Seasonal variations in force, power, velocity, and total work across resistance exercises (2020–2022)

This dissertation investigates seasonal variations in neuromuscular performance by analysing key mechanical variables—force, power, velocity, and total work—across multiple resistance training exercises over a three-year period (2020–2022). A cohort study with a longitudinal observational design was conducted to examine seasonal variations in resistance training performance among rugby players. The study followed a defined group of rugby players from the University of Pretoria over multiple training seasons to assess changes in performance markers across the off-season, pre-season, and in-season phases.Using data collected through the PUSH wearable system. Performance data were analysed using the PUSH 2.0 wearable accelerometer, a cloud-based velocity-based training (VBT) system designed to quantify resistance training variables. The study evaluates how performance metrics fluctuate between different training phases, providing insight into athletes’ physical adaptations over time. The findings aim to enhance understanding of training load management, optimise performance monitoring, and inform evidence-based strength and conditioning practices, particularly within a university rugby context.