.2 43.8 ± 3.7 5.9 ± 0.5
Pivots NR 14.5 ± 0.3 40.0 ± 5.4 5.6 ± 0.6
Props NR 14.6 ± 0.2 39.1 ± 4.0 6.1 ± 0.6
Backs NR 14.7 ± 0.2 41.1 ± 3.4 6.2 ± 0.4
Till et al. [39] Amateur All 92 14.6 ± 0.3 39.0 ± 4.8 5.8 ± 0.8 No 3 (best) Tekai Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 85 14.6 ± 0.3 40.5 ± 5.1 5.8 ± 0.8
Elite All 18 14.5 ± 0.3 39.6 ± 6.6 5.0 ± 1.7
Till et al. [50] Amateur All NR 14.6 ± 0.2 39.3 ± 3.3 5.8 ± 0.8 No 3 (NR) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 14.7 ± 0.1 42.2 ± 4.2 5.9 ± 0.4
Elite All 14.4 ± 0.3 41.3 ± 3.9 6.0 ± 0.6
Till et al. [95] Academy All NR 14.8 ± 0.1 41.8 ± 4.3 6.0 ± 0.5 No NR NR Seated 2 kg NR
Till et al. [59] Academy All 31 NRg 38.9 ± 6.4 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
15 years of age
Waldron et al. [46] Academy All 13 15.1 ± 0.8 47.0 ± 3.0 NR 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Dobbin et al. [66] Academy All 235 15.1 ± 0.7 33.3 ± 6.8 6.3 ± 0.9 No 2 (best) Just Jump Mat Squatted 4 kg 2 (best)
Academy Wingers 15.1 ± 0.8 33.3 ± 6.7 6.4 ± 0.7
Academy Centres 15.1 ± 0.8 34.1 ± 6.8 6.1 ± 1.2
Academy Halves 15.1 ± 0.9 34.0 ± 6.4 5.9 ± 0.8
Academy Hookers 15.1 ± 0.1 34.6 ± 6.5 6.0 ± 0.8
Academy Props 15.1 ± 0.1 30.1 ± 7.3 6.8 ± 0.8
Academy Back rowers 15.1 ± 0.1 33.7 ± 6.9 6.4 ± 0.6
Gabbett et al. [48] Academy All 20 15.1 ± 0.6 45.0 ± 6.6 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Waldron et al. [52] Academy All 21 15.1 ± 0.3 45.5 ± 4.2 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Gabbett et al. [1] a Academy Forwards 12 15.4 ± 0.9 38.0 ± 5.7 NR 2 (best) Chalk
Academy Backs 9 15.6 ± 0.5 41.2 ± 4.6
Tredrea et al. [60] Academy All 49 15.5 ± 0.6 49.3 ± 6.6 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Elite All 51 15.5 ± 0.5 51.0 ± 5.6
Till et al. [51] Academy All 207 15.5 ± 0.3 42.5 ± 5.3 6.5 ± 0.7 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Till et al. [102] Academy All NR 15.6 ± 0.2 43.4 ± 5.1 6.5 ± 0.6 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Outside backs NR 15.7 ± 0.2 46.1 ± 4.3 6.3 ± 0.6
Pivots NR 15.5 ± 0.3 42.3 ± 5.7 6.2 ± 0.6
Props NR 15.6 ± 0.2 40.3 ± 4.0 6.7 ± 0.7
Backs NR 15.7 ± 0.2 43.7 ± 4.8 6.8 ± 0.4
Gabbett et al. [24] Academy All 28 15.6 ± 0.6 40.3 ± 8.5 Yes 2 (best) Yardstick
Elite All 21 15.8 ± 0.3 53.1 ± 7.9
Till et al. [50] Amateur All NR 15.6 ± 0.2 41.3 ± 3.9 6.4 ± 0.9 No 3 (NR) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 15.7 ± 0.1 43.5 ± 4.9 6.5 ± 0.5
Elite All 15.4 ± 0.3 43.9 ± 5.4 6.7 ± 0.5
Gabbett et al. [14] Academy All 36 15.6 ± 0.6 46.9 ± 6.8 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Academy Hit-up forwards 15.8 ± 0.7 39.7 ± 2.9
Academy Adjustables 15.7 ± 0.4 48.8 ± 6.1
Academy Outside backs 16.1 ± 0.7 50.0 ± 5.8
Elite All 28 16.0 ± 0.2 51.6 ± 7.7
Elite Hit-up forwards 15.9 ± 0.4 48.6 ± 5.1
Elite Adjustables 16.0 ± 0.2 51.5 ± 8.5
Elite Outside backs 16.0 ± 0.2 54.6 ± 8.5
Till et al. [45] Eliteb All 309 15.6 ± 0.3 42.5 ± 5.4 6.4 ± 0.7 No 3 (best) Tekei Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Elitec All 86 15.6 ± 0.3 43.5 ± 5.0 6.5 ± 0.6
Till et al. [39] Amateur All 107 15.6 ± 0.3 38.8 ± 4.8 5.8 ± 0.8 No 3 (best) Tekai Seated 2 kg 3 (best)
Academy All 144 15.6 ± 0.3 39.6 ± 5.5 5.7 ± 0.8
Elite All 39 15.5 ± 0.3 41.3 ± 7.1 5.9 ± 1.0
Till et al. [61] Academy All 35 15.7 ± 0.2 45.8 ± 5.5 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Till et al. [95] Academy All NR 15.8 ± 0.1 43.8 ± 5.2 6.5 ± 0.5 No NR NR Seated 2 kg NR
Gabbett et al. [38] Academy All 13 15.9 ± 0.6 46.7 ± 7.0 Yes 3 (best) Yardstick
Till et al. [96] Academy All 67 NRh 45.7 ± 5.2 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Forwards 37 NRh 43.8 ± 5.0
Backs 30 NRh 45.7 ± 5.2
Till et al. [59] Academy All 75 NRh 44.2 ± 5.7 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
16 years of age
Gabbett et al. [38] Academy All 28 16.0 ± 0.2 51.6 ± 7.7 Yes 3 (best) Yardstick
Waldron et al. [52] Academy All 21 16.2 ± 0.3 45.6 ± 5.8 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Waldron et al. [46] Academy All 13 16.2 ± 0.3 47.3 ± 4.9 NR 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Gabbett et al. [48] Academy All 15 16.5 ± 0.3 47.3 ± 7.8 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Coutts et al. [64] Academy All 21 16.6 ± 1.2 50.3 ± 6.9 Yes 3 (best) Yardstick
Academy All 21 16.8 ± 1.0 51.1 ± 6.6
Till et al. [61] Academy All 44 16.7 ± 0.2 48.7 ± 2.8 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Gabbett et al. [47] Academy All 21 16.9 ± 0.3 45.8 ± 1.4 No NR Yardstick
Gabbet et al. [49] Academy All 36 16.9 ± 0.6 54.4 ± 7.1 Yes 2 (best) Yardstick
Gabbett et al. [24] Academy All 25 16.9 ± 0.3 42.3 ± 9.3 Yes 2 (best) Yardstick
Elite All 18 16.8 ± 0.3 58.9 ± 7.7
Till et al. [96] Academy All 50 NRi 49.1 ± 5.8 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Forwards 27 NRi 48.0 ± 5.6
Backs 23 NRi 50.5 ± 6.0
Till et al. [103] Academy All 37 NRi 48.8 ± 6.1 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Elite All 13 NRi 49.5 ± 4.9
17 years of age
Waldron et al. [52] Academy All 15 17.0 ± 0.4 47.0 ± 5.5 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Waldron et al. [46] Academy All 13 17.0 ± 0.3 47.6 ± 5.5 NR 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Dobbin et al. [62] Academy All 50 17.1 ± 1.1 34.8 ± 4.8 6.4 ± 0.8 No 2 (best) Just Jump Mat Squatted 4 kg 2 (best)
Pearce et al. [72] Academy All 52 17.2 ± 0.5 58.5 ± 6.1 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Dobbin et al. [42] Academy All 16 17.2 ± 0.7 34.7 ± 5.9 6.8 ± 0.8 No 2 (best) Just Jump Mat Squatted 4 kg 2 (best)
Till et al. [97] Academy All 61 17.3 ± 0.7 48.3 ± 3.0 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Tredrea et al. [60] Academy All 41 17.4 ± 0.7 55.1 ± 6.2 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Elite All 10 17.0 ± 0.7 55.7 ± 6.4
Dobbin et al. [65] Academy All 197 17.4 ± 0.4 37.2 ± 5.2 7.1 ± 0.7 NR NR Just Jump Mat Squated 4 kg 2 (best)
Back Row 17.5 ± 0.8 39.1 ± 6.9 7.3 ± 0.5
Centre 17.2 ± 0.9 37.4 ± 5.1 7.3 ± 0.8
Forward 17.3 ± 0.5 38.1 ± 6.2 7.4 ± 0.5
Full back 17.4 ± 0.9 43.1 ± 6.7 6.9 ± 0.9
Half Back 17.3 ± 1.1 39.6 ± 4.3 6.7 ± 0.7
Hooker 17.2 ± 1.2 35.1 ± 5.0 6.5 ± 0.6
Loose Forward 17.5 ± 0.8 35.1 ± 4.4 7.5 ± 0.7
Prop 17.2 ± 0.9 34.5 ± 4.4 7.4 ± 0.8
Scrum Half 17.3 ± 1.4 33.3 ± 3.5 6.0 ± 0.7
Second Row 17.9 ± 1.4 37.6 ± 3.5 7.3 ± 0.7
Stand-Off 18.0 ± 0.6 30.9 ± 6.3 7.3 ± 1.0
Winger 17.4 ± 1.1 42.5 ± 6.4 7.6 ± 0.9
Dobbin et al. [66] Elite All 365 17.5 ± 2.0 38.1 ± 6.3 7.1 ± 0.8 No 2 (best) Just Jump Mat Squatted 4 kg 2 (best)
Elite Wingers 17.5 ± 2.0 41.9 ± 7.3 7.2 ± 0.9
Elite Centres 17.5 ± 2.0 39.8 ± 5.8 7.3 ± 0.8
Elite Halves 17.5 ± 2.1 38.3 ± 6.0 6.8 ± 0.8
Elite Hookers 17.5 ± 2.2 38.7 ± 5.3 6.8 ± 0.8
Elite Props 17.5 ± 2.3 34.2 ± 5.0 7.2 ± 0.8
Elite Back rowers 17.5 ± 2.4 37.2 ± 5.3 7.3 ± 0.7
Gabbett et al. [22]a Academy Props 37 17.6 ± 2.4 44.0 ± 7.2 No 2 (best) Yardstick
Academy Hookers 31 17.3 ± 1.1 47.9 ± 11.3
Academy Back rowers 36 17.2 ± 1.8 49.0 ± 10.5
Academy Lockse 11 16.5 ± 1.5 45.2 ± 9.8
Academy Halvese 27 16.7 ± 1.5 50.4 ± 11.6
Academy Five eighthse 11 16.7 ± 1.6 48.5 ± 8.2
Academy Centres 27 17.0 ± 2.3 50.4 ± 8.9
Academy Wingers 39 17.7 ± 2.2 45.4 ± 8.6
Academy Fullbacks 21 17.4 ± 2.0 42.8 ± 10.0
Till et al. [61] Academy All 34 17.7 ± 0.3 51.2 ± 5.5 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Gabbett et al. [1]a Academy Forwards 10 17.8 ± 0.8 37.9 ± 6.7 NR 2 (best) Chalk
Academy Backs 12 17.3 ± 0.8 40.0 ± 7.7
Gabbett et al. [23]a Academy All 36 17.9 ± 0.4 54.8 ± 14.7 NR 2 (best) Yardstick
Till et al. [96] Academy All 56 NRj 50.6 ± 5.7 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Forwards 32 NRj 49.1 ± 5.2
Backs 24 NRj 52.6 ± 5.7
Till et al. [103] Academy All 41 NRi 50.2 ± 5.8 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Elite All 19 NRi 51.8 ± 5.2
Till et al. [59] Academy All 64 NRj 48.1 ± 5.6 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
18 years of age
Till et al. [61] Academy All 16 18.7 ± 0.2 50.3 ± 4.1 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Kirkpatrick et al. [13] Elite Forwards 12 18.8 ± 1.1 50.6 ± 7.1 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Backs 12 18.7 ± 0.8 50.6 ± 5.0
Pearce et al. [72] Academy All 53 18.9 ± 0.6 58.0 ± 7.3 NR 3 (best) Yardstick
Till et al. [96] Academy All 45 52.5 ± 5.5 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Forwards 24 NRk 51.2 ± 4.4
Backs 21 NRk 54.0 ± 6.2
Till et al. [103] Academy All 30 NRk 51.5 ± 5.2 No 3 (best) Just Jump Mat
Elite All 19 NRk 53.3 ± 5.6

NR not reported, – not tested, All players combined across all positions, RM repeated measurement (2 or 3 trials)

aReported 95% confidence intervals, which were converted to standard deviation according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0

bPlayers classified as elite by definition used in this review but as ‘regional’ by the authors

cPlayers classified as elite by definition used in this review but as ‘national’ by the authors

dTotal sample size (all positions combined) was reported rather than independently for each position

eSample age reported across multiple years, and across various playing positions (data allocated according to weighted mean age)

fSample size for each test varied so data are reported separately for CMJ (n = 227) and MBT (n = 226)

gAge provided categorically as under 14 years instead of being reported as mean ± standard deviation

hAge provided categorically as under 15 years instead of being reported as mean ± standard deviation

iAge provided categorically as under 16 years instead of being reported as mean ± standard deviation

jAge provided categorically as under 17 years instead of being reported as mean ± standard deviation

kAge provided categorically as under 18 years instead of being reported as mean ± standard deviation