Qi Wang

Background: Rugby sevens demands distinct physical profiles across positions. This study investigated anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of Chinese national team male rugby sevens players. Methods: Twenty-one players (forwards: n = 10, backs: n = 11) completed anthropometric measurements, linear sprints (10 m, 40 m, 50 m, and 60 m), agility tests (T-test, Illinois, 20 shuttle run), Wingate anaerobic test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2, goalpost shuttle run, vital capacity, and VO₂peak. Players were split into fast/slow groups by median 40 m time. Results: Forwards were significantly taller (adjusted p = 0.0022, d = 2.78), heavier (adjusted p = 0.0073, d = 1.76), and had greater muscle mass (adjusted p = 0.027, d = 1.47) with large effect sizes compared with backs. Backs showed significantly better agility with large effect sizes (Illinois: adjusted p = 0.018, d = 2.00). When players were classified into fast and slow sprint groups by median 40 m time, the fast group exhibited significantly better 10 m (adjusted p = 0.04, d = −2.00), 50 m (adjusted p = 0.017, d = −1.98), and 60 m (adjusted p = 0.017, d = −1.71) performance. Conclusion: Playing positions in Chinese rugby sevens present significantly different body size and agility profiles. When grouped by sprint speed, faster players possess superior multi-distance sprinting capacities. Both positional and sprint capabilities should guide training and selection.

In soccer players, ankle injuries are a common issue that may increase lower limb imbalance. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints and lower limb imbalance in soccer players with and without ankle injuries. We recruited 50 male university soccer athletes, who were categorized into an injury group (21 players) and a non-injury group (29 players). Prior to the experimental tests, basic data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire. During the experiment, participants sequentially completed a passive knee flexion test, a passive knee extension test, an active ankle plantarflexion test, and an active ankle dorsiflexion test. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the imbalance in knee and ankle range of motion between injured and non-injured athletes. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between right passive knee flexion range of motion, right active ankle plantarflexion range of motion, and ankle injuries.