Ryan M Chambers1, Tim J Gabbett2, Ritu Gupta3, Casey Josman3, Rhodri Bown4, Paul Stridgeon4, Michael H Cole5. 1. Welsh Rugby Union, United Kingdom; School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia. Electronic address: ryanchambers13@gmail.com. 2. Gabbett Performance Solutions, Australia; University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Resilient Regions, Australia. 3. Curtin University, Australia. 4. Welsh Rugby Union, United Kingdom. 5. School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To automate the detection of ruck and tackle events in rugby union using a specifically-designed algorithm based on microsensor data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Elite rugby union players wore microtechnology devices (Catapult, S5) during match-play. Ruck (n=125) and tackle (n=125) event data was synchronised with video footage compiled from international rugby union match-play ruck and tackle events. A specifically-designed algorithm to detect ruck and tackle events was developed using a random forest classification model. This algorithm was then validated using 8 additional international match-play datasets and video footage, with each ruck and tackle manually coded and verified if the event was correctly identified by the algorithm. RESULTS: The classification algorithm's results indicated that all rucks and tackles were correctly identified during match-play when 79.4±9.2% and 81.0±9.3% of the random forest decision trees agreed with the video-based determination of these events. Sub-group analyses of backs and forwards yielded similar optimal confidence percentages of 79.7% and 79.1% respectively for rucks. Sub-analysis revealed backs (85.3±7.2%) produced a higher algorithm cut-off for tackles than forwards (77.7±12.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The specifically-designed algorithm was able to detect rucks and tackles for all positions involved. For optimal results, it is recommended that practitioners use the recommended cut-off (80%) to limit false positives for match-play and training. Although this algorithm provides an improved insight into the number and type of collisions in which rugby players engage, this algorithm does not provide impact forces of these events. Crown
OBJECTIVES: To automate the detection of ruck and tackle events in rugby union using a specifically-designed algorithm based on microsensor data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Elite rugby union players wore microtechnology devices (Catapult, S5) during match-play. Ruck (n=125) and tackle (n=125) event data was synchronised with video footage compiled from international rugby union match-play ruck and tackle events. A specifically-designed algorithm to detect ruck and tackle events was developed using a random forest classification model. This algorithm was then validated using 8 additional international match-play datasets and video footage, with each ruck and tackle manually coded and verified if the event was correctly identified by the algorithm. RESULTS: The classification algorithm's results indicated that all rucks and tackles were correctly identified during match-play when 79.4±9.2% and 81.0±9.3% of the random forest decision trees agreed with the video-based determination of these events. Sub-group analyses of backs and forwards yielded similar optimal confidence percentages of 79.7% and 79.1% respectively for rucks. Sub-analysis revealed backs (85.3±7.2%) produced a higher algorithm cut-off for tackles than forwards (77.7±12.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The specifically-designed algorithm was able to detect rucks and tackles for all positions involved. For optimal results, it is recommended that practitioners use the recommended cut-off (80%) to limit false positives for match-play and training. Although this algorithm provides an improved insight into the number and type of collisions in which rugby players engage, this algorithm does not provide impact forces of these events. Crown
Authors: Zachary L Crang; Grant Duthie; Michael H Cole; Jonathon Weakley; Adam Hewitt; Rich D Johnston Journal: Sports Med Date: 2020-12-24 Impact factor: 11.136
Authors: Alexandru Nicolae Ungureanu; Corrado Lupo; Paolo Riccardo Brustio Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-02 Impact factor: 3.390