Quantification of subjective task-load responses to Touch rugby match play, and examination of individual and contextual factors affecting responses during an international tournament: An observational study

This study quantified subjective task-load responses to international touch match play and examined the influence of individual and contextual factors on these responses. Ninety-eight Touch players completed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) 30–60 minutes after each match ( n = 105), providing 294 responses across a five-day tournament. Linear mixed models examined the association between seven NASA-TLX subscales and a range of individual and contextual fixed factors, with effect size correlations used to quantify the magnitude of associations. Performance (median = 315 AU) and physical demand (median = 267 AU) were the most heavily rated subscales, whilst temporal demand (median = 80 AU) and frustration (median = 101 AU) were lowest. Playing day was the most consistent contextual factor, showing small-to-moderate effects across six of the seven subscales ( r = 0.11 to 0.31). Mental and physical demand followed opposing patterns across the tournament, with mental demand peaking and physical demand at its lowest on day three, potentially reflecting an accumulation of mental and physical fatigue. Points conceded was more strongly associated with mental load ( r = 0.21). Perceived fatigue and points conceded were associated with a higher technical load. Squad affiliation influenced frustration demand, with considerable variability ( r = 0.05 to 0.36). Playing day was associated with reduced frustration and performance towards the latter stages of the competition. These findings demonstrate that subjective task-load is highly context dependent within Touch, reinforcing the value of multidimensional monitoring in high-performance team sport.