A composite readiness index (4-dRI) decreases by approximately 30% at 24 hours post-match in youth rugby players
The study found that a composite readiness index (4-dRI), integrating subjective measures of fatigue, mood, sleep quality, and muscle soreness, decreased by about 30% at 24 hours after a match (p < 0.001). Higher GPS-derived match loads were associated with lower readiness on the day after the match. The Adductor Squeeze Test showed moderate associations with the 4-dRI, while the Sit-and-Reach Test was less responsive.
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A composite readiness index (4-dRI) decreases by approximately 30% at 24 hours post-match in youth rugby players The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
A composite readiness index (4-dRI) decreases by approximately 30% at 24 hours post-match in youth rugby players
This conclusion is most relevant to: 28 male youth rugby players (mean age 17.8 ± 0.2 years) from a single team.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Monitoring Match-Related Fatigue in Youth Rugby Players Using a Readiness Index and Clinical Tests. (Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Match demands induce subjective fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, and muscle soreness
- ▸These dimensions are normalized to individual best values and combined into a composite readiness index (4-dRI)
- ▸The 4-dRI decreases significantly at 24 hours post-match, reflecting reduced perceived readiness
- ▸Higher GPS-derived match loads exacerbate this reduction in readiness
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸28 male youth rugby players (mean age 17.8 ± 0.2 years) from a single team
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-team study with a small sample size (n=28), limiting generalizability
- ▸Subjective measures may be influenced by individual variability and reporting bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4-dRI and how is it calculated?▼
The 4-dRI is a composite readiness index that combines four subjective dimensions (fatigue upon waking, mood, sleep quality, and muscle soreness), each normalized to individual best values, yielding a score between 0 and 1.
How much did readiness decrease after a match?▼
The 4-dRI decreased by approximately 30% at 24 hours post-match, indicating a substantial reduction in perceived readiness.
Which clinical test was most responsive to changes in readiness?▼
The Adductor Squeeze Test showed moderate associations with the 4-dRI (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.05), while the Sit-and-Reach Test was less responsive to short-term changes.
What population was studied in this research?▼
The study included 28 male youth rugby players with a mean age of 17.8 ± 0.2 years from a single team.
References
- 1.Giuliano P, Vitucci D, Pacini D, Orrù S, Mancini A. “Monitoring Match-Related Fatigue in Youth Rugby Players Using a Readiness Index and Clinical Tests..” Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. PMID: 42506831 DOI: 10.3390/sports14070288