Psychosocial and Physiological Factors Affecting Selection to Regional Age-Grade Rugby Union Squads: A Machine Learning Approach
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
Talent selection programs choose athletes for talent development pathways. Currently, the set of psychosocial variables that determine talent selection in youth Rugby Union are unknown, with literature almost exclusively focusing on physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to use a novel machine learning approach to identify the physiological and psychosocial models that predict selection to a regional age-grade rugby union team. Age-grade club rugby players (N = 104; age, 15.47 ± 0.80; U16, n = 62; U18, n = 42) were assessed for physiological and psychosocial factors during regional talent selection days. Predictive models (selected vs non-selected) were created for forwards, backs, and across all players using Bayesian machine learning. The generated physiological models correctly classified 67.55% of all players, 70.09% of forwards, and 62.50% of backs. Greater hand-grip strength, faster 10m and 40m sprint, and power were common features for selection. The generated psychosocial models correctly classified 62.26% of all players, 73.66% of forwards, and 60.42% of backs. Reduced burnout, reduced emotional exhaustion, and lower reduced sense of accomplishment, were common features for selection. Selection appears to be predominantly based on greater strength, speed, and power, as well as lower athlete burnout.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 11 Jul 2022 |
Event | 16th European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology - Padova, Italy , Padova, Italy Duration: 11 Jul 2022 → 15 Jul 2022 Conference number: 16 https://fepsac2022.eu/ |
Conference
Conference | 16th European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology |
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Abbreviated title | FEPSAC |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Padova |
Period | 11/07/22 → 15/07/22 |
Internet address |
Research outputs (2)
- Published
‘One size fits all’ – or should it? An individualised approach to enhancing talent development environments
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review
- Published
Psychosocial and Physiological Factors Affecting Selection to Regional Age-Grade Rugby Union Squads: A Machine Learning Approach
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Prof. activities and awards (1)
Developing successful rugby union performance pathways in Wales
Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation