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Edwards S, Tucker R, Quarrie K, Tahu T, Gardner AJ. Tacklers' shoulder abduction and flexion at contact alter when engaging in different front-on, one-on-one tackle instructions from an expert coach. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:472-479. [PMID: 38762386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ascertain how the three-dimensional shoulder kinematics of tacklers alter when performing four legal types of front-on, one-on-one, rugby-style torso tackles. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Three-dimensional motion capture measured 15 male amateur-level rugby code players (24.3 ± 6.1 years) who were instructed by an expert coach to perform four sets of 10 front-on, one-on-one tackles. Four sets comprised two smother and two dominant tackles: two based on the Australian National Rugby League coaching manual (Dominant NRL, Smother NRL); and two modifications via increasing the contact height from the lower- to mid-torso (Dominant, Torso Stick) or from the upper- to mid-upper torso with a vertical 'pop action' that changes the way the tackler contacted the ball carrier's upper torso (Smother, Pop, Lock). Mixed general linear models were applied. RESULTS Greater shoulder abduction, flexion and internal rotation were displayed by the DNRL tackle technique than in any other technique (p < 0.001). At contact, the Smother and Dominant NRL (p < 0.03) showed greater head-uptrunk contralateral rotation away from the tackle than the Smother, Pop, Lock. CONCLUSIONS Tacklers modified the way they positioned their shoulder joint when engaging in legal front-on, one-on-one tackles with different tackle instructions. More prominent positions of shoulder abduction and flexion, and head-uptrunk contralateral rotation were observed when executing the traditional tackle techniques (Smother NRL, Dominant NRL) as opposed to two variants of these (Smother, Pop, Lock, Dominant, Torso Stick). Inclusion of tackle specific coaching instructions provides emerging scientific evidence to support revised coaching tackling technique interventions that might enhance player safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzi Edwards
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia.
| | | | | | - Timana Tahu
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia. https://twitter.com/TimanaTahu
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Australia. https://twitter.com/Scienceofsport
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van Tonder R, Hendricks S, Starling L, Surmon S, Viviers P, Kraak W, Stokes KA, Derman W, Brown JC. Tackling the tackle 2: Evaluation of referee and player behavioural change as measures of implementation of a law variation in community-level male amateur rugby union. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:63-70. [PMID: 38030441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate player and referee behaviour during a lower tackle height law variation trial in community rugby union ('rugby'). DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. METHODS In a law variation trial in male amateur community rugby, coded match video surveillance data were analysed. Referee (sanctioning rate) and player (tackler body position) behaviour changes over one season (under the lowered, armpit-level maximum legal tackle height condition) were analysed in three approximately equal periods of the season. Secondarily, an independent professional referee reviewed illegal high tackle sanctioning data. RESULTS Overall, 108 matches with 14,780 tackles were filmed and coded. Sanctioned illegal high tackle propensity was significantly higher in the mid-season (41 sanctioned high tackles/1000 tackle events; 95 % CI: 35-47), compared with first and last periods. Upright tacklers in tackles decreased significantly in the final vs. middle period of the season (rate ratio: 0.69; 95 % CI: 0.54-0.88; p < 0.01). Of all the coder-determined high tackles also assessed as high under the new law by the independent referee, 51 % were sanctioned by the on-field referee. CONCLUSIONS Positive player and referee behavioural changes were observed during a lowered legal tackle height law variation in this community rugby setting. Increased mid-phase high tackle sanctioning by referees was followed by fewer tackles with upright tacklers in the subsequent (last) phase of the season. Encouraging positive behaviour changes of this nature, particularly if sustained (beyond trial study periods), may contribute to overall injury risk reduction, and hold considerable importance to inform future injury prevention strategies in rugby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riaan van Tonder
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; IOC Research Centre, South Africa.
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences and Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, UK. https://twitter.com/sharief_h
| | - Lindsay Starling
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, UK; Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, UK; World Rugby House, UK. https://twitter.com/starling_linds
| | - Sean Surmon
- Stellenbosch University, Maties Sport, South Africa. https://twitter.com/seansurmon
| | - Pierre Viviers
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Stellenbosch University Campus Health Service, South Africa; IOC Research Centre, South Africa. https://twitter.com/thematiesdoc
| | - Wilbur Kraak
- Division of Sport Science, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, South Africa; Department of Sport, Recreation, and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. https://twitter.com/Coachwilbur
| | - Keith A Stokes
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, UK; Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, UK; Medical Services, Rugby Football Union, UK. https://twitter.com/drkeithstokes
| | - Wayne Derman
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; IOC Research Centre, South Africa. https://twitter.com/wderman
| | - James Craig Brown
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, UK; IOC Research Centre, South Africa. https://twitter.com/jamesbrown06
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Kawasaki T, Kawakami Y, Nojiri S, Hasegawa Y, Kuroki M, Sobue S, Shibuya K, Takazawa Y, Ishijima M. Risk Factors for Concussion in Under 18, Under 22 and Professional Men's Rugby Union: A Video Analysis of 14,809 Tackles. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:95. [PMID: 37837553 PMCID: PMC10576729 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the risk factors for tackle-related concussion observed in matches involving under (U) 18, U 22 and professional men's Rugby Union players through video analysis. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS Twenty Rugby Union matches each for high school (U18), university/college (U22) and professional (Elite) were randomly selected from 202 matches in the 2018/2019 season. Both one-on-one and tackles involving multiple tacklers were analyzed for the 60 matches. The 28 categorical and continuous variables (e.g., tackle characteristics and duration before the tackle) were applied as risk factors to a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression analysis. To identify high-risk situations, a simulation model with coefficients obtained from the Lasso regression was used. Statistical analysis was conducted according to tackle direction. RESULTS A total of 14,809 tackles and 41 concussions involving 1800 players were included in the analyses. The incidence rate of concussions (injuries/1000 tackles) was greater in Elite players (4.0) compared with U18 (1.9) and U22 (2.4) players. The factors most highly associated with concussions were head-in-front tackles (where the tackler's head is placed forward, impeding a ball carrier's forward movements, 11.26/1000 tackles), and were more often observed among U18 players. A simulation model predicted that the highest risk tackle situation in Elite players was a head-in-front, side-on tackle below the hip of the ball carrier (predicted incidence rate 18.07/1000 tackles). CONCLUSION The risk factors associated with concussion need to be assessed cautiously. Avoiding head-in-front, side-on tackles to the lower extremities of a ball carrier should be considered to reduce injury risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Yuta Kawakami
- Department of Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuko Nojiri
- Department of Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Manabu Kuroki
- Division of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shogo Sobue
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kenta Shibuya
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuji Takazawa
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
- Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Muneaki Ishijima
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
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McLeod S, Tucker R, Edwards S, Jones B, Page G, Spiegelhalter M, West SW, Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. A case-control study of tackle based head impact event (HIE) risk factors from the first three seasons of the National Rugby League Women's competition. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1080356. [PMID: 37334015 PMCID: PMC10272446 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1080356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The tackle is the most injurious event in rugby league and carries the greatest risk of concussion. This study aims to replicate previous research conducted in professional men's rugby league by examining the association between selected tackle characteristics and head impact events (HIEs) in women's professional rugby league. Methods We reviewed and coded 83 tackles resulting in an HIE and every tackle (6,318 tackles) that did not result in an HIE for three seasons (2018-2020) of the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition. Tackle height, body position of the tackler and ball carrier, as well as the location of head contact with the other player's body were evaluated. Propensity of each situation that caused an HIE was calculated as HIEs per 1,000 tackles. Results The propensity for tacklers to sustain an HIE was 6.60 per 1,000 tackles (95% CI: 4.87-8.92), similar to that of the ball carrier (6.13 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 4.48-8.38). The greatest risk of an HIE to either the tackler or ball carrier occurred when head proximity was above the sternum (21.66 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 16.55-28.35). HIEs were most common following impacts between two heads (287.23 HIEs per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 196.98-418.84). The lowest propensity for both tackler (2.65 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.85-8.20) and ball carrier HIEs (1.77 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.44-7.06) occurred when the head was in proximity to the opponent's shoulder and arm. No body position (upright, bent or unbalanced/off feet) was associated with an increased propensity of HIE to either tackler or ball carrier. Conclusions In the NRLW competition, tacklers and ball carriers have a similar risk of sustaining an HIE during a tackle, differing from men's NRL players, where tacklers have a higher risk of HIEs. Further studies involving larger samples need to validate these findings. However, our results indicate that injury prevention initiatives in women's rugby league should focus on how the ball carrier engages in contact during the tackle as well as how the tackler executes the tackle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya McLeod
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ross Tucker
- Department of Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine (ISEM), University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
- World Rugby Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzi Edwards
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, UCT Research Centre for Health Through Physical Activity (HPALS), Lifestyle and Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Premiership Rugby, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Page
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mily Spiegelhalter
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. West
- Centre for Health, and Injury & Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Gardner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
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Seminati E, Cazzola D, Trewartha G, Preatoni E. Tackle direction and preferred side affect upper body loads and movements in rugby union tackling. Sports Biomech 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37092582 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2023.2201248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Tackling in Rugby Union is associated with most match injuries. New tackle regulations have been explored to reduce injuries, but limited quantitative evidence is available to inform any law changes. Using a novel tackle simulator, we investigated upper body loading under different tackling conditions: direction of approach (0° - frontal, 45° and 90° to the ball carrier direction) and side of body (dominant vs. non-dominant). Peak impact force between tackler and simulator , and head and upper trunk segment motions were measured from 10 male players. Impact load averages were 17% higher at (0°) compared with (90°), across the two different tackling sides (p = 0.093), with the highest impact force measured during dominant-side shoulder tackles at 0° (5.63 ± 1.14 kN). Trunk resultant accelerations were higher (+19%, p = 0.010) at 0° compared with 90°, with the highest resultant acceleration measured in frontal tackles with the dominant shoulder (17.52 ± 3.97 g). We observed higher head lateral bending around the impact when tackling with the non-dominant shoulder at 45° (p = 0.024) and 90° (p = 0.047). Tackling from an offset angle from frontal may be safer. Deficiencies in tackling techniques on the non-dominant side should be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Seminati
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Grant Trewartha
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Ezio Preatoni
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Chavarro-Nieto C, Beaven M, Gill N, Hébert-Losier K. Hamstrings injury incidence, risk factors, and prevention in Rugby Union players: a systematic review. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:1-19. [PMID: 34637371 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.1992601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hamstring strain injuries are one of the most common injuries in Rugby Union, representing up to 15% of all injuries sustained. We aimed to systematically review and summarize the scientific literature that addressed hamstring strain injury incidence, risk factors, injury prevention or strengthening strategies, and strength or asymmetry measures in Rugby Union. METHODS We conducted a systematic search to locate published peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, SPORTDiscusTM, Web of Science®, and Scopus® e-databases. Studies included were original research conducted in Rugby Union that evaluated hamstring strength, hamstring strengthening interventions, and/or hamstring injury outcomes. Included studies were quality assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Twenty-four studies met inclusion and altogether involved 2866 participants. Isokinetic testing was the most common method used to quantify hamstring strength and imbalances in Rugby Union; with data indicating that professionals are stronger than amateurs, and forwards are stronger than backs. Regarding risk factors, we identified playing position, fatigue, previous injuries, between leg strength imbalances, lack of readiness to return to play post injury, and game actions (i.e. running). There is evidence to support the use of Nordic eccentric strength measures to inform practice, with strength and imbalances useful in predicting injuries. Strengthening programs with Nordic exercises significantly increased hamstring strength, increased muscle thickness, and decreased imbalance ratios in female and male players. A significant reduction in injury incidence and severity in professional players has been observed in players performing routines incorporating progressive Nordic exercises. CONCLUSION The etiology of hamstring strain injuries is multifactorial, with playing position, fatigue, previous injuries, leg imbalances, lack of readiness to return to play, and running actions identified as contributing factors across levels. Combining strategies to prevent hamstring injuries and recurrences, and to inform return to play, is likely worthwhile and should include Nordic strength assessment and Nordic exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Chavarro-Nieto
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Martyn Beaven
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Gill
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, New Zealand.,New Zealand Rugby, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga, New Zealand
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Epp-Stobbe A, Tsai MC, Morris C, Klimstra M. The Influence of Physical Contact on Athlete Load in International Female Rugby Sevens. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:383-387. [PMID: 36696260 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Epp-Stobbe, A, Tsai, M-C, Morris, C, and Klimstra, M. The influence of physical contact on athlete load in international female rugby sevens. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 383-387, 2023-Although self-reported rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a simple and popular metric for monitoring player loads, this holistic measure may not adequately represent the distinct contributing factors to athlete loading in team sports, such as contact load. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the relationship between the number of contacts experienced and playing time on RPE in elite women's rugby sevens athletes during competition. Additionally, we examine the contribution of the number of contacts and playing time to RPE. The data collected included RPE, playing time, and number of contacts from 1 team participating in 74 international women's sevens matches. The relationship was modeled using multiple linear regression. Results, including the coefficients for the number of contacts and playing time, were significant (p < 0.001), and R2adjusted was 0.3063. Because contacts are accounted for within the measure of RPE in the proposed model, this further supports the value of RPE as a global measure of athlete experience. However, this study has found a different relationship between RPE and playing time dependent on the number of contacts, such that the influence of playing time on RPE decreases as the number of contacts increase. Ultimately, this may mean that the weighting of individual salient factors affecting player loads, such as the number of contacts or playing time, depend on the levels of all known and potentially unknown factors experienced and may limit the use of RPE when contextualizing player load across athletes. Taken together, the findings suggest that the number of contacts, playing time, and RPE should be considered when monitoring athlete loads while further substantiating the need for more, and higher resolution, measures to better quantify competition loads in contact team sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarah Epp-Stobbe
- Department of Biomechanics and Performance Analysis, Canadian Sport Institute, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ming-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biomechanics and Performance Analysis, Canadian Sport Institute, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Callum Morris
- Rugby Canada, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada ; and
| | - Marc Klimstra
- Department of Biomechanics and Performance Analysis, Canadian Sport Institute, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Innovation and Research, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Chen Y, Buggy C, Kelly S. Managing the Wellbeing of Elite Rugby Union Players from an Occupational Safety and Health Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12229. [PMID: 36231531 PMCID: PMC9564469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The intense, physical contact nature of rugby union often encourages the normalization of risk-taking behaviour resulting in a relatively high acceptance of risk. This study aims to explore safety culture in rugby union from an OSH perspective, with the purpose of assisting coaches and management in their decision-making processes to improve players' health, welfare, and long-term well-being. In terms of data collection, this study involved semi-structured interviews with senior support staff (n = 15) in elite rugby union. Interview transcripts underwent inductive analysis prior to an abductive analysis that was guided by an established occupational-safety-and-health (OSH) framework. Rugby union players' safety can be considered from two dimensions: management's commitment to safety (i.e., safety prioritization, safety empowerment, and safety justice), players' involvement in safety (i.e., safety prioritization, and trust in other players' safety competence, and players' safety concern for the opposition players). Within the themes identified, players' attitude towards their opponents' safety which has been rarely considered as a factor for injury prevention is also discussed in this study. If sport support staff (i.e., managers/coaches/medical) can become more involved in players' performance-orientated training using OSH management processes to aid in their decision-making, their exists the capacity to benefit players' safe return to play after injury rehabilitation. Meanwhile, directing the development of appropriate behavioural educational interventions to raise safety-awareness amongst players can improve their long-term health and well-being and provide them with the necessary safety and health information to support their own decision-making processes. As a multidisciplinary design, this study contributes new multidisciplinary insights that have the potential to advance managerial practices utilizing an OSH perspective, including decision-making supporting risk alleviation for safety and long-term health and wellbeing initiatives in competitive team sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Chen
- Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin, A94 XF34 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conor Buggy
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seamus Kelly
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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EDWARDS SUZI, GARDNER ANDREWJ, TAHU TIMANA, FULLER GORDON, STRANGMAN GARY, LEVI CHRISTOPHERR, IVERSON GRANTL, TUCKER ROSS. Tacklers' Head Inertial Accelerations Can Be Decreased by Altering the Way They Engage in Contact with Ball Carriers' Torsos. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1560-1571. [PMID: 35394470 PMCID: PMC9390229 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate how four types of successfully executed, legal front-on, one-on-one torso tackles influence the tacklers' and ball carriers' inertial head kinematics. METHODS A total of 455 successful front-on, one-on-one torso tackle trials completed by 15 rugby code players using three-dimensional motion capture were recorded. Tackles differed with respects to the height of the contact point on the ball carrier's torso. A series of mixed general linear models were conducted. RESULTS The tackler sustained the highest peak resultant linear ( P < 0.001) and angular ( P < 0.01) head accelerations when contacting the lower torso to execute a "dominant" tackle compared with mid or upper torso, although these latter tackle types had the lowest ball carrier inertial head kinematics. When executing a "smother" tackle technique, a significant decrease in peak resultant linear head acceleration was observed with a vertical "pop" then lock action used, compared with the traditional upper torso tackling technique ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Modifying the tackler's engagement with a ball carrier's torso, with respect to height and technical execution, alters the inertial head kinematics of the tackler and the ball carrier. The traditional thinking about optimal tackle technique, as instructed, may need to be reevaluated, with the midtorso being a potential alternative target contact height, whereas changes in tackle execution may be relatively protective for tacklers when executing either a dominant or smother tackle. This study provides critical scientific evidence to underpin revised coaching tackling technique interventions that might enhance player safety. Tackles in which the tackler contacts the ball carrier around the midtorso region, rather than lower torso, produce the lowest acceleration and thus may contribute to reducing head injury risk for the tackler.
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Affiliation(s)
- SUZI EDWARDS
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - ANDREW J. GARDNER
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Newcastle, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - TIMANA TAHU
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - GORDON FULLER
- Emergency Medicine Research in Sheffield Group, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - GARY STRANGMAN
- Neural Systems Group, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - CHRISTOPHER R. LEVI
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Newcastle, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE), Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - GRANT L. IVERSON
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sport Concussion Program, Boston, MA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA
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10
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The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women's Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 2022; 52:1751-1764. [PMID: 35113388 PMCID: PMC9325800 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01645-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background The extent of concussion injury in the rugby codes for women is unclear. Objective Our aim was to review all published studies reporting concussion injuries from match and training participation in rugby codes and report the pooled data estimates for rugby league and union concussion injury epidemiology. Methods We conducted a systematic literature analysis of concussion in rugby league and rugby union for published studies from January 1990 to July 2021. Data from 16 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for women’s concussion injuries and were subsequently pooled. Costs from Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) data were attributed to the results to provide cost estimates. Results The pooled analysis match injury incidence of women’s concussion was higher for rugby league (10.3 per 1000 match hours) than rugby 15 s (2.8 per 1000 match hours) or rugby 7 s (8.9 per 1000 match hours). There was a fourfold difference in the pooled incidence of concussion in women’s rugby league (risk ratio [RR] 4.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–11.3]; p = 0.0001) when compared with rugby 15 s. There was also a ninefold higher risk of a concussion during match participation compared with training participation for women’s rugby 15 s (RR 9.3, 95% CI 1.29–66.78; p = 0.0070). The total estimated costs for the concussions reported were NZ$1,235,101. For rugby 7 s, the pooled concussive injury burden was 33.2 days. Conclusions Our pooled analysis clarified the extent of concussion injury and the possible associated costs at several levels of the game for women’s rugby codes. The pooled mean days lost because of concussions was 33 days. As this was considerably longer than the 7- to 10-day expected timeframe outlined in the Concussion in Sport Consensus statement, these guidelines need to be updated to include sex-specific differences. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40279-022-01645-8.
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11
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Paul L, Naughton M, Jones B, Davidow D, Patel A, Lambert M, Hendricks S. Quantifying Collision Frequency and Intensity in Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens: A Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:12. [PMID: 35050440 PMCID: PMC8776953 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Collisions in rugby union and sevens have a high injury incidence and burden, and are also associated with player and team performance. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these collisions is therefore important for coaches and practitioners to adequately prepare players for competition. The aim of this review is to synthesise the current literature to provide a summary of the collision frequencies and intensities for rugby union and rugby sevens based on video-based analysis and microtechnology. Methods A systematic search using key words was done on four different databases from 1 January 1990 to 1 September 2021 (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science). Results Seventy-three studies were included in the final review, with fifty-eight studies focusing on rugby union, while fifteen studies explored rugby sevens. Of the included studies, four focused on training—three in rugby union and one in sevens, two focused on both training and match-play in rugby union and one in rugby sevens, while the remaining sixty-six studies explored collisions from match-play. The studies included, provincial, national, international, professional, experienced, novice and collegiate players. Most of the studies used video-based analysis (n = 37) to quantify collisions. In rugby union, on average a total of 22.0 (19.0–25.0) scrums, 116.2 (62.7–169.7) rucks, and 156.1 (121.2–191.0) tackles occur per match. In sevens, on average 1.8 (1.7–2.0) scrums, 4.8 (0–11.8) rucks and 14.1 (0–32.8) tackles occur per match. Conclusions This review showed more studies quantified collisions in matches compared to training. To ensure athletes are adequately prepared for match collision loads, training should be prescribed to meet the match demands. Per minute, rugby sevens players perform more tackles and ball carries into contact than rugby union players and forwards experienced more impacts and tackles than backs. Forwards also perform more very heavy impacts and severe impacts than backs in rugby union. To improve the relationship between matches and training, integrating both video-based analysis and microtechnology is recommended. The frequency and intensity of collisions in training and matches may lead to adaptations for a “collision-fit” player and lend itself to general training principles such as periodisation for optimum collision adaptation. Trial Registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020191112. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-021-00398-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Paul
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Mitchell Naughton
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Demi Davidow
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amir Patel
- Department of Electrical Engineering, African Robotics unit, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Takamori S, Hamlin MJ, King D, Hume PA, Tachikawa K, Koyanagi R, Yoshida T. Profiling the tackle and its injury characteristics in premier New Zealand club rugby union players over a complete season. Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:778-784. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesRugbySmart is a safe tackle technique education programme. Our objective was to identify whether the RugbySmart-recommended safe tackle technique was exhibited by club rugby players and whether tackle-related injuries showed poor tackle technique characteristics.MethodsThe prospective cohort design enabled 28 senior club based amateur male rugby union players from New Zealand to be followed over 18 matches in the 2017 rugby season. Game video analysis by three analysts provided categorisation of tackle technique into type, approach, foot contact, leading foot and rear foot position, face and head position. Injuries were diagnosed by the same sports medicine physician.ResultsIn the 18 matches, 28 players completed a combined total of 3006 tackles, with only six tackle-related injuries sustained. Notable findings included: (1) forwards complete more tackles than backs; (2) shoulder tackles were the most prevalent tackle; (3) good tackle technique as promoted by RugbySmart was demonstrated in 57.9% of all tackles and (4) of the six tackle-related injuries, two occurred despite RugbySmart desired tackle techniques.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate whether players were performing the recommended ‘safe tackle technique’ proposed by New Zealand Rugby’s RugbySmart programme. As two of six tackle-related injuries occurred despite the RugbySmart preferred technique being performed, further technique analysis and a larger sample are needed to determine what techniques reduce risk of injury during tackles. As only 57.9% of tackles were performed with RugbySmart head and foot positions, further research and education regarding tackle technique recommendations are needed.
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13
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A five-year clinical audit of concussive injuries in South African collegiate male rugby players—a South African experience. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-021-00768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Gardner AJ, Iverson GL, Edwards S, Tucker R. A Case-Control Study of Tackle-Based Head Injury Assessment (HIA) Risk Factors in the National Rugby League. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2021; 7:84. [PMID: 34787721 PMCID: PMC8599744 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background The tackle is the in-game activity carrying the greatest risk for concussion in rugby. A recent evaluation of tackle characteristics in rugby union precipitated a rule modification to reduce head impact risk during tackles. This study aims to replicate the work conducted in rugby union by examining the association between tackle characteristics and head injury events in professional rugby league.
Methods There were 446 tackles resulting in a head injury assessment (HIA) and 5,694 tackles that did not result in a head injury from two National Rugby League (NRL) seasons that were reviewed and coded. Tackle height, body position of players, and contact area on an opponent’s body were evaluated, with the propensity of each situation to cause an HIA calculated as HIAs per 1000 events. Results The propensity for tacklers to sustain a head injury was 0.99 HIAs per 1000 tackles, 1.74-fold greater than for the ball carrier (0.57 HIAs per 1000 tackles). There was a 3.2-fold higher risk for an HIA when the tackler was upright compared to bent-at-the-waist. The greatest risk of a tackler HIA occurred when head contact was very low (knee, boot) or high (head and elbow). HIAs were most common following head-to-head impacts. The lowest propensity for tackler HIA was found when the tackler’s head was in proximity with the ball carrier’s torso. Conclusions The result of this study replicated the findings in professional rugby union. This has implications for the injury prevention initiatives implemented to reduce HIA risk because the majority of injuries are sustained by the tackler. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-021-00377-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Gardner
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA.,MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzi Edwards
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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15
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Head Accelerations during a 1-on-1 Rugby Tackling Drill Performed by Experienced Rugby Union Players. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111497. [PMID: 34827495 PMCID: PMC8615476 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rugby Union is a popular sport played by males and females worldwide, from junior to elite levels. The highly physical skill of tackling occurs every few seconds throughout a match and various injuries associated with tackling are relatively common. Of particular interest are head injuries that result in a concussion. Recently, repeated non-injurious head impacts in sport have attracted the attention of researchers interested in brain health. Therefore, this study assessed head movement during repeated rugby tackle drills among experienced Rugby Union players. Experienced male and female participants performed 15 1-on-1 tackles in a motion analysis laboratory to measure the head movements of the ball carrier and tackler during each tackle, using three-dimensional motion capture. The average peak acceleration of the head for ball carriers was 28.9 ± 24.08 g and 36.67 ± 28.91 g for the tacklers. This study found that the type of head impacts common while performing a tackle in Rugby Union are similar to those experienced by soccer players during heading, which has been found to alter brain function that lasts hours after the event. This has important implications for player health and suggests that mitigation strategies should be considered for Rugby Union.
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16
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Tierney GJ, Tucker R. The role of player mass and contact speed on head kinematics and neck dynamics in rugby union tackling. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 32:298-312. [PMID: 34741337 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tackling is the most common cause of general injuries in rugby union, with player speed and mass identified as risk factors. This study aimed to use multibody modeling simulations to examine how tackler and ball carrier mass and contact speed affect inertial head kinematics and neck dynamics. Simulations were run by independently varying the ball carrier and tackler mass (from 60 to 110kg) and speed (from 0 to 10 m/s). Peak resultant inertial neck dynamics (force and moment) and head kinematics (linear acceleration, angular acceleration, and angular velocity) were extracted from each simulation. The greatest inertial head kinematics and neck dynamics sustained by a player was when there was the greatest mass disparity in the tackle, with the lighter player experiencing greatest inertial neck dynamics and head kinematics by up to 24% in comparison with the scenario when both players were the lightest mass (60 kg). As a player's mass increased, the magnitude of their head kinematics and neck dynamics diminished, but increased for their direct opponent, irrespective of whether they were the tackler or ball carrier. For speed, the greatest inertial head kinematics and neck dynamics sustained by the ball carrier and tackler were when they were both traveling at the highest speed. In theory, large discrepancies in mass of players, and high speeds into a tackle should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Tierney
- School of Sport, Ulster University, Belfast, UK.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leads, UK.,Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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West SW, Cross M, Trewartha G, Taylor A, Brooks J, Kemp S, Locke D, Ahmed O, Stokes K. Trends in match concussion incidence and return-to-play time in male professional Rugby Union: A 16-season prospective cohort study. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1235-1244. [PMID: 34495819 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1972142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe trends in the incidence of match concussions and time to return-to-play in professional rugby union. METHODS Match concussion incidence (injuries per 1000 player-match-hours) and time to return-to-play (mean and median days absence) were recorded in 3006 male professional rugby union players over 16 seasons (2002/03 - 2018/19). RESULTS From 2002/03 to 2009/10, incidence of concussions was stable at 4.3/1000 player-match-hours. From 2009/10 to 2018/19, there was an increase in concussion incidence, with the highest incidence in 2016/17 at 20.9/1000 player-match-hours (95% CI: 17.9-24.3). Annual prevalence of concussion also increased, suggesting more players were concussed rather than the same players sustaining more concussions. Before the introduction of standardized graduated return-to-play (GRTP) guidelines in 2011, 27% of players returned to play in <6 days. After the introduction of the GRTP, this decreased to 7%, with no players returning in <6 days after 2014/15. Between 2002/03 and 2018/19, incidence of all other injuries remained stable. CONCLUSIONS From 2009/10 onwards, the incidence of diagnosed concussions increased. Since the introduction of the GRTP, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of players returning in <6 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W West
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew Cross
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Premier Rugby Limited, Twickenham, UK
| | | | | | - John Brooks
- Connect Health, Merton, UK.,MyClinic Elsternwick, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Kemp
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Osman Ahmed
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK.,School of Sport Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Keith Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
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18
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Hopkinson M, Bissas A, Nicholson G, Beggs C, Scantlebury S, Hendricks S, Jones B. A video analysis framework for the rugby league tackle. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2021; 6:15-28. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1898667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Hopkinson
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
| | | | - Gareth Nicholson
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
| | - Clive Beggs
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
| | - Sean Scantlebury
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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19
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Meintjes V, Forshaw P, den Hollander S, Starling L, Lambert MI, Viljoen W, Readhead C, Hendricks S. Tackler and ball-carrier technique during moderate and severe injuries (≥8 days lost) compared with player-matched and team-matched injury-free controls in Elite Rugby Union. Br J Sports Med 2021; 55:1411-1419. [PMID: 34257066 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse tackler and ball-carrier technical proficiency during moderate and severe contact injuries (≥8 days lost) in professional rugby union, and compare it with injury-free event-matched controls from the same player and from the same team. METHODS Technical proficiency for 74 (n=74) (moderate and severe; ≥8 days lost) tackler and ball-carrier injuries during The Currie Cup (2014-2018) and 623 matched non-injury events (253 own controls, 370 team controls) were examined through video analysis using a standardised list of technical criteria. RESULTS Mean technical proficiency score for injured tacklers during front-on tackles was 6.19/16 (arbitrary units (AU) 95% CI 4.89 to 7.48), which was significantly different to their own controls (8.90/16 AU, 95% CI 8.37 to 9.43, p<0.001, effect size (ES)=1.21, large) and team controls (9.93/16 AU, 95% CI 9.50 to 10.40, p<0.001, ES=1.71, large). Mean technical proficiency score for injured ball-carriers during front-on tackles was 5.60/14 AU (95% CI 4.65 to 6.55), which was significantly different to their own controls (8.08/14 AU, 95% CI 7.56 to 8.60, p<0.001, ES=1.16, moderate) and team controls (8.16/14 AU, 95% CI 7.75 to 8.57, p<0.001, ES=1.25, large). CONCLUSION For the tackler and ball-carrier, for both front-on and side-on/behind tackles, overall technical proficiency scores were significantly lower for the injury-causing event, when compared with the player's own injury-free tackles and the team's injury-free tackles. Through analysing player and team controls, player technique deficiencies for the injured player and player technique deficiencies that expose all players to injury were highlighted, which may inform injury prevention strategies and policies, and assist coaches in optimising training to reduce tackle injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Meintjes
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pip Forshaw
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steve den Hollander
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sport (HPALS) Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lindsay Starling
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Ian Lambert
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sport (HPALS) Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wayne Viljoen
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sport (HPALS) Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Medical Department, South African Rugby Union, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Clint Readhead
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sport (HPALS) Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Medical Department, South African Rugby Union, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa .,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Sport (HPALS) Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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20
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Edwards S, Lee R, Fuller G, Buchanan M, Tahu T, Tucker R, Gardner AJ. 3D Biomechanics of Rugby Tackle Techniques to Inform Future Rugby Research Practice: a Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2021; 7:39. [PMID: 34097146 PMCID: PMC8184906 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00322-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tackle is the most common in-play event in rugby union and rugby league (the rugby codes). It is also associated with the greatest propensity for injury and thus accounts for the most injuries in the sport. It is therefore of critical importance to accurately quantify how tackle technique alters injury risk using gold-standard methodology of three-dimensional motion (3D) capture. OBJECTIVE To examine the 3D motion capture methodology of rugby-style tackle techniques to provide recommendations to inform practice for future rugby code research and advance the knowledge of this field. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Articles published in English language, up to May 2020, were retrieved via nine online databases. All cross-sectional, correlational, observational, and cohort study designs using 3D motion capture of tackle techniques in rugby code players met inclusion criteria for this review. A qualitative synthesis using thematic analysis was pre-specified to identify five key themes. RESULTS Seven articles met eligibility criteria. Participant demographic information (theme one) involved a total of 92 rugby union players, ranging in skill level and playing experience. Experimental task design information (theme two) included one-on-one, front-on (n=5) or side-on (n=1) contact between a tackler and a ball carrier, or a tackler impacting a tackle bag or bump pad (n=3). 3D data collection (theme three) reported differing sampling frequencies and marker sets. 3D data reduction and analysis (theme four) procedures could be mostly replicated, but the definitions of temporal events, joint modelling and filtering varied between studies. Findings of the studies (theme five) showed that the one-on-one tackle technique can be altered (n=5) when tackle height, leg drive and/or tackle speed is modified. A study reported tackle coaching intervention. CONCLUSIONS This is the first review to evaluate 3D motion capture of rugby-style tackle technique research. A research framework was identified: (i) participant demographic information, (ii) experimental task design information, (iii) 3D motion capture data specifications, and (iv) 3D data reduction and analysis. Adherence of future 3D tackling research to these framework principles will provide critical scientific evidence to better inform injury reduction and performance practices in the rugby codes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42018092312 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzi Edwards
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Roger Lee
- School of Health Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Gordon Fuller
- Emergency Medicine Research in Sheffield Group, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew Buchanan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Timana Tahu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Andrew J Gardner
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Waratah, NSW, Australia
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21
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Hoshika S, Sugaya H, Takahashi N, Matsuki K, Tokai M, Morioka T, Ueda Y, Hamada H, Takeuchi Y. Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Stabilization With Selective Augmentations for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability in Competitive Collision Athletes. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:1604-1611. [PMID: 33844602 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211003091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many surgeons prefer bony stabilization including Bristow or Latarjet procedures for shoulder instability in collision athletes, even though several potential complications have been reported. There has been a limited number of studies on the midterm outcomes of arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization for anterior shoulder instability in competitive collision athletes. PURPOSE To assess the outcomes of arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization in combination with selective augmentation procedures for collision athletes with traumatic anterior shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS We retrospectively assessed rugby or American football players (<40 years old) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart or bony Bankart repair with selective augmentations (rotator interval closure and/or Hill-Sachs remplissage) for traumatic anterior shoulder instability between January 2012 and March 2017. Shoulders that required other bony procedures were excluded. Recurrence, complications, return to sport, and functional scores (Rowe score and Subjective Shoulder Value sports score) were investigated. RESULTS This study included 113 shoulders in 100 patients with a mean age of 20 years (range, 15-36 years) at surgery. Rotator interval closure was performed on 36 shoulders in addition to Bankart repair, and rotator interval closure and Hill-Sachs remplissage were performed on 77 shoulders. The mean follow-up period was 44 months (range, 24-72 months). Of the 113 shoulders, 4 (3.5%) experienced postoperative dislocation, but there were no complications. A total of 93 athletes (93%) attained complete or near complete preinjury sports activity levels. The mean Rowe score significantly improved from 36 (range, 10-75) at presurgery to 96 (range, 35-100; P = .003) at postsurgery. The mean Subjective Shoulder Value sports score significantly improved after surgery, from a mean preoperative score of 22 (range, 0-50) to a postoperative score of 92 (range, 64-100; P = .002). CONCLUSION Our treatment strategy, where arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization was combined with selected augmentations, provided good clinical outcomes for competitive collision athletes in terms of low rates of recurrence and complication, a high rate of return to sports, and good shoulder function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Hoshika
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | | | - Norimasa Takahashi
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Matsuki
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Morioka
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ueda
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshige Hamada
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Takeuchi
- Shoulder and Elbow Service, Funabashi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Center, Funabashi, Japan
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22
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Suzuki K, Nagai S, Iwai K, Furukawa T, Takemura M. How does the situation before a tackle influence a tackler's head placement in rugby union?: application of the decision tree analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e000949. [PMID: 33791104 PMCID: PMC7978105 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Tacklers need to decide where to place their head based on the evasive manoeuvres of the ball-carrier and positional relationship with the ball-carrier before tackle. Therefore, it is difficult for tacklers to improve incorrect head placement at the moment of contact. Moreover, the characteristics prior to tackle have a relationship with the tackler's head placement. However, how situations lead to incorrect head placement remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify pre-contact situations that lead to incorrect head placement by using decision tree analysis. Methods Tackles leading to concussions were used to identify events that provoked injury using the video recordings of matches. Injury-free tackle was used as a control. All tackles were classified according to head placements and coded from seven pre-contact factors configured aspect of both tacklers and ball-carriers. Results Three situations that led to incorrect head placement were identified. Evasive manoeuvres implemented by the ball-carrier significantly contributed to the head placement at the time of contact. Conclusion Our findings suggest that tacklers should keep their heads up to identify the movements of the ball-carrier, which might lead to tackling the head on the correct side at the moment of tackling and decrease the risk of tackler-related concussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Suzuki
- Sports Research and Development Core, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwai
- Center of Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuo Furukawa
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takemura
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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23
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Erskine RM, Williams AG. Genetic Factors That Could Affect Concussion Risk in Elite Rugby. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:19. [PMID: 33499151 PMCID: PMC7910946 DOI: 10.3390/sports9020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite rugby league and union have some of the highest reported rates of concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) in professional sport due in part to their full-contact high-velocity collision-based nature. Currently, concussions are the most commonly reported match injury during the tackle for both the ball carrier and the tackler (8-28 concussions per 1000 player match hours) and reports exist of reduced cognitive function and long-term health consequences that can end a playing career and produce continued ill health. Concussion is a complex phenotype, influenced by environmental factors and an individual's genetic predisposition. This article reviews concussion incidence within elite rugby and addresses the biomechanics and pathophysiology of concussion and how genetic predisposition may influence incidence, severity and outcome. Associations have been reported between a variety of genetic variants and traumatic brain injury. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of genetic associations with concussion within elite rugby players. Due to a growing understanding of the molecular characteristics underpinning the pathophysiology of concussion, investigating genetic variation within elite rugby is a viable and worthy proposition. Therefore, we propose from this review that several genetic variants within or near candidate genes of interest, namely APOE, MAPT, IL6R, COMT, SLC6A4, 5-HTTLPR, DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1, BDNF and GRIN2A, warrant further study within elite rugby and other sports involving high-velocity collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Antrobus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Jon Brazier
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Georgina K. Stebbings
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Stephen H. Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Shane M. Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (S.M.H.); (L.P.K.)
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (S.M.H.); (L.P.K.)
| | - Robert M. Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alun G. Williams
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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24
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Hopkinson M, Nicholson G, Weaving D, Hendricks S, Fitzpatrick A, Naylor A, Robertson C, Beggs C, Jones B. Rugby league ball carrier injuries: The relative importance of tackle characteristics during the European Super League. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:269-278. [PMID: 33210564 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1853817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rugby league carries a high injury incidence with 61% of injuries occurring at tackles. The ball carrier has a higher injury incidence than the defender, therefore understanding mechanisms occurring during injurious tackles are important. Given the dynamic, open nature of tackling, characteristics influencing tackle outcome likely encompass complex networks of dependencies. This study aims to identify important classifying characteristics of the tackle related to ball carrier injurious and non-injurious events in rugby league and identify the characteristics capability to correctly classify those events. Forty-one ball carrier injuries were identified and 205 matched non-injurious tackles were identified as controls. Each case and control were analysed retrospectively through video analysis. Random forest models were built to (1) filter tackle characteristics possessing relative importance for classifying tackles resulting in injurious/non-injurious outcomes and (2) determine sensitivity and specificity of tackle characteristics to classify injurious and non-injurious events. Six characteristics were identified to possess relative importance to classify injurious tackles. This included 'tackler twisted ball carrier's legs when legs were planted on ground', 'the tackler and ball carrier collide heads', 'the tackler used body weight to tackle ball carrier', 'the tackler has obvious control of the ball carrier' 'the tackler was approaching tackle sub-maximally' and 'tackler's arms were below shoulder level, elbows were flexed'. The study identified tackle characteristics that can be modified in attempt to reduce injury. Additional injury data are needed to establish relationship networks of characteristics and analyse specific injuries. Sensitivity and specificity results of the random forest were 0.995 and 0.525.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hopkinson
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - G Nicholson
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - D Weaving
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - S Hendricks
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Fitzpatrick
- Faculty of Health, The University of Bolton, Bolton, UK
| | - A Naylor
- Faculty of Health, The University of Bolton, Bolton, UK
| | - C Robertson
- Faculty of Health, The University of Bolton, Bolton, UK
| | - C Beggs
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - B Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK.,England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK.,School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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Kerr ZY, Pierpoint LA, Rosene JM. Epidemiology of Concussions in High School Boys' Ice Hockey, 2008/09 to 2016/17 School Years. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:e21-e28. [PMID: 30451700 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the epidemiology of concussions in high school boys' ice hockey during the 2008/09 to 2016/17 school years. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. Athletic trainers from an average 33 high schools annually reported boys' ice hockey concussion and athlete-exposure (AE) data for the High School Reporting Information Online system. SETTING Convenience sample of high school boys' ice hockey programs during the 2008/09 to 2016/17 school years. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS High school boys' ice hockey players (aged ∼14-18 years). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES Concussion data on event type, injury mechanism, symptom resolution time, and time loss were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Concussion rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and distributions were calculated. RESULTS Overall, 348 concussions were reported in boys' ice hockey during the 2008/09 to 2016/17 academic years, leading to a concussion rate of 0.68/1000 AEs (95% CI, 0.61-0.75). Most occurred in competitions (85.6%), particularly after the first period (72.1% of all competition concussions). Among practice concussions, most occurred after the first hour of practice (60.0%). Most concussions were due to player contact (47.7%) and boards/glass contact (31.9%). Although 69.0% of concussed athletes had symptoms resolve in less than 7 days, only 14.1% returned to activity within a week. CONCLUSIONS Most concussions occurred within the second and third periods. Preventive strategies that counter an increased risk of concussion due to a greater intensity of gameplay coupled with increased fatigue may be warranted. Moreover, athletes may further benefit from prevention efforts that focus on anticipating impacts during gameplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Y Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lauren A Pierpoint
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - John M Rosene
- Department of Exercise and Sport Performance, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine
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26
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The Effect of Sub-Concussive Impacts during a Rugby Tackling Drill on Brain Function. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120960. [PMID: 33321843 PMCID: PMC7764819 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Concussion is known to detrimentally affect brain health. Rugby tackles commonly occur with high collision force between tackler and ball carrier, and low impact head contact is not uncommon. Cognitive deficits following a bout of soccer ball heading has been attributed to the impact and termed sub-concussion. Although soccer ball heading studies provide evidence for acute effects of sub-concussion, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occurs following rugby tackles. This study investigates the acute effects of rugby tackles on brain function and balance in rugby players. Twenty-six volunteers were assigned to either the ball carrier (9), tackler (9) or control (8) group. Controls performed running without the tackle. Outcome measures included corticomotor function using transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and balance was assessed by a series of tasks performed on a NeuroCom Balance Master before and immediately after a tackle training drill. Following the tackling bout, the cortical silent period (cSP) increased for the tacklers with no change for ball carrier and control groups, and no differences between groups for balance measures were observed. Lengthening of cSP observed in the tacklers following the bout has been reported in studies of concussion and may indicate long term detrimental effects.
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27
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Lopez V, Ma R, Weinstein MG, Hume PA, Cantu RC, Victoria C, Queler SC, Webb KJA, Allen AA. United States Under-19 Rugby-7s: Incidence and Nature of Match Injuries During a 5-year Epidemiological Study. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2020; 6:41. [PMID: 32852666 PMCID: PMC7452962 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-020-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background There is a lack of injury data for the new Olympic sport of Rugby-7s, particularly for involved youth. Objective To determine injury rates and characteristics for players participating in U.S. Rugby-7s U19 (under 19 years of age) tournaments. Methods Injury data were collected, using the Rugby Injury Survey & Evaluation report methodology, at 24 U.S. Rugby-7 s U19 tournaments over 30 tournament days (2010–2014). Tournament medical-attention injuries and time-loss injuries (days absent before return to training/competition including post tournament) were recorded. Results During the 2101 playing hours (3072 males, aged 17.2 ± 1.5 years; 732 females, 16.6 ± 1.3 years of age), there were 173 tournament injuries with an overall injury incidence of 82.4/1000 player-match-hours (ph) (CI 70.5–95.6). Acute injuries (79.5/1000 ph) occurred during tackling (56.2/1000 ph) and involved joints/ligaments (32.8/1000 ph) of lower extremities (31.9/1000 ph). Head and neck injuries, including concussions, were common (males 21.9/1000 ph; females 22.0/1000 ph). Medical-attention injury incidences (49.5/1000 ph; n = 104; 95% CI 40.5–60.0) were higher than time loss (32.8/1000 ph; n = 69; 95% CI 25.5–41.6). Overall, injury incidences found no difference between sex (RR 0.78; p = 0.369). Time-loss injuries resulted in an average of 35.5 d to return to sport. Discussion This study is the first to report match injury incidences for U19 participants in Rugby-7s. Overall, match injury incidence among U.S. U19 Rugby-7s tournaments was similar compared to adult U.S. community Rugby-7s. Recurrent injury risk was notable in this population. Community injury surveillance studies are essential to understand risk from participation in amateur sports. Knowledge of these injury patterns in U19 Rugby-7s will help identify areas to direct resources to enable growth of Rugby-7s in youths and emerging countries being exposed to Rugby-7 s. Age-based injury frequency and patterns in rugby and its various formats are needed for the development of evidence-based, sport-specific, and population-specific injury prevention initiatives. Conclusions The match injury incidence of U19 participants in U.S. Rugby-7s was similar to the incidence among adult participants. Recurrent match injury risk was high at 23%. There were no significant differences in injury incidences between males and females. The first three matches of a tournament day result in the most injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Lopez
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA. .,Auckland University of Technology, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, New Zealand, AUT Millennium, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. .,USA Rugby Empire Geographic Union RFUs, P.O. Box 488, Bowling Green Station, New York, NY, 10274, USA. .,USA Rugby New England Geographic Union RFU, 2193 Commonwealth Ave, Box 364, Brighton, MA, 02135, USA. .,Northeast Rugby Academy, USA Rugby Development Program and USOC-Community Olympic Development Program, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Richard Ma
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA.,Auckland University of Technology, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, New Zealand, AUT Millennium, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.,Northeast Rugby Academy, USA Rugby Development Program and USOC-Community Olympic Development Program, New York, NY, USA.,University of Missouri, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute & Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Meryle G Weinstein
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA.,New York University, Department of Applied Statistics, Social Sciences, and Humanities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patria A Hume
- Auckland University of Technology, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, New Zealand, AUT Millennium, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Robert C Cantu
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Cantu Concussion Center, Department of Neurosurgery and Sports Medicine, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA.,Neurologic Sports Injury Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Concussion Legacy Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA.,World Rugby, Independent Concussion Group, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christian Victoria
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA.,New York University, College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sophie C Queler
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA.,Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Khalil J A Webb
- Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, affiliate Hospital for Special Surgery, 118-17 Union Turnpike, Suite 3B, New York, NY, 11375, USA.,University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Answorth A Allen
- Sports Medicine Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.,National Basketball Association, New York Knickerbockers, New York, NY, USA.,USA Basketball, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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28
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Barden C, Bekker S, Brown JC, Stokes KA, McKay CD. Evaluating the Implementation of Injury Prevention Strategies in Rugby Union and League: A Systematic Review using the RE-AIM Framework. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:112-121. [PMID: 32722829 DOI: 10.1055/a-1212-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rugby (union and league) has come under intense scrutiny due to its injury risk. Various interventions have been introduced to protect players from injury, with many deemed efficacious and advocated for use across various worldwide contexts. However, their implementation is less clear. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether injury prevention interventions in rugby have evaluated their 'reach', 'effectiveness', 'adoption', 'implementation' and 'maintenance' as per the RE-AIM Multi-Dimension Item Checklist. Six electronic databases were searched in November 2019. Inclusion criteria included: English language, peer-reviewed journal article, original research, field-based rugby code, prospective intervention. Of the 4253 studies identified, 74 met the full inclusion criteria. Protective equipment, predominately mouthguards, was the intervention of interest in 44 studies. Other interventions included multimodal national injury prevention programmes, law changes and neuromuscular training programmes. 'Effectiveness' was the highest scoring RE-AIM dimension (55%), followed by 'reach' (26%). All other RE-AIM dimensions scored below 20%. Research currently focuses on determining intervention 'effectiveness'. For injury prevention strategies to have their desired impact, there must be a shift to address all determinants associated with implementation. Consideration should be given to how this can be achieved by adopting specific reporting checklists, research frameworks and study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Barden
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sheree Bekker
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - James Craig Brown
- Institute for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,IOC Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Keith A Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Carly D McKay
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Centre for Motivation and Health Behaviour Change, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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29
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Lazarczuk SL, Love T, Cross MJ, Stokes KA, Williams S, Taylor AE, Fuller CW, Brooks JHM, Kemp SPT, Bezodis NE. The epidemiology of kicking injuries in professional Rugby Union: A 15-season prospective study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1739-1747. [PMID: 32492220 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While kicking in Rugby Union can be influential to match outcome, the epidemiology of kicking injuries remains unknown. This study therefore aimed to investigate the epidemiology of injuries attributed to kicking in professional rugby, including playing position-specific effects and differences in kicking volumes and kick types. METHODS Fifteen seasons of injury surveillance data and two seasons of match kicking characteristics from professional rugby players were analyzed. Incidence, propensity, and severity of kicking-related injuries were calculated together with the locations and types of these injuries. Position-related differences in match kicking types and volumes were also established. RESULTS Seventy-seven match and 55 training acute-onset kicking injuries were identified. The match kicking injury incidence for backs was 1.4/1000 player-match-hours. Across all playing positions, the propensity for match kicking injury was 0.57 injuries/1000 kicks. Fly-halves sustained the greatest proportion of match kicking injuries (47%) and performed the greatest proportion of match kicks (46%); an average propensity for match kicking injury (0.58/1000 kicks). Scrum-halves executed 27% of match-related kicks but had a very low propensity for match kicking injury (0.17/1000 kicks). All other positional groups executed a small proportion of match-related kicks but a high propensity for match kicking injury. Ninety-two percent of match kicking injuries occurred in the pelvis or lower limb, with the majority sustained by the kicking limb. 21% of all match kicking injuries were associated with the rectus femoris muscle. CONCLUSION Match kicking profiles and kicking injuries sustained are position-dependent, which provides valuable insight for developing player-specific conditioning and rehabilitation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Lazarczuk
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK.,Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Thomas Love
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Keith A Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
| | | | | | | | - John H M Brooks
- Connect Health, Merton MSK Service, London, UK.,Ministry of Defence, RRU Halton, Wendover, UK
| | | | - Neil E Bezodis
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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30
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Brazier J, Antrobus M, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Callus P, Erskine RM, Bennett MA, Kilduff LP, Williams AG. Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male Rugby Athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34:1790-1801. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Burger N, Lambert M, Hendricks S. Lay of the land: narrative synthesis of tackle research in rugby union and rugby sevens. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020; 6:e000645. [PMID: 32518671 PMCID: PMC7254146 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this review was to synthesise both injury prevention and performance tackle-related research to provide rugby stakeholders with information on tackle injury epidemiology, including tackle injury risk factors and performance determinants, and to discuss potential preventative measures. Design Systematic review and narrative synthesis. Data sources PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria Limited to peer-reviewed English-only publications between January 1995 and October 2018. Results A total of 317 studies were identified, with 177 in rugby union and 13 were in rugby sevens. The tackle accounted for more than 50% of all injuries in rugby union and rugby sevens, both at the professional level and at the lower levels, with the rate of tackle injuries higher at the professional level (mean 32/1000 player-hours) compared with the lower levels (mean 17/1000 player-hours). A player’s tackle actions and technical ability were identified as major risk factors for injury and a key determinant of performance. Summary/conclusion Evidence-based education, progressive tackle technique training with a high potential to transfer and law changes have been proposed as key modifiers of player tackle actions and technical ability. Conceivably, all three modifiers working in unison (as opposed to separately) will have a higher potential at reducing tackle injury risk while enhancing performance. With the guidance of tackle injury and performance studies, as well as stakeholder engagement, experiential and explorative tackle research has the potential to inspire innovative injury prevention and performance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Burger
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.,Department of Public and Occupational Health and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.,Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Centre for Sport Performance, School of Sport, Fairfax Hall, Headingley Campus, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
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Hendricks S, Till K, den Hollander S, Savage TN, Roberts SP, Tierney G, Burger N, Kerr H, Kemp S, Cross M, Patricios J, McKune AJ, Bennet M, Rock A, Stokes KA, Ross A, Readhead C, Quarrie KL, Tucker R, Jones B. Consensus on a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the Rugby Union Video Analysis Consensus group. Br J Sports Med 2020; 54:566-572. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Using an expert consensus-based approach, a rugby union Video Analysis Consensus (RUVAC) group was formed to develop a framework for video analysis research in rugby union. The aim of the framework is to improve the consistency of video analysis work in rugby union and help enhance the overall quality of future research in the sport. To reach consensus, a systematic review and Delphi method study design was used. After a systematic search of the literature, 17 articles were used to develop the final framework that described and defined key actions and events in rugby union (rugby). Thereafter, a group of researchers and practitioners with experience and expertise in rugby video analysis formed the RUVAC group. Each member of the group examined the framework of descriptors and definitions and rated their level of agreement on a 5-point agreement Likert scale (1:strongly disagree; 2:disagree; 3:neither agree or disagree; 4:agree; 5: strongly agree). The mean rating of agreement on the five-point scale (1:strongly disagree; 5:strongly agree) was 4.6 (4.3–4.9), 4.6 (4.4–4.9), 4.7 (4.5–4.9), 4.8 (4.6–5.0) and 4.8 (4.6–5.0) for the tackle, ruck, scrum, line-out and maul, respectively. The RUVAC group recommends using this consensus as the starting framework when conducting rugby video analysis research. Which variables to use (if not all) depends on the objectives of the study. Furthermore, the intention of this consensus is to help integrate video data with other data (eg, injury surveillance).
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Stokes KA, Locke D, Roberts S, Henderson L, Tucker R, Ryan D, Kemp S. Does reducing the height of the tackle through law change in elite men’s rugby union (The Championship, England) reduce the incidence of concussion? A controlled study in 126 games. Br J Sports Med 2019; 55:220-225. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesMost concussions in rugby union occur during tackles. We investigated whether legislation to lower maximum tackle height would change tackle behaviour, and reduce concussion incidence rate.MethodsIn an observational evaluation using a prospective cohort design, 12 elite men’s teams played in two competitions during the 2018/2019 season. The Championship (90 games) retained standard Laws of Rugby for the tackle; the Championship Cup (36 games) used revised laws—the maximum tackle height was lowered from the line of the shoulders on the ball carrier to the line of the armpits. Videos of tackles were analysed for ball carrier and tackler behaviour. Injury data were collected using standardised methods.ResultsIn the lowered tackle height setting, there was a significantly lower proportion of tackles; (1) in which ball carriers (rate ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.86) and tacklers (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.84) were upright, (2) in which the tackler’s initial contact was to the ball carrier’s head or neck (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.84) and (3) in which initial contact was above the line of the ball carrier’s armpit (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.88). Concussion incidence rate did not differ between conditions (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.01). Unexpectedly, compared with the standard tackle height setting, tacklers in the lowered tackle height setting were themselves concussed at a higher rate as measured by; (1) incidence (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.45) and (2) concussions per 1000 tackles (2.09, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.80).ConclusionsLegislating to lower the height of the tackle meant that tacklers made contact with the ball carrier’s head and neck 30% less often. This did not influence concussion incidence rates. Tacklers in the lowered tackle height setting suffered more concussions than did tacklers in the standard tackle height setting.
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Hendricks S, Sin DW, van Niekerk T, den Hollander S, Brown J, Maree W, Treu P, Lambert M. Technical determinants of tackle and ruck performance in International Rugby Sevens. Eur J Sport Sci 2019; 20:868-879. [PMID: 31665980 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1675764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Rugby Sevens ('Sevens') is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This growth was marked by the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Games in 2016. The most frequently occurring contact events in Sevens are the tackle and ruck. Performing specific techniques during these contact events can reduce the risk of injury and increase the likelihood of success. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the technical determinants associated with tackle and ruck performance outcomes in Sevens. A total of 4799 tackles and 1405 rucks from the 2014/2015 HSBC Sevens World Series were coded for contact, post-contact, ruck, match contextual variables and outcomes. Relative risk ratio (RR), the ratio of the probability of an outcome occurring when a variable was observed, was determined using multinomial logistic regression. A moderate ball-carrier leg drive reduced the probability of losing possession by 25% (RR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.58-0.97, p < .05). Conversely, ball-carriers had a 53% higher likelihood of losing possession when the tackler executed a moderate leg drive (RR 1.53, 95% CI, 1.09-2.14, p ≤ .05). Maintaining possession at the ruck was more likely to occur when committing one attacker compared to two (RR 0.31, 95% CI, 0.19-0.49, p < .001). Active ball-carrier placement also increased the likelihood of maintaining possession at the ruck (RR 14.67, 95% CI, 9.55-22.56, p < .001). Sevens coaches and trainers can now positively design evidence-based technical training programmes and emphasise specific tackle techniques in training using data from Sevens video analysis. Also, given that this is the first study to relate tackle technical determinants to an outcome (i.e. the first 'how' study) in Sevens, this work provides the foundation for similar Sevens video analysis studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Drew Wade Sin
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tiffany van Niekerk
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steve den Hollander
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Brown
- Institute for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willie Maree
- The South African Rugby Union, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul Treu
- Western Province Rugby Union/Stormers, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mike Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public and Occupational Health and the EMGO Institute Health and Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Suzuki K, Nagai S, Iwai K, Furukawa T, Mukai N, Miyakawa S, Takemura M. Characteristics and factors of concussion events for tacklers in collegiate rugby union. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 30:185-192. [PMID: 31494968 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to the occurrence of concussion in rugby tacklers. Match video records showing tackles leading to concussion were used to identify injury-inciting events. Additionally, noninjury tackles by concussed tacklers (prior to concussion) and position-matched tacklers from the same matches were used as a control cohort. All tackles were coded according to the tackling characteristics. The odds ratio (OR) was reported by logistic regression. The results demonstrated that a side step of the ball-carrier reduced the risk of concussion for tacklers (OR = 0.13 [95% CI, 0.03-0.58]; P = .008). Conversely, the tackler's head/neck contacting the ball-carrier (OR = 18.62 [95% CI, 4.59-75.49]; P < .001) and not remaining bound to the ball-carrier since making initial contact (OR = 4.38 [95% CI, 1.69-11.34]; P = .002) were identified as risk factors for the concussion of tacklers. These results suggest that avoidance movements of the ball-carrier prior to tackling reduced the risk of concussion and that incorrect tackling techniques contributed to an increased occurrence of concussion. Furthermore, the probability of concussion for tacklers increased when their head was in front or to one side of the ball-carrier, and the direction of the tackle also affected the risk of concussion, especially from the side. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the tackler's head position in conjunction with the direction of tackle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Suzuki
- Division of Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Center of Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwai
- Center of Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuo Furukawa
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoki Mukai
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shumpei Miyakawa
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takemura
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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den Hollander S, Lambert M, Jones B, Hendricks S. Tackle and ruck technique proficiency within academy and senior club rugby union. J Sports Sci 2019; 37:2578-2587. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1648121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steve den Hollander
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Western Province Rugby Academy, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Western Province Rugby Academy, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union Football Club, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
- England Performance Unit, The Rugby Football League, Leeds, UK
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Western Province Rugby Academy, Cape Town, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Elite Rugby: The Potential Genetic Influence. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7:sports7060138. [PMID: 31167482 PMCID: PMC6628064 DOI: 10.3390/sports7060138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews tendon and ligament injury incidence and severity within elite rugby union and rugby league. Furthermore, it discusses the biological makeup of tendons and ligaments and how genetic variation may influence this and predisposition to injury. Elite rugby has one of the highest reported injury incidences of any professional sport. This is likely due to a combination of well-established injury surveillance systems and the characteristics of the game, whereby high-impact body contact frequently occurs, in addition to the high intensity, multispeed and multidirectional nature of play. Some of the most severe of all these injuries are tendon and ligament/joint (non-bone), and therefore, potentially the most debilitating to a player and playing squad across a season or World Cup competition. The aetiology of these injuries is highly multi-factorial, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that some of the inter-individual variability in injury susceptibility may be due to genetic variation. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of genetic injury traits within rugby athletes. Due to a growing understanding of the molecular characteristics underpinning the aetiology of injury, investigating genetic variation within elite rugby is a viable and worthy proposition. Therefore, we propose several single nucleotide polymorphisms within candidate genes of interest; COL1A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, MIR608, MMP3, TIMP2, VEGFA, NID1 and COLGALT1 warrant further study within elite rugby and other invasion sports.
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Kerr ZY, Roos KG, Lincoln AE, Morris S, Yeargin SW, Grant J, Covassin T, Dodge T, Nittoli VC, Mensch J, Quetant SL, Wasserman EB, Dompier TP, Caswell SV. Injury Incidence in Youth, High School, and NCAA Men's Lacrosse. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2018-3482. [PMID: 31076542 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-3482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared injury incidence and mechanisms among youth, high school (HS), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) boys' and men's lacrosse athletes for the 2014-2015 to 2016-2017 lacrosse seasons. METHODS Multiple injury surveillance systems were used to capture 21 youth boys', 22 HS boys', and 20 NCAA men's lacrosse team-seasons of data during the 2014-2015 to 2016-2017 seasons. Athletic trainers reported game and practice injuries and athlete exposures (AEs). Injuries included those occurring during a game and/or practice and requiring evaluation from an athletic trainer and/or physician. Injury counts, rates per 1000 AEs, and injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS The injury rate in youth was higher than those reported in HS (10.3 vs 5.3 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.6-2.4) and the NCAA (10.3 vs 4.7 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9-2.5). When considering time loss injuries only (restricted participation of ≥24 hours), the injury rate in youth was lower than those reported in HS (2.0 vs 2.9 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.95) and the NCAA (2.0 vs 3.3 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.8). The concussion rate in youth was higher than those in HS (0.7 vs 0.3 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.2) and the NCAA (0.7 vs 0.3 per 1000 AEs; IRR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7). Injuries at the youth, HS, and NCAA levels were most commonly associated with stick contact, inflammatory conditions (including bursitis, tendonitis, and other unspecified inflammation), and noncontact mechanisms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although the time loss injury rate was lowest in youth boys' lacrosse, the concussion rate was the highest. Injury prevention approaches should be specific to the mechanisms associated with each level of play (eg, equipment skill development in youth).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Y Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina;
| | - Karen G Roos
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California
| | - Andrew E Lincoln
- MedStar Sports Medicine Health Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Morris
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Susan W Yeargin
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Jon Grant
- St Vincent Sports Performance, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tracey Covassin
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | | | - James Mensch
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Sara L Quetant
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Erin B Wasserman
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Thomas P Dompier
- Department of Athletic Training, Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Shane V Caswell
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research and Testing Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
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Cervical range of motion in school age rugby union players: A cross sectional study. Phys Ther Sport 2019; 38:123-131. [PMID: 31102997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Provide normative values for cervical range of motion and describe trends in school age rugby union players. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING National 3 level club. PARTICIPANTS 59 school age rugby union players across under 8 (n = 8), under 9 (n = 9), under 10 (n = 15), under 13 (n = 13) and under 15 (n = 15) categories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cervical range of motion using a cervical range of motion device (CROM) to determine values for active range of motion. RESULTS This study established mean ranges of motion for each age group. Pooled mean ranges with standard deviations for each direction were, flexion 66° (±11), extension 73° (±17), left rotation 69° (±9), right rotation 74° (±10), left lateral flexion 53° (±10) and right lateral flexion 49° (±12). No statistically significant differences were observed between the age groups, however, downward trends in lateral flexion were observed as age increased. School age rugby players had greater range of motion than senior playing counterparts. CONCLUSIONS No statistically significant differences in ranges of motion were observed between the age groups of under 8 through to under 15. However, downward trends in some ranges of motion highlight the need for age specific monitoring for potential adaptations to continued playing and comparison to age matched non-rugby players. Inclusion of other risk factors such as head re-positioning sense should also be evaluated to help guide injury risk reduction strategies.
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Cogoluenhes L, Evin M, Forodighasemabadi A, Wei W, Thollon L, Llari M. A modelisation of quantification of head and neck risks associated with tackles in rugby union. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2020.1714910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Cogoluenhes
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
| | - M. Evin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
| | - A. Forodighasemabadi
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
- CRMBM UMR 7339 AMU/CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - W. Wei
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
| | - L. Thollon
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
| | - M. Llari
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR, Marseille, France
- iLabSpine International Associated Laboratory Marseille-Montréal, Marseille-Montréal, France-Canada
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Kraak W, Bam J, Kruger S, Henderson S, Josias U, Stokes K. Sanctioning of Illegal and Dangerous Ruck Cleanouts During the 2018 Super Rugby Competition. Front Psychol 2019; 10:803. [PMID: 31024414 PMCID: PMC6461009 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rugby is a high contact sport that results in many injuries. The majority of injuries at senior elite levels result from contact phases during match-play. It is estimated that 10% of all match injuries are associated with the ruck in professional and community rugby. Surveillance of legal and illegal ruck cleanouts and the sanctions imposed by the on-field referees will help identify whether referees are actually enforcing the law according to the laws of the game, which will consequently contribute to the creation and implementation of further injury prevention strategies. Players should play the game in accordance with the laws of the game and be mindful of their own safety and that of others. Coaches and trainers of the game have the responsibility to ensure that players are prepared in a manner that comply with the World Rugby (WR) laws of the game and safe practices. Laws and law amendments are fundamental to the development of sport and introduced for a variety of reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of sanctioning of illegal and dangerous ruck cleanouts during the 2018 Super Rugby competition by using Nacsport Basic+ video software; 120 round robin matches from the 2018 Super Rugby competition were coded and analyzed. The analysis of the intra reliability showed an almost perfect (>0.95) agreement between all the performance indicators. In total, 22,281 ruck cleanouts were coded of which 9% (n = 2111) were illegal ruck cleanouts and 93% were not sanctioned by the referees; 57% (1087 out of 1953) of the illegal ruck cleanouts not sanctioned by the referees were deemed dangerous. The majority of dangerous illegal ruck cleanouts not sanctioned by the referees were "shoulder charge" (88%, n = 280), "neck roll" (86%, n = 100), and "contact above the shoulder" (81%, n = 201). To aid injury prevention efforts in rugby, future research studies should investigate why on-field referees are not sanctioning all illegal and dangerous ruck cleanouts according to WR Laws of the Game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilbur Kraak
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jenna Bam
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Kruger
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Henderson
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ugan Josias
- Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Keith Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Suzuki K, Nagai S, Ogaki R, Iwai K, Furukawa T, Miyakawa S, Takemura M. Video analysis of tackling situations leading to concussion in collegiate rugby union. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.7600/jpfsm.8.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keita Suzuki
- Division of Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
- Center of Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences
| | - Satoshi Nagai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University
| | - Ryo Ogaki
- Department of Business Management, Faculty of Modern Life, Teikyo Heisei University
| | - Koichi Iwai
- Center of Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences
| | - Takuo Furukawa
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Tsukuba
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Chambers RM, Gabbett TJ, Gupta R, Josman C, Bown R, Stridgeon P, Cole MH. Automatic detection of one-on-one tackles and ruck events using microtechnology in rugby union. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:827-832. [PMID: 30642674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Chambers
- Welsh Rugby Union, United Kingdom; School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
| | - Tim J Gabbett
- Gabbett Performance Solutions, Australia; University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Resilient Regions, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael H Cole
- School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia
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Tanabe Y, Kawasaki T, Tanaka H, Murakami K, Nobuhara K, Okuwaki T, Kaneko K. The kinematics of 1-on-1 rugby tackling: a study using 3-dimensional motion analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019; 28:149-157. [PMID: 30241983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although past studies using video analysis indicated that the arm tackle and head-in-front shoulder tackle are possible risks for shoulder dislocation, the underlying mechanisms of tackling-related shoulder dislocation have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to analyze the kinematic aspects of these tackling motions in 1-on-1 tackles in an experimental setting using a 3-dimensional motion-capture system. METHODS A total of 65 one-on-one tackles were recorded using a marker-based, automatic, digitizing motion-capture system. A documented tackle was classified into 1 of 3 types, which was decided based on the first point of contact on the ball carrier and the head position at the time of impact: shoulder tackle (reference tackle), arm tackle, and head-in-front tackle. The orientations of the head, trunk, and shoulder at impact were calculated and statistically compared with each other. RESULTS The distribution of tackles recorded in this study was as follows: 38 shoulder, 23 arm, and 4 head-in-front tackles. In comparison with the shoulder tackle as a reference, shoulder abduction on the side of impact was higher in both the arm and head-in-front tackles, while shoulder external rotation was lower in the head-in-front tackles. In the latter type of tackle, significant decreases in neck extension and ipsilateral neck rotation were also indicated. CONCLUSION The kinematics in both the arm tackle and the head-in-front tackle is significantly different from that in the shoulder tackle and may represent a distinct risk factor for shoulder dislocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Tanabe
- Mejiro Orthopaedics and Internal Medicine Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Tanaka
- Nobuhara Hospital and Institute of Biomechanics, Tatsuno, Japan
| | - Kenji Murakami
- Faculty of Sports Science, Sendai University, Shibata, Japan
| | | | - Toru Okuwaki
- Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kaneko
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tierney GJ, Simms CK. Can tackle height influence head injury assessment risk in elite rugby union? J Sci Med Sport 2018; 21:1210-1214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Background Rugby union is a physically demanding, full-contact team sport that has gained worldwide popularity. The incidence of injury in rugby union has been widely reported in the literature. While comprehensive injury surveillance and prevention programmes have been implemented within the professional game, there is a need for similar strategies in the amateur game. Despite recent increases in the volume of research in rugby, there is little consensus regarding the true incidence rate of match and training injuries in senior amateur male rugby union players. Objective The aim of the current review was to systematically review the available evidence on the epidemiology of time-loss injuries in senior amateur male rugby union players and to subsequently conduct a meta-analysis of the findings. Methods A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus and Google Scholar electronic databases was performed using the following keywords; (‘rugby’ OR ‘rugby union’) AND (‘amateur’ OR ‘community’) AND (‘injur*’ OR ‘pain*’). Six articles regarding the incidence of injury in senior amateur male rugby union players, in both matches and training, were retrieved and included in the meta-analysis to determine the overall incidence rate of match injury, with descriptive analyses also provided for other reported variables. Results The overall incidence rate of match injuries within senior amateur rugby union players was 46.8/1000 player hours [95% confidence interval (CI) 34.4–59.2]. Contact events accounted for the majority of injuries, with the tackler more at risk than the player being tackled, and with respective incidence rates of 15.9/1000 player hours (95% CI 12.4–19.5) and 12.2/1000 player hours (95% CI 9.3–15.1). Conclusion This meta-analysis found that the incidence rate of injury in amateur rugby union players was lower than that in professional players, but higher than the incidences reported in adolescent and youth rugby players. By understanding the true incidence and nature of injuries in rugby, injury prevention strategies can best be implemented. Future prevention strategies may best be aimed towards the tackle area, specifically to the tackler, in order to minimize injury risk.
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Kawasaki T, Tanabe Y, Tanaka H, Murakami K, Maki N, Ozaki H, Hirayama D, Kunda M, Nobuhara K, Okuwaki T, Kaneko K. Kinematics of Rugby Tackling: A Pilot Study With 3-dimensional Motion Analysis. Am J Sports Med 2018; 46:2514-2520. [PMID: 29979610 DOI: 10.1177/0363546518781808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although improper tackling technique in rugby can affect the outcome of the tackle and lead to head, neck, and shoulder injuries, the effects of the height of the tackle or the side of the leading leg at the time of impact have not been investigated. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to characterize the trunk orientation at impact during various tackles. It was hypothesized that 3-dimensional motion analysis would be able to capture the critical kinematic differences in the 4 types of tackles studied. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS A total of 66 tackles on a tackle bag were recorded among 13 elite rugby players. Four types of tackles were evaluated: the normal shoulder tackle, in which the tackler's dominant shoulder made impact while the leading foot was on the same side as that shoulder; the low tackle, in which the tackler targeted the lower portion of the tackle bag; the opposite-leg tackle, in which the tackler's leading leg was on the opposite side as the shoulder making impact; and the low and opposite-leg tackle, which was a combination of the previous 2 types of tackles. The orientation of the trunk at impact was calculated, and 2-way repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to compare the characteristics of these tackles. RESULTS Trunk inclination at impact was lower in the low tackle than in the normal tackle ( P < .01), regardless of the side of the leading leg. Trunk bending to the side of the impacted shoulder was lower in the opposite-leg tackle ( P < .01), and these findings were more significant in the normal-height tackles ( P < .01). Trunk rotation to the side of the impacted shoulder was lower in the opposite-leg tackles ( P < .01) and more significant in the lower-height tackles ( P = .03). CONCLUSION The 3-dimensional motion capture system was effective in investigating the kinematics of rugby tackling. The kinematics in the low and opposite-leg tackles were significantly different from those in the normal shoulder tackle, which may affect tackle performance and the possible risk of contact injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE When a rugby coach provides tackling instructions to players, it is advantageous to have information about the kinematics of different types of tackles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Tanabe
- Mejiro Orthopaedics and Internal Medicine Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tanaka
- Nobuhara Hospital and Institute of Biomechanics, Tatsuno, Japan
| | - Kenji Murakami
- Faculty of Sports Science, Sendai University, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kazuo Kaneko
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Kerr ZY, Wilkerson GB, Caswell SV, Currie DW, Pierpoint LA, Wasserman EB, Knowles SB, Dompier TP, Comstock RD, Marshall SW. The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in United States High School Football (2005-2006 Through 2013-2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Football (2004-2005 Through 2013-2014). J Athl Train 2018; 53:738-751. [PMID: 30138047 PMCID: PMC6188086 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-144-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT: The advent of Web-based sports injury surveillance via programs such as the High School Reporting Information Online system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program has aided the acquisition of football injury data. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained in high school football in the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years and collegiate football in the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years using Web-based sports injury surveillance. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. SETTING: Online injury surveillance from football teams of high school boys (annual average = 100) and collegiate men (annual average = 43). PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Football players who participated in practices and competitions during the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years in high school or the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years in college. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Athletic trainers collected time-loss injury (≥24 hours) and exposure data. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and injury proportions by body site and diagnosis were calculated. RESULTS: The High School Reporting Information Online system documented 18 189 time-loss injuries during 4 539 636 AEs; the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program documented 22 766 time-loss injuries during 3 121 476 AEs. The injury rate was higher among collegiate than high school (7.29 versus 4.01/1000 AEs; IRR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.79, 1.86) athletes. Most injuries occurred during competitions in high school (53.2%) and practices in college (60.9%). The competition injury rate was higher than the practice injury rate among both high school (IRR = 5.62; 95% CI = 5.46, 5.78) and collegiate (IRR = 6.59; 95% CI = 6.41, 6.76) players. Most injuries at both levels affected the lower extremity and the shoulder/clavicle and were diagnosed as ligament sprains and muscle/tendon strains. However, concussion was a common injury during competitions among most positions. CONCLUSIONS: Injury rates were higher in college than in high school and higher for competitions than for practices. Concussion was a frequent injury sustained during competitions, which confirms the need to develop interventions to mitigate its incidence and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Y. Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Gary B. Wilkerson
- Graduate Athletic Training Education Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
| | - Shane V. Caswell
- Sports Medicine Assessment, Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA
| | - Dustin W. Currie
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora
| | | | - Erin B. Wasserman
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Thomas P. Dompier
- Department of Athletic Training, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA
| | - R. Dawn Comstock
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Stephen W. Marshall
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Ashworth B, Hogben P, Singh N, Tulloch L, Cohen DD. The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test: reliability of a novel upper body isometric strength test in elite rugby players. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018; 4:e000365. [PMID: 30057775 PMCID: PMC6059329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lower limb isometric tests are used to assess strength and strength asymmetries and monitor reductions in muscle force that may contribute to loss of performance and increase injury risk. Isometric tests in the upper body may be appropriate to monitor neuromuscular performance of the shoulder joint in sports involving contact and overhead actions. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of a novel upper body isometric strength test. Methods Eighteen elite rugby players (age 22.4±4.6 years; body mass 95.5±13.4 kg) were tested on consecutive days. Maximal isometric contractions using both limbs against a force platform were assessed at three angles of abduction (180°, ‘I’; 135°, ‘Y’ and 90°, ‘T’), in a prone lying position. To evaluate interday reliability, intraclass coefficients (ICC) were calculated for mean net peak force (NPF) and highest NPF achieved in any trial (peak NPF). Intratrial variability was assessed using coefficient of variation (CV), and the standard error of measurement (SEM) was used to calculate minimal detectable change (MDC). Results Interday reliability for NPF was excellent in all test positions (ICC 0.94–0.98). The test demonstrated high absolute reliability values (SEM 4.8–10.8) and interday measurement error was below 10% in all test positions (CV 5.0–9.9%) except for the non-dominant arm I-position (CV 11.3%). Minimum detectable change was between 13.2 and 25.9 N. Conclusion The Athletic Shoulder test demonstrated excellent reliability for each test position supporting its use as a reliable tool to quantify the ability to produce and transfer force across the shoulder girdle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ashworth
- Sports Science & Medicine Department, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK
| | - Patrick Hogben
- Sports Science & Medicine Department, Saracens Rugby, London, UK
| | - Navraj Singh
- Sports Science & Medicine Department, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK.,Setanta College, Thurles, Ireland
| | - Laura Tulloch
- Sports Science & Medicine Department, Saracens Rugby, London, UK
| | - Daniel D Cohen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad de Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Badenhorst M, Verhagen E, Lambert MI, van Mechelen W, Brown JC. ‘In a blink of an eye your life can change’: experiences of players sustaining a rugby-related acute spinal cord injury. Inj Prev 2018; 25:313-320. [DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2018-042871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundThough rare, rugby union carries a risk for serious injuries such as acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI), which may result in permanent disability. Various studies have investigated injury mechanisms, prevention programmes and immediate medical management of these injuries. However, relatively scant attention has been placed on the player’s experience of such an injury and the importance of context.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the injury experience and its related context, as perceived by the catastrophically injured player.MethodsA qualitative approach was followed to explore the immediate, postevent injury experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 (n=48) players who had sustained a rugby-related ASCI.ResultsFour themes were derived from the data. Participants described the context around the injury incident, which may be valuable to help understand the mechanism of injury and potentially minimise risk. Participants also described certain contributing factors to their injury, which included descriptions of foul play and aggression, unaccustomed playing positions, pressure to perform and unpreparedness. The physical experience included signs and symptoms of ASCI that is important to recognise by first aiders, fellow teammates, coaches and referees. Lastly, participants described the emotional experience which has implications for all ASCI first responders.SignificanceAll rugby stakeholders, including players, first responders, coaches and referees, may gain valuable information from the experiences of players who have sustained these injuries. This information is also relevant for rugby safety initiatives in shaping education and awareness interventions.
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