Daniele Pacini

Dr. Daniele Pacini


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 July 2026 in Sports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PGPierosario Giuliano
Pierosario Giuliano
DVDaniela Vitucci
Daniela Vitucci
DPDaniele Pacini
Daniele Pacini
Stefania OrrùStefania Orrù
Stefania Orrù
AMAnnamaria Mancini
Annamaria Mancini
Monitoring athlete readiness in youth rugby players is important for understanding short-term responses to match demands and supporting recovery management. Here, we aimed to investigate short-term readiness by integrating subjective measures, clinically relevant tests, and match load data. This single-team study considered 28 male rugby players (17.8 ± 0.2 years), monitored every four consecutive days (match day [MD], MD+1, MD+2, MD+3). Readiness was assessed using four subjective dimensions (fatigue upon waking, mood, sleep quality, and muscle soreness), which were normalized to individual best values and combined into a composite readiness index (4-dRI; 0–1). The Adductor Squeeze Test (AST), Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT), and Global Positioning System-derived metrics (MD only) were also assessed. The 4-dRI decreased by approximately 30% at 24 h post-match (p < 0.001), indicating a substantial reduction in perceived readiness. Athletes exposed to higher GPS-derived match loads reported lower readiness on MD+1. AST showed moderate associations with the 4-dRI (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.05), whereas SRT appeared less responsive to short-term changes in readiness. These findings indicate that both the 4-dRI and AST were responsive to short-term changes in readiness across the competition period. Overall, these integrated data may contribute to athlete-monitoring strategies in team sport settings.