1
|
Wang J, Qian Y, Wang D, Liu N, Yang Q. A prospective epidemiologic study of injuries and illnesses in the football matches of the 14th National Student Games of China. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39120555 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2388824] [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] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and characteristics of football player injuries and illnesses during the 14th National Student Games of China. The results indicate that 32 illnesses were reported, with 17 (53%) involving the gastrointestinal system, primarily caused by environmental factors (24, 69%). The illness incidence rate was 4.3 cases per 100 players or 10.2 cases per 1,000 player-days. Regarding injuries, 122 cases were reported, yielding an overall injury incidence rate was 38.9 per 1,000 game hours, or 1.14 per game. Most injuries resulted from collisions with other players, occurring predominantly 15 minutes before the end of the first half, and 30 minutes before the end of the game. Most of the injuries were in the ankle, thigh, knee joint, and groin. In conclusion, the injury incidence of football players in the 14th National Student Games of China is high, occurring from a variety of mechanisms. Physical contact should be emphasized during training, core strength, and stability training should be enhanced alongside comprehensive injury management and prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jibing Wang
- International College of Football, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqi Qian
- International College of Football, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duona Wang
- International College of Football, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nannan Liu
- International College of Football, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Yang
- International College of Football, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Why Median Severity and Ordinal Scale Severity Values should not be used for Injury Burden Results: A Critical Review. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:313-319. [PMID: 36669525 DOI: 10.1055/a-1983-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Injury burden is a composite measure of injury incidence and mean severity; this parameter has been reported as an output measure from injury surveillance studies in rugby for over 20 years. The benefits of reporting injury burden results have, more recently, been recognised in other sports. This wider use of injury burden as an output measure from injury surveillance studies has, however, highlighted misunderstandings about how to calculate, present and interpret injury burden data. The aim of this critical review is to explain why median severity and ordinal severity scales should not be used to calculate and report injury burden results in injury surveillance studies. Equations are presented to show how injury burden results should be calculated, and graphs and tables are presented to explain the errors that are introduced when median severity and ordinal scales of severity are used instead of mean severity. This critical review is intended to highlight the correct procedures for calculating, reporting and interpreting injury burden results in order to avoid incorrect results, conclusions and injury prevention recommendations being published.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chia L, De Oliveira Silva D, Whalan M, McKay MJ, Sullivan J, Fuller CW, Pappas E. Non-contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Epidemiology in Team-Ball Sports: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis by Sex, Age, Sport, Participation Level, and Exposure Type. Sports Med 2022; 52:2447-2467. [PMID: 35622227 PMCID: PMC9136558 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01697-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Not all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are preventable. While some ACL injuries are unavoidable such as those resulting from a tackle, others that occur in non-contact situations like twisting and turning in the absence of external contact might be more preventable. Because ACL injuries commonly occur in team ball-sports that involve jumping, landing and cutting manoeuvres, accurate information about the epidemiology of non-contact ACL injuries in these sports is needed to quantify their extent and burden to guide resource allocation for risk-reduction efforts. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the evidence on the incidence and proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries by sex, age, sport, participation level and exposure type in team ball-sports. METHODS Six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched from inception to July 2021. Cohort studies of team ball-sports reporting number of knee injuries as a function of exposure and injury mechanism were included. RESULTS Forty-five studies covering 13 team ball-sports were included. The overall proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries was 55% (95% CI 48-62, I2 = 82%; females: 63%, 95% CI 53-71, I2 = 84%; males: 50%, 95% CI 42-58, I2 = 86%). The overall incidence of non-contact ACL injuries was 0.07 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI 0.05-0.10, I2 = 77%), and 0.05 per 1000 player-exposures (95% CI 0.03-0.07, I2 = 97%). Injury incidence was higher in female athletes (0.14 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.10-0.19, I2 = 40%) than male athletes (0.05 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.03-0.07, I2 = 48%), and this difference was significant. Injury incidence during competition was higher (0.48 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.32-0.72, I2 = 77%; 0.32 per 1000 player-exposures, 95% CI 0.15-0.70, I2 = 96%) than during training (0.04 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.02-0.07, I2 = 63%; 0.02 per 1000 player-exposures, 95% CI 0.01-0.05, I2 = 86%) and these differences were significant. Heterogeneity across studies was generally high. CONCLUSION This study quantifies several key epidemiological findings for ACL injuries in team ball-sports. Non-contact ACL injuries represented over half of all ACL injuries sustained. The proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries and injury incidence were higher in female than in male athletes. Injuries mostly occurred in competition settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Chia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Cleveland Guardians Baseball Company, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Danilo De Oliveira Silva
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Whalan
- Research and Development Department, Football Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre of Medical and Exercise Physiology, School of Medical, Indigenous & Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Marnee J McKay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Evangelos Pappas
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amundsen R, Heimland JS, Thorarinsdottir S, Møller M, Bahr R. Effects of High and Low Training Volume with the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Strength, Jump Height, and Sprint Performance in Female Football Players: A Randomised Trial. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7133928. [PMID: 38655155 PMCID: PMC11022781 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7133928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The evidence-based hamstring strengthening programme for prevention of hamstring injuries is not adopted by football teams because of its high training volume. This study on female football players investigated if high-volume training with the Nordic hamstring exercise is more effective on hamstring strength, jump height, and sprint performance than low-volume training. We also examined the time course of changes in muscle strength during the intervention period. Forty-five female football players were randomised to a high- (21 sessions, 538 total reps) or low-volume group (10 sessions, 144 total reps) and performed an 8-week training intervention with the Nordic hamstring exercise during the preseason. We tested hamstring strength (maximal eccentric force with NordBord and maximal eccentric torque with isokinetic dynamometer), jump height, and 40 m sprint before and after the intervention. The NordBord test was also performed during training weeks 4 and 6. Both groups increased maximal eccentric force (high-volume: 29 N (10%), 95% CI: 19-38 N, p < 0.001, low-volume: 37 N (13%), 95% CI: 18-55 N, p = 0.001), but there were no between-group differences (p = 0.38). Maximal eccentric torque, jump height, and sprint performance did not change. Maximal eccentric force increased from the pretest to week 6 (20 N (7%), 95% CI: 8 to 31 N, p < 0.001), but not week 4 (8 N (3%), 95% CI: -2 to 18 N, p = 0.22). High training volume with the Nordic hamstrings exercise did not lead to greater adaptations in strength, jump height, or speed than a low-volume programme. Players in both groups had to train for at least 6 weeks to improve maximal eccentric force significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roar Amundsen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Janita Sæther Heimland
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Møller
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Roald Bahr
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
SINCLAIR JONATHAN, GRIMSHAW NIAMH, LATHAM OWEN, TAYLOR PAULJOHN, CHOCKALINGAM NACHIAPPAN. EFFECTS OF A PROPHYLACTIC KNEE SLEEVE ON THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT AND LOWER EXTREMITY BIOMECHANICS: AN EXAMINATION USING MUSCULOSKELETAL SIMULATION. J MECH MED BIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s021951942250018x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed using a two-experiment musculoskeletal simulation-based approach, measuring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) biomechanics, knee joint kinematics, and lower extremity joint loading to examine the effects of both a prophylactic knee sleeve on (1) a sport-specific change of direction movement in female footballers and (2) a single leg landing in male footballers. Experiment 1 examined 12 female university first team level footballers (age [Formula: see text] years, height [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, body mass [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kg) undertaking a [Formula: see text] cutting movement in sleeve and no-sleeve conditions. Experiment 2 examined 10 male university first team level footballers (age [Formula: see text] years, height [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, body mass [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kg) undertaking a single leg drop jump landing in sleeve and no-sleeve conditions. In each experiment, data was collected in a biomechanics laboratory and three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and ground reaction force (GRF) information was collected. 3D kinematics, 3D knee kinetics, and ACL ligament forces/strains were measured using musculoskeletal simulation, and participants were also asked to subjectively rate the knee sleeve in terms of both comfort and stability. Experiment 1 showed that the sleeve condition was associated with greater ACL strain ([Formula: see text]% and no-[Formula: see text]%) and forces ([Formula: see text] BW and no-[Formula: see text] BW). In addition, the brace condition also enhanced lateral compressive tibiofemoral ([Formula: see text] BW and no-[Formula: see text] BW) and total compressive tibiofemoral force ([Formula: see text] BW and no-[Formula: see text] BW). Finally, for the subjective ratings, participants indicated that the knee sleeve significantly improved perceived comfort and stability. Experiment 2 did not reveal any statistical differences between knee sleeve and no-sleeve conditions nor any effects of the knee sleeve on subjective ratings of comfort or stability. Therefore, the findings from the current investigation suggest that the prophylactic knee sleeve examined in the current investigation does not appear to reduce the biomechanical parameters linked to the aetiology of knee pathologies in male/female footballers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JONATHAN SINCLAIR
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance School of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK
| | - NIAMH GRIMSHAW
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance School of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK
| | - OWEN LATHAM
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance School of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK
| | - PAUL JOHN TAYLOR
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK
| | - NACHIAPPAN CHOCKALINGAM
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, City of Stoke, Stoke on Trent, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mastering the Topic, the Message, and the Delivery: Leveraging the Social Marketing Mix to Better Implement Sports Injury Prevention Programs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022; 52:55-59. [PMID: 35100819 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10839] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social marketing is successful at tackling global health threats and social change but has not been fully explored in sports injury prevention contexts. The social marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion) can help create exercise-based injury prevention programs with high-value propositions that will be relevant to their implementation (adoption, adherence, maintenance). To improve the real-world effectiveness of injury prevention programs, we share steps that researchers and sports administrators can take tomorrow to leverage the social marketing mix to encourage downstream consumers, such as coaches, clinicians, parents, and athletes, to implement injury prevention programs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(2):55-59. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10839.
Collapse
|
7
|
Attwood MJ, Hudd LJW, Roberts SP, Irwin G, Stokes KA. Eight Weeks of Self-Resisted Neck Strength Training Improves Neck Strength in Age-Grade Rugby Union Players: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Sports Health 2021; 14:500-507. [PMID: 34558993 DOI: 10.1177/19417381211044736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater neck strength is associated with fewer head and neck injuries. Neck-strengthening programs are commonly burdensome, requiring specialist equipment or significant time commitment, which are barriers to implementation. HYPOTHESIS Completing a neck-strengthening program will increase isometric neck strength in age-group rugby players. STUDY DESIGN A pilot randomized controlled exercise intervention study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 2. METHODS Twenty-eight U18 (under 18) male regional age-group rugby union players were randomized (intervention n =15/control n = 13). An 8-week exercise program was supervised during preseason at the regional training center. Control players continued their "normal practice," which did not include neck-specific strengthening exercises. The 3-times weekly trainer-led intervention program involved a series of 15-second self-resisted contractions, where players pushed maximally against their own head, in forward, backward, left, and right directions. OUTCOME MEASURE Peak isometric neck strength (force N) into neck flexion, extension, and left and right side flexion was measured using a handheld dynamometer. RESULTS Postintervention between-group mean differences (MDs) in isometric neck strength change were adjusted for baseline strength and favored the intervention for total neck strength (effect size [ES] = 1.2, MD ± 95% CI = 155.9 ± 101.9 N, P = 0.004) and for neck strength into extension (ES = 1.0, MD ± 95% CI = 59.9 ± 45.4 N, P = 0.01), left side flexion (ES = 0.7, MD ± 95% CI = 27.5 ± 26.9 N, P = 0.05), and right side flexion (ES = 1.3, MD ± 95% CI = 50.5 ± 34.4 N, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION This resource-efficient neck-strengthening program has few barriers to implementation and provides a clear benefit in U18 players' neck strength. While the present study focused on adolescent rugby players, the program may be appropriate across all sports where head and neck injuries are of concern and resources are limited. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Greater neck strength is associated with fewer head and neck injuries, including concussion. Performing this neck exercise program independently, or as part of a whole-body program like Activate, an interactive guide for players and coaches, could contribute to lower sports-related head and neck injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Attwood
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lewis-Jon W Hudd
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Gareth Irwin
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Keith A Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sports Injury Prevention is Complex: We Need to Invest in Better Processes, Not Singular Solutions. Sports Med 2021; 50:689-702. [PMID: 31741293 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01232-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an understanding has developed that sports injuries are the emergent outcomes of complex, dynamic systems. Thus, the influence of local contextual factors on injury outcomes is increasingly being acknowledged. These realisations place injury prevention research at a crossroads. Currently, injury prevention researchers develop universally applicable injury prevention solutions, but the adoption of these solutions in practice is low. This occurs because implementation contexts are both unique and dynamic in nature, and as a result singular, static solutions are often incompatible. In contrast, practitioners address injury prevention through iterative cycles of trial and error, aiming to optimise the injury prevention process within their own unique contexts. The purpose of this critical review is to draw attention to the misalignment between research and practice-based approaches to injury prevention. In light of this, we propose alternative research approaches that acknowledge the process-driven nature of injury prevention in practice. We propose that a core focus of sport injury prevention research should be to provide practitioners with useful and relevant information to support their decision making around their localised injury prevention practice. Through this approach, injury prevention research ceases to be about what works, and begins to engage with understanding what works in what contexts and why?
Collapse
|
9
|
Fuller CW, Taylor A. Eight-season epidemiological study of match injuries in women's international rugby sevens. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:865-874. [PMID: 33225825 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1850616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe anthropometry and incidence, nature and causes of match injuries in women's international rugby sevens and to compare these with results reported previously for men's international rugby sevens. The study comprised an 8-season, prospective study of World Rugby's women's Sevens World Series. Over the eight seasons, the overall incidence of injury was 105.6 (95% CI: 96.0 to 116.3) injuries/1000 player-match-hours with a mean injury severity of 53.4 (95% CI: 46.9 to 59.9) days-absence. There were no statistically significant trends for backs or forwards in the incidence (backs: p = 0.470; forwards: p = 0.242) or mean severity (backs: p = 0.098; forwards: p = 0.544) of injuries sustained over the 8-season period. Head/face (20.8%), knee (19.7%), ankle (11.3%) and shoulder/clavicle (8.4%) were the most common injury locations while ligament sprain (31.7%), concussion (15.6%), haematoma/bruise (11.5%) and fracture (11.5%) were the most common types of injury sustained. Being-tackled (35.4%), tackling (26.3%), collisions (13.8%) and rucks (8.8%) were the match events responsible for most injuries. The study indicates that injury burden in women's international rugby sevens (5,640 days-absence/1000 player-match-hours; 95% CI: 5,123 to 6,209) is similar to that reported previously for men's international rugby sevens (5,263 days-absence/1000 player-match-hours; 95% CI: 5,000 to 5,540).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin W Fuller
- Colin Fuller Consultancy Ltd, Sutton Bonington, UK.,World Rugby, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Owoeye OBA, VanderWey MJ, Pike I. Reducing Injuries in Soccer (Football): an Umbrella Review of Best Evidence Across the Epidemiological Framework for Prevention. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2020; 6:46. [PMID: 32955626 PMCID: PMC7505904 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-020-00274-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Expectedly, the incidence of soccer-related injuries is high and these injuries exert a significant burden on individuals and families, including health and financial burdens, and on the socioeconomic and healthcare systems. Using established injury prevention frameworks, we present a concise synthesis of the most recent scientific evidence regarding injury rates, characteristics, mechanisms, risk and protective factors, interventions for prevention, and implementation of interventions in soccer. In this umbrella review, we elucidate the most recent available evidence gleaned primarily from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Further, we express the exigent need to move current soccer injury prevention research evidence into action for improved player outcomes and widespread impact through increased attention to dissemination and implementation research. Additionally, we highlight the importance of an enabling context and effective implementation strategies for the successful integration of evidence-based injury prevention programs into real-world soccer settings. This narrative umbrella review provides guidance to inform future research, practice, and policy towards reducing injuries among soccer players.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatoyosi B A Owoeye
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, Allied Health Professions Building, 3437 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Mitchell J VanderWey
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, Allied Health Professions Building, 3437 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Ian Pike
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fuller CW, Taylor A. Ten-season epidemiological study of match injuries in men's international rugby sevens. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:1595-1604. [PMID: 32286146 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1752059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, nature and causes of match injuries in men's international rugby sevens and to compare these to values for international rugby fifteens. The study comprised a 10-season, whole population, prospective study of the Sevens World Series. Over the ten seasons, the overall incidence of injury was 122.4 (95% CI = 116.3 to 128.9) injuries/1000 player-match-hours and the mean severity of injury was 43.0 (95% CI = 40.3 to 45.7) days-absence. There was an increasing trend in the incidence of injury over the ten-season period (slope = 5.3 injuries/1000 player-hours/season, R2 = 0.68, p = 0.003) but no trend in the mean severity of injury (slope = 0.02 days/season, R2 < 0.01, p = 0.971). Head/face (15.7%), knee (15.6%), ankle (15.4%) and shoulder/clavicle (11.9%) were the most common injury locations and ligament sprain (30.5%), muscle strain (16.4%), concussion (12.6%) and haematoma/bruise (10.6%) the most common types of injury sustained. Being-tackled (33.1%), tackling (23.4%), running (16.1%) and collisions (12.4%) were the most common events leading to injury. These results indicate that the burden of injury in international rugby sevens is two to three times higher than that reported for international rugby fifteens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin W Fuller
- Colin Fuller Consultancy Ltd , Sutton Bonington, UK.,World Rugby , Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Quarrie K, Gianotti S, Murphy I, Harold P, Salmon D, Harawira J. RugbySmart: Challenges and Lessons from the Implementation of a Nationwide Sports Injury Prevention Partnership Programme. Sports Med 2019; 50:227-230. [PMID: 31506902 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Murphy
- New Zealand Rugby, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|