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Garnett D, Cobbing S, Viljoen C, Patricios J. High school rugby coaches' knowledge and opinions of concussion in Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa: an ecological cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:139. [PMID: 38915113 PMCID: PMC11194973 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00930-5] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussions in Rugby Union are common with an increased risk to adolescent players. Coaches are key to injury prevention and a greater understanding of their knowledge and sentiments may guide future initiatives. There is a lack of data on rugby coaches, especially in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and opinions of high school rugby coaches regarding concussion management. METHODS This cross-sectional study of 37 high school rugby coaches in South Africa, was conducted via a self-reported questionnaire. Concussion knowledge was scored for correct answers only with closed-question scaling methods to measure the importance of items of concussion management using a graphical rating scale. An attitude scale (Likert) was used to assess self-reported opinions and behaviours. Associations were calculated for participant characteristics and overall concussion injury knowledge. RESULTS More participants showed good overall knowledge of ≥ 75% (n = 22, 59% vs. n = 15, 40%), especially those with greater coaching experience (p = 0.021). Player welfare was perceived more important than player performance (185 vs. 164), with concussion prevention most important (184 of 185). Appealing characteristics of an injury prevention programme were the improvement of player skill (173, SD ± 0.75, mean 4.68), being adaptable (171, ± 0.86, 4.62), and being completed in the warm-up (167, ± 0.93, 4.51). The biggest perceived barriers were duration (138, ± 1.59, mean 3.73), effort (130, ± 1.56, 3.51), compliance and lack of knowledge (both 127, ± 1.68, 3.43). CONCLUSION These results support the implementation of ongoing concussion education for rugby coaches and identify areas for promoting awareness and knowledge of concussion injury prevention, identification, and specific management of younger athletes. Appealing characteristics and barriers are highlighted and may allow for improved implementation and adherence to concussion prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garnett
- Physiotherapy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Department of Sport, Health Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Saul Cobbing
- Physiotherapy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- The Institute for Education Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carel Viljoen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Amsterdam Collaboration On Health & Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Movement Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jon Patricios
- Wits Sport and Health (WiSH), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Hunzinger KJ, Schussler E. The 50 Most Cited Papers on Rugby since 2000 Reveal a Focus Primarily on Strength and Conditioning in Elite Male Players. JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE (HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION) 2023; 2023:6991769. [PMID: 38148987 PMCID: PMC10751173 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6991769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
We sought to conduct a bibliometric analysis and review of the most cited publications relating to rugby since 2000 in order to identify topics of interest and those that warrant further investigations. Clarivate Web of Science database was used to perform a literature search using the search term "rugby." The top 200 papers by citation count were extracted and reviewed for the inclusion criteria: all subjects were rugby players. The top 50 manuscripts were included for analysis of author, publication year, country of lead authors, institution, journal name and impact factor, topic, participant sex, and level of rugby. The total number of citations was 9,071 (average of 181.4 citations/article), with an average journal impact factor of 7.21; the top article was cited 407 times at the time of analysis. The most frequent publication was the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (26%), followed by the British Journal of Sports Medicine (20%) and the Journal of Sports Sciences (18%). Forty-eight (96%) of the manuscripts contained only male subjects, with 1 manuscript including females only and 1 manuscript containing mixed sexes. Thirty-three (66%) of the manuscripts focused on professional rugby players, with the next highest player group being mixed levels (10%). Twenty-eight (56%) concentrated on topics regarding strength and conditioning, 11 (22%) on injury, and 4 (8%) on physiology. Despite rugby being one of the most injurious sports and community players representing the largest component of the player pool, most of the top-cited rugby articles are cohort studies of professional male athletes focused on performance and strength and conditioning, noting the bias in research towards socially relevant topics that may not impact the majority of stakeholders and long-term health of rugby athletes. These findings highlight the need for further research among women and community athletes and on topics in injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Schussler
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
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3
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Bailey SJ, Martindale R, Engebretsen L, Robson JP, Palmer D. Epidemiology of International Match Injuries in Scottish Rugby: A Prospective Cohort Study. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:805-812. [PMID: 37279793 DOI: 10.1055/a-2038-3452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fifteen-a-side rugby union ("rugby") is a full-contact sport played separately by men and women, with large injury incidences reported previously. Context specific injury surveillance fulfils governing bodies' duty of care to understand risks to player welfare, yet no contemporary match injury epidemiology studies exist for international players in Scotland. The current study therefore aimed to describe the incidence, severity, burden and nature of match injuries sustained by Scotland's men's and women's national teams. A prospective cohort study of injuries recorded in matches across the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons was undertaken, with injury and exposure definitions in line with the international consensus for injury surveillance in rugby. Injury incidence was 120.0 (men) and 166.7/1,000 player match hours (women), injury severity was 12.0 (median) and 31.2 days (mean) for men, and 11.0 (median) and 30.2 days (mean) for women. Injury burden was 3,745 (men) and 5,040 days absence/1,000 player match hours (women). Concussion was the most common specific injury for men (22.5/1,000 hours) and women (26.7/1,000 hours). No statistical differences were found for incidence or severity measures between sexes. Injury incidence was greater than recent Rugby World Cup studies. High incidences of concussion reinforces the need for prevention strategies targeting this injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart John Bailey
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Russell Martindale
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Lars Engebretsen
- Orthopedic Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - James Peter Robson
- Sport Medicine, Scottish Rugby Union, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Debbie Palmer
- Edinburgh Sports Medicine Research Network, University of Edinburgh Institute for Sport Physical Education and Health Sciences, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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4
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Gurau TV, Gurau G, Musat CL, Voinescu DC, Anghel L, Onose G, Munteanu C, Onu I, Iordan DA. Epidemiology of Injuries in Professional and Amateur Football Men (Part II). J Clin Med 2023; 12:6293. [PMID: 37834937 PMCID: PMC10573283 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196293] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background (1): Men's football is a physically demanding contact sport that involves intermittent bouts of sprinting, jogging, walking, jumping and changes of direction. The physical demands of the game vary by level of play (amateur club, sub-elite and open club or international), but injury rates at all levels of the men's football game remain the highest of all sports. Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of data from the epidemiological literature regarding the profile, severity and mechanisms of injuries and the frequency of recurrent injuries in professional and amateur football players. Methods (2): A systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines, was performed up to June 2023 in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Google academic, Google scholar and the Diva portal. Twenty-seven studies that reported data on the type, severity, recurrence and mechanisms of injury in professional and amateur men's football were selected and analyzed. Two reviewers independently audited data and assessed the study quality using the additional and adapted version of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) to assess risk of bias for the quality of external validity. Results (3): In professional male football players, the mean prevalence of muscle/tendon injuries was 39.78%, followed by joint and ligament injuries-21.13%, contusions-17.86%, and fractures-3.27%, and for amateur football players, the prevalence's were 44.56% (muscle/tendon injuries), 27.62% (joint and ligament injuries), 15.0% (contusions) and 3.05% (fracture), respectively. The frequency of traumatic injuries was higher in amateur football players (76.88%) compared to professional football players (64.16%), the situation being reversed in the case of overuse injuries: 27.62% in professional football players and 21.13% in amateur football players. Most contact injuries were found in professional footballers (50.70%), with non-contact injuries predominating in amateur footballers (54.04%). The analysis of the severity of injuries showed that moderate injuries dominated in the two categories of footballers; the severe injuries in amateur footballers exceeded the severe injuries recorded in professional footballers by 9.60%. Recurrence proportions showed an inverse relationship with the level of play, being higher in amateur footballers (16.66%) compared to professional footballers (15.25%). Conclusions (4): Football-related injuries have a significant impact on professional and amateur football players and their short- and long-term health status. Knowing the frequency of severe diagnoses, such as strains, tears and cramps of the thigh muscles, ankle ligament sprains and hip/groin muscle strain requires the establishment of adequate programs to prevent them, especially in amateur football players, who are more prone to serious injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Vladimir Gurau
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania;
| | - Gabriela Gurau
- Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania;
| | - Carmina Liana Musat
- Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania;
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (L.A.)
| | - Doina Carina Voinescu
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (L.A.)
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Lucretia Anghel
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (L.A.)
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Gelu Onose
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Clinic Division, Teaching Emergency Hospital “Bagdasar-Ar-seni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020022 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Munteanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iasi, 700454 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ilie Onu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iasi, 700454 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Daniel Andrei Iordan
- Department of Individual Sports and Kinetotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania;
- Center of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, ‘Dunărea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
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5
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Callus P, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Heffernan SM, Williams AG. Concussion-Associated Gene Variant COMT rs4680 Is Associated With Elite Rugby Athlete Status. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:e145-e151. [PMID: 35350037 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concussions are common match injuries in elite rugby, and reports exist of reduced cognitive function and long-term health consequences that can interrupt or end a playing career and produce continued ill health. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between elite rugby status and 8 concussion-associated risk polymorphisms. We hypothesized that concussion-associated risk genotypes and alleles would be underrepresented in elite rugby athletes compared with nonathletes. DESIGN A case-control genetic association study. SETTING Institutional (university). PARTICIPANTS Elite White male rugby athletes [n = 668, mean (SD) height 1.85 (0.07) m, mass 102 (12) kg, and age 29 (7) years] and 1015 nonathlete White men and women (48% men). INTERVENTIONS Genotype was the independent variable, obtained by PCR of genomic DNA using TaqMan probes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Elite athlete status with groups compared using χ 2 and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS The COMT rs4680 Met/Met (AA) genotype, Met allele possession, and Met allele frequency were lower in rugby athletes (24.8%, 74.6%, and 49.7%, respectively) than nonathletes (30.2%, 77.6%, and 54.0%; P < 0.05). The Val/Val (GG) genotype was more common in elite rugby athletes than nonathletes (OR 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.86). No other polymorphism was associated with elite athlete status. CONCLUSIONS Elite rugby athlete status is associated with COMT rs4680 genotype that, acting pleiotropically, could affect stress resilience and behavioral traits during competition, concussion risk, and/or recovery from concussion. Consequently, assessing COMT rs4680 genotype might aid future individualized management of concussion risk among athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Antrobus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Brazier
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Callus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Herbert
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen H Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart M Raleigh
- School of Health Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ; and
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Alun G Williams
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Cosgrave C, Fuller C, Kung S, Cosgrave M, McFadden C, Franklyn-Miller A. A comparison of clinical assessment with common diagnostic tools for monitoring concussion recovery in adolescent rugby union players. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 61:165-171. [PMID: 37068386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterise the incidence, severity and recovery of sport-related concussion (SRC) in schoolboy rugby players and explore whether the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) and the King-Devick test (K-D test) can be used to monitor concussion status through to full recovery. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Rugby union has a high rate of SRC; however, there is little research investigating how concussion affects adolescent rugby players. PARTICIPANTS Schoolboy rugby players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants completed baseline tests in the preseason. Participants diagnosed with SRC during the season attended for post-concussion testing on a weekly basis until recovered. RESULTS 135 schoolboy rugby players (16.7 ± 0.82y) participated in the study. There were 18 SRCs in 16 participants. Concussion incidence was 9/1000 player hours. CBB and K-D tests were poorly associated with clinical assessment and produced high false negative rates (0.58 and 0.52 respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study reports a relatively high match SRC incidence for an adolescent population. Analysis of clinical recovery with CBB and K-D test revealed a relatively poor ability to accurately monitor concussion status compared to clinical assessment suggesting that these tools should not be used in isolation for monitoring SRC recovery in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colm Fuller
- Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Stacey Kung
- Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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7
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Cunningham J, O'Dowd A, Broglio SP, Newell FN, Kelly Á, Joyce O, Januszewski J, Wilson F. Multisensory perception is not influenced by previous concussion history in retired rugby union players. Brain Inj 2022; 36:1123-1132. [PMID: 35994241 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2109732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess whether concussion history adversely affects multisensory integration, we compared susceptibility to the Sound-Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) in retired professional rugby players compared to controls. METHODS Retired professional rugby players ((N = 58) and retired international rowers (N = 26) completed a self-report concussion history questionnaire and the SIFI task. Susceptibility to the SIFI (i.e., perceiving two flashes in response to one flash paired with two beeps) was assessed at three stimulus onset asynchronies (70 ms, 150 ms or 230 ms).Logistic mixed-effects regression modeling was implemented to evaluate how athlete grouping, previous concussion history and total number of years playing sport, impacted the susceptibility to the SIFI task. The statistical significance of a fixed effect of interest was determined by a likelihood ratio test. RESULTS Former rugby players had significantly more self-reported concussions than the rower group (p < 0.001). There was no impact of athlete grouping (i.e., retired professional rugby players and retired international rowers), years participation in elite sport or concussion history on performance in the SIFI. CONCLUSION A career in professional rugby, concussion history or number of years participating in professional rugby was not found to be predictive of performance on the SIFI task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joice Cunningham
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan O'Dowd
- School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven P Broglio
- Michigan Concussion Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fiona N Newell
- School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Áine Kelly
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oisín Joyce
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julia Januszewski
- School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Wilson
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Tajima T, Ota O, Nagayama M, Takahashi M, Yamada M, Ishiyama N, Yoshida I, Takemura M, Hara K, Akama T, Mitsumori N, Higashihara J, Toyama Y, Furuya M, Chosa E, Nakamura A. Head Injury Assessment in the Elite Level Rugby Union in Japan: Review of 3 Seasons. Int J Sports Med 2022; 43:889-894. [PMID: 35672000 DOI: 10.1055/a-1810-6509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Head Injury Assessment (HIA) is the screening tool for head injury during a rugby game. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of HIA in the Japan Rugby Top League (JRTL). The incidences of HIA, defined concussion (per 1,000 player-hours) and repeated concussions were evaluated in three seasons (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19; total 360 games). The HIA incidence rates were 12.7 (95% confidence interval 9.5-15.9), 20.8 (16.8-24.9), and 25.0 (20.5-29.5) in each season. HIA-1 criteria 2, which is applied for suspected concussion cases, was performed for 46 cases in the 2016-17 season, 81 cases in the 2017-18 season, and 88 cases in the 2018-19 season. The concussion incidence rates were significantly greater in the 2017-18 season (9.6/1000 player-hours, 95% confidence interval 6.8-12.4) and the 2018-19 season (14.4, 11-17.8) compared to the 2016-17 season (4.8, 2.8-6.8). The number of repeated concussion cases in the same season was 1 in the 2016-17 season and 4 in both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. This study confirmed significantly higher HIA and concussion incidence rates over time. Although the HIA system might have been established in the three seasons in JRTL, comprehensive management needs to be improved to prevent repeated concussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Tajima
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ota
- Japan Rugby Top League, Japan Rugby Football Union, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Nagayama
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor Organ, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayasu Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Konan Medical center, Kobe, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mutsuo Yamada
- Injury prevention & Research unit, Japan Rugby Football Union, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ryugasaki, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ishiyama
- Faculty of Medical Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Setagaya-ku, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yoshida
- Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takemura
- Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Hara
- Department of Sports Medicine and Science, Faculty of Human Health, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Akama
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Mitsumori
- Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichiro Higashihara
- Gynecology, Higashihara clinic, Fukuoka, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukimasa Toyama
- Orthopaedic surgery, Toyama Orthopaedic clinic, Osaka, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Furuya
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Furuya Orhopaedic clinic, Yokohama, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuo Chosa
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Akihiko Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, Nakamura Surgery and Pediatrics clinic, Tokyo, Japan.,Medical control committee, Japan Rugby Top League, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Tondelli E, Boerio C, Andreu M, Antinori S. Impact, incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in senior amateur male rugby: epidemiological study. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2022; 50:269-275. [PMID: 33906560 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.1924045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exposure to different types of injuries in rugby union is common. It is important to know about the injury epidemiology for medical teams care in order to optimize players´ performance and the treatment of common injuries, but there is limited specific information related to amateur rugby union. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, prevalence, injury burden, severity, nature of injuries sustained by senior amateur male rugby players from three clubs in Argentina during a given season. METHODS An observational, analytical, prospective, multicenter study was developed. Data collection was conducted from 15 March 2019 to 2 November 2019, during a complete season under the applicable standards of the Rugby Injury Consensus Group according to the Orchard Sports Injury and Illness Classification System.Incidence (injuries/1000 player-match-hours), prevalence (%), severity (time loss), injury burden (days lost/1000 player-match-hours), injured location and type of injury (%) were estimated. RESULTS 250 players and 180 injuries were assessed. Injury prevalence was 52.4%. Incidence rate per match and training was 30.9/1000 player-match-hours, and 0.77/1000 player-training-hours, respectively.The median injury severity score was 23 (IQR 12.7-52) days lost accounting for an injury burden of 97.3/1000 player-hours. Of the total, 113 (62.8%) injuries were contact injuries. The lower limbs were the most commonly affected (58.9%). Hamstring strain injury had the highest incidence and anterior cruciate ligament tear was the most severe injury. CONCLUSION The prevalence, incidence, and injury burden reported in this study are unprecedented and would add knowledge for the amateur rugby union community. Trainers, physicians, and physical therapists, should consider it to improve their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tondelli
- Department of Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine, Rugby Club Los Matreros, Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Boerio
- Department of Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine, Old Resian Club, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mauro Andreu
- Biostatistician, Universidad Nacional De La Matanza (Unlam), San Justo, Argentina
| | - Santiago Antinori
- Department of Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine, Club Universitario De Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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10
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Callus PC, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Khanal P, Day SH, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Heffernan SM, Williams AG. Concussion-Associated Polygenic Profiles of Elite Male Rugby Athletes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:820. [PMID: 35627205 PMCID: PMC9141383 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050820] [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] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high-velocity collision-based nature of elite rugby league and union, the risk of sustaining a concussion is high. Occurrence of and outcomes following a concussion are probably affected by the interaction of multiple genes in a polygenic manner. This study investigated whether suspected concussion-associated polygenic profiles of elite rugby athletes differed from non-athletes and between rugby union forwards and backs. We hypothesised that a total genotype score (TGS) using eight concussion-associated polymorphisms would be higher in elite rugby athletes than non-athletes, indicating selection for protection against incurring or suffering prolonged effects of, concussion in the relatively high-risk environment of competitive rugby. In addition, multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to identify genetic interactions. Contrary to our hypothesis, TGS did not differ between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes (p ≥ 0.065), nor between rugby union forwards and backs (p = 0.668). Accordingly, the TGS could not discriminate between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes (AUC ~0.5), suggesting that, for the eight polymorphisms investigated, elite rugby athletes do not have a more ‘preferable’ concussion-associated polygenic profile than non-athletes. However, the COMT (rs4680) and MAPT (rs10445337) GC allele combination was more common in rugby athletes (31.7%; p < 0.001) and rugby union athletes (31.8%; p < 0.001) than non-athletes (24.5%). Our results thus suggest a genetic interaction between COMT (rs4680) and MAPT (rs10445337) assists rugby athletes in achieving elite status. These findings need exploration vis-à-vis sport-related concussion injury data and could have implications for the management of inter-individual differences in concussion risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Antrobus
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Jon Brazier
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Peter C. Callus
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Adam J. Herbert
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (C-LaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK;
| | - Georgina K. Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Praval Khanal
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Stephen H. Day
- School of Medicine and Clinical Practice, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Mark A. Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - 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
| | - Stuart M. Raleigh
- Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Medicine Research Group, CSELS, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK;
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, and the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa;
| | - Yannis P. Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton BN20 7SP, UK;
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Piazza L. de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Shane M. Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Alun G. Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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11
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Yener N, Glendon K, Pain MT. The association between sport-related concussion and musculoskeletal injury in university rugby athletes. Phys Ther Sport 2022; 55:264-270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Williams S, Robertson C, Starling L, McKay C, West S, Brown J, Stokes K. Injuries in Elite Men's Rugby Union: An Updated (2012-2020) Meta-Analysis of 11,620 Match and Training Injuries. Sports Med 2022; 52:1127-1140. [PMID: 34854059 PMCID: PMC9023408 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01603-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most recent meta-analytic review of injuries in elite senior men's Rugby Union was published in 2013. The demands of the game at the elite level are continually changing alongside law amendments and developments in player preparation. As such, an updated meta-analysis of injury data in this setting is necessary. OBJECTIVE To meta-analyse time-loss injury data in elite senior men's Rugby Union between 2012 and 2020. METHODS Electronic databases were searched using the keywords 'rugby' and 'inj*'. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Injury incidence rate data were modelled using a mixed-effects Poisson regression model. Days missed data were modelled using a general linear mixed model. RESULTS The included data encompassed a total of 8819 match injuries and 2801 training injuries. The overall incidence rate of injuries in matches was 91 per 1000 h (95% confidence interval (CI) 77-106). The estimated mean days missed per match injury was 27 days (95% CI 23-32). The overall incidence rate of match concussions was 12 per 1000 h (95% CI 9-15). The overall incidence rate of training injuries was 2.8 per 1000 h (95% CI 1.9-4.0). Playing level was not a significant effect modifier for any outcome. CONCLUSIONS The injury incidence rate and mean days missed per injury in the present meta-analysis were higher, but statistically equivalent to, the 2013 meta-analysis (81 per 1000 h and 20 days, respectively). The injury incidence rate for match injuries in elite senior men's Rugby Union is high in comparison to most team sports, though the training injury incidence rate compares favourably. The tackle event and concussion injuries should continue to be the focus of future preventative efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Williams
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Charli Robertson
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Lindsay Starling
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Carly McKay
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Stephen West
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - James Brown
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- IOC Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Keith Stokes
- Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
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13
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Poor cervical proprioception as a risk factor for concussion in professional male rugby union players. Phys Ther Sport 2022; 55:211-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Farley T, Barry E, Sylvester R, Medici AD, Wilson MG. Poor isometric neck extension strength as a risk factor for concussion in male professional Rugby Union players. Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:616-621. [PMID: 35197247 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussion is one of the highest burden injuries within professional Rugby Union ('rugby') and comes with a high health and financial cost to players and teams. Limited evidence exists as to the existence of modifiable intrinsic risk factors for concussion, leaving athletes and clinicians with few options when developing prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether neck strength is significantly associated with concussion incidence in professional male rugby players. METHODS 225 rugby players were assessed for neck strength at three time points throughout the 2018/2019 season using a method of isometric contraction. Associations with clinically diagnosed concussion injuries are presented as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS Thirty concussions occurred in 29 players during the study period; a rate of 13.7 concussions per 1000 hours played. Greater neck strength was observed at mid and end of season time points versus preseason across the study population. There was a significant association between extension strength and concussion; a 10% increase for extension strength was associated with a 13% reduction in concussion rate (adjusted IRR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.78 to 0.98). No other significant associations were observed between concussion incidence and any other unique neck strength range or composite score. CONCLUSION Higher neck extension strength is associated with lower concussion rates in male rugby players. Neck strength is a modifiable intrinsic risk factor for concussion and may be an important component of a strength and conditioning regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Farley
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK .,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, London, UK
| | - Ed Barry
- Georgia Rugby Federation, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Richard Sylvester
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, London, UK.,National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Akbar De Medici
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, London, UK
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15
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Chavarro-Nieto C, Beaven M, Gill N, Hébert-Losier K. Neck strength in Rugby Union players: a systematic review of the literature. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2021; 49:392-409. [PMID: 33554689 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.1886574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and severity of concussion injuries are increasing every year. Scientific evidence indicates that neck strength and girth could play a role in preventing head and neck injuries, or at least mitigating their severity. We aimed to examine the scientific literature addressing neck strength in Rugby Union with a focus on the potential role of neck strength on injury incidence, neck assessment protocols, neck strength measures, and neck strengthening exercises.We conducted a systematic search of the literature in January 2021 to locate published peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, SPORTDiscusTM, Web of Science®, and Scopus® e-databases. Overall, senior elite male players were stronger than younger-aged players. Forwards were stronger in extension than any other directions assessed, and were generally stronger and possessed larger necks and greater cross-sectional areas when compared to backs. Implementation of isometric exercise routines in professional players was reported to improve neck strength in all directions. There were no studies evaluating the incidence of concussion and neck strength or neck strengthening strategies in Rugby Union. Strengthening the neck continues to be one of the targeted modifiable risk factors with respect to limiting the severity and temporal effects of head injuries in Rugby Union, despite limited evidence regarding direct associations between neck strength and concussion.
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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, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Martyn Beaven
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Gill
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand.,New Zealand Rugby, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
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16
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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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17
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Teahan C, O'Connor S, Whyte EF. Injuries in Irish male and female collegiate athletes. Phys Ther Sport 2021; 51:1-7. [PMID: 34144388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the incidence and burden of injury of student-athletes in four of the most popular collegiate sports. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Collegiate sport. PARTICIPANTS Gaelic football, hurling/Camogie, soccer and Rugby (n = 672; male = 416, female = 256) student-athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Injury incidence, burden of injury and total, match and training injury rates, and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The frequencies and proportions were also calculated. An injury was defined as any physical condition that prevents a student-athlete from full participation for a period greater than 24 h. RESULTS Over a quarter (0.266) of student-athletes sustained an injury in the academic season. Male student-athletes had a higher injury rate than females (21.6 vs 11.3 injuries/1000 h). Rugby (20.8 injuries/1000 h) had the highest injury rates with hurling/Camogie (6.3 injuries/1000 h) the lowest. Lower extremity injuries were predominant (68.8%) with ankle sprains demonstrating a large burden for all sports (20.6-280.2 days absent/1000 h). Hamstring strains (13.7-118.4 days absent/1000 h) had a large burden for all sports except male Rugby. Knee sprains had a large burden on the female Gaelic footballer (84.8 days absent/1000 h). Sprinting (27.4%) and the tackle (20.1%) were the most common mechanism of injury. Injuries were predominantly moderate (8-28 days) or severe (>28 days) (84.7%). CONCLUSION Injury reduction needs to be prioritised in the student-athlete, particularly in males. Specific focus is required on the lower extremity, especially in the hamstring muscles and ankle joint owing to the large burden of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Teahan
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Siobhán O'Connor
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Enda F Whyte
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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18
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Chéradame J, Piscione J, Carling C, Guinoiseau JP, Dufour B, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Decq P. Incidence and Risk Factors in Concussion Events: A 5-Season Study in the French Top 14 Rugby Union Championship. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:1921-1928. [PMID: 33861663 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211006480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussions are a source of major concern in rugby, and a limited number of studies have attempted to identify risk factors for these injuries. PURPOSE To investigate the incidence of match concussion and associated risk factors, including individual workload, anthropometric variables, playing position, and season phase, in elite rugby union players. STUDY DESIGN Case-control study; Level of evidence 3. METHODS All concussions and explanatory variables were collected for every match over 5 consecutive seasons (2014-2018) in 1334 professional players participating in the French Top 14 championship. Concussion risk was estimated using mixed effects Poisson regression. RESULTS Mean match concussion incidence equated to 10.4 (95% CI, 9.3-11.5) concussions for 1000 hours of game exposure. A peak was reached in the 2016-2017 season (13.7; 95% CI, 11.0-16.5). A greater risk was observed in the playoffs as compared with the first phase of the season (incidence rate ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.10-7.35). In comparison with other positions, half-backs incurred the highest rate of concussion events (incidence, 16.1; 95% CI, 11.8-20.3). Irrespective of playing position, those with greater height and lower body mass reported a higher risk of concussions (P = .02), especially during tackling actions for lighter players (P = .01) and during other match events for taller players (P = .03). When adjusted for season phase, players who had accumulated a higher amount of playing time since the beginning of the season demonstrated a lower risk of concussion (P = .005). CONCLUSION Inter- and intraseasonal variations in concussion rates were observed. Within positional groups, lighter and taller players were more at risk, with the highest incidence generally observed in half-backs. Workload was measured by the number of matches played before a concussion event, and it appeared to have a protective rather than deleterious effect on concussion risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Chéradame
- Research Department, French Rugby Union Federation, Marcoussis, France
| | - Julien Piscione
- Research Department, French Rugby Union Federation, Marcoussis, France
| | | | | | - Bernard Dufour
- Medical Department, French National Rugby League, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Jacqmin-Gadda
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health U1219, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Decq
- Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, Arts et Métiers ParisTech et Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Beaujon, Neurochirurgie, Clichy, France
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19
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Mack CD, Solomon G, Covassin T, Theodore N, Cárdenas J, Sills A. Epidemiology of Concussion in the National Football League, 2015-2019. Sports Health 2021; 13:423-430. [PMID: 33872087 DOI: 10.1177/19417381211011446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussion in American football, and specifically the National Football League (NFL) is a major area of interest and key focus for injury prevention. Complete and accurate characterization of when, how, and to whom these injuries occur can facilitate injury reduction efforts. Existing studies of concussion in the NFL use publicly available data, potentially limiting data quality and the inferences that can be made. HYPOTHESIS Concussion incidence in the NFL decreased across the 2015-2019 seasons. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. METHODS Concussion incidence, including counts, one-season risk, and rates per game and player-plays, among active NFL players from 2015 to 2019 is described by year, season, play type, and roster position. RESULTS A total 1302 concussions were identified from 2015 to 2019 among 1004 players. Of these, 80% occurred in NFL games. The average annual incidence of in-season game concussions changed over the study period, from 230.7 per season (2015-2017) to 177.0 per season (2018-2019); this represented a 23% decrease in game settings (P < 0.01). Practice concussions fluctuated across the years of the study from 38 to 67 per season (average = 50.8/season). There were 70.6 concussions per 100 preseason games, which was slightly higher than the regular season rate per game of 61.7. Overall, there were 790 regular season game concussions across 4,657,243 player-plays and 114,428 player-games during the 5-year study. In regular season games, the majority of concussions were sustained on running and passing plays (n = 119/season), and the highest average rate per play occurred on kickoffs (0.69/100 plays). Defensive secondary (cornerbacks, safeties, and generic defensive backs) and offensive line incurred the most concussions, and the highest rates of concussion were among tight ends and wide receivers. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Concussions in the NFL are a key focus for player safety. Concussion reduction strategies were implemented before 2018, after which there was a sustained 2-year decrease in concussion incidence, providing a new benchmark from which to work toward further injury reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Solomon
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,National Football League Player Health and Safety Department, New York, New York
| | - Tracey Covassin
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Javier Cárdenas
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Allen Sills
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,National Football League Player Health and Safety Department, New York, New York
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20
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Kim SK, Roche MD, Fredericson M, Dragoo JL, Horton BH, Avins AL, Belanger HG, Ioannidis JPA, Abrams GD. A Genome-wide Association Study for Concussion Risk. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:704-711. [PMID: 33017352 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to screen the entire genome for genetic markers associated with risk for concussion. METHODS A genome-wide association analyses was performed using data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank and the UK Biobank. Concussion cases were identified based on electronic health records from the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank and the UK Biobank from individuals of European ancestry. Genome-wide association analyses from both cohorts were tested for concussion using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, height, weight, and race/ethnicity using allele counts for single nucleotide polymorphisms. Previously identified genes within the literature were also tested for association with concussion. RESULTS There were a total of 4064 cases of concussion and 291,472 controls within the databases, with two single nucleotide polymorphisms demonstrating a genome-wide significant association with concussion. The first polymorphism, rs144663795 (P = 9.7 × 10-11; OR = 2.91 per allele copy), is located within the intron of SPATA5. Strong, deleterious mutations in SPATA5 cause intellectual disability, hearing loss, and vision loss. The second polymorphism, rs117985931 (P = 3.97 × 10-9; OR = 3.59 per allele copy), is located within PLXNA4. PLXNA4 plays a key role is axon outgrowth during neural development, and DNA variants in PLXNA4 are associated with risk for Alzheimer's disease. Previous investigations have identified five candidate genes that may be associated with concussion, but none showed a significant association in the current model (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Two genetic markers were identified as potential risk factors for concussion and deserve further validation and investigation of molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart K Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA
| | - Megan D Roche
- Department Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
| | - Michael Fredericson
- Department Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
| | - Jason L Dragoo
- UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver-Surgery Center, Englewood, CO
| | - Brandon H Horton
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Andy L Avins
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | | | | | - Geoffrey D Abrams
- Department Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
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21
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Diagnosed concussion is associated with increased risk for lower extremity injury in community rugby players. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:368-372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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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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23
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Longworth T, McDonald A, Cunningham C, Khan H, Fitzpatrick J. Do rugby league players under-report concussion symptoms? A cross-sectional study of elite teams based in Australia. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e000860. [PMID: 33520253 PMCID: PMC7817803 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the rate of under-reporting of concussion and its symptoms in elite rugby league players in Australia. Methods The study was conducted in the preseason of the 2020 National Rugby League (NRL) competition. A total of 151 male, NRL club contracted rugby league players across three professional clubs participated. The participants completed a voluntary, anonymous survey exploring player demographics, concussion data, under-reporting instances and reasons for under-reporting over the 2018 and 2019 rugby league seasons. Results 17.2% of surveyed players reported sustaining a likely concussion over the past 2 years and not reporting to medical staff. 22% of NRL first grade players admitted to not reporting at least one concussion during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The most common reason not to report was the player ‘not wanting to be ruled out of the game or training session’ (57.7%), followed by ‘not wanting to let down the coaches or teammates’ (23.1%). 85.4% of surveyed players reported having concussion education by their club in the previous two seasons. Conclusions 17.2 % of elite rugby league players in Australia chose not to report likely concussive episodes and concussion-related symptoms during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Clinicians need to be aware of under-reporting in athletes when assessing players following head injuries. The findings highlight the need for development of validated, objective testing for concussion following sports-associated head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Longworth
- Registrar, Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sports Medicine, Eastern Suburbs Sports Medicine Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew McDonald
- Sports Medicine, Eastern Suburbs Sports Medicine Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Corey Cunningham
- Medical, New South Wales Institute of Sport, Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hussain Khan
- Sports Medicine, Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Fitzpatrick
- Centre for Health and Exercise Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Research Committee, Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Palmer D, Florida-James G, Ball C. Enduro World Series (EWS) Mountain Biking Injuries: A 2-year Prospective Study of 2010 Riders. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:1012-1018. [PMID: 33348388 PMCID: PMC8486482 DOI: 10.1055/a-1320-1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The sport of Enduro is the newest International Cycling Union sanctioned discipline in mountain biking. There are a number of studies reporting mountain biking injury to date however there are none detailing injuries in Enduro. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate, severity and nature of rider injury during the Enduro World Series. Rider injury, and race and practice exposure data were recorded prospectively during 10 events across the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Incorporating 2010 riders (males 90%; females 10%) from 46 countries. 8.9% of riders were injured with mean 12.3 days time-loss per injury. Racing injury incidence was 38.3/1000 hours and practice injury incidence 3.6/1000 hours (p=0.01). The shoulder/clavicle (12.8% of all injuries), hand (9.0%) and head (9.0%) were the most injured locations. Concussion injury was the most frequent diagnosis (7.4%), and shoulder/clavicle fractures caused the greatest burden (442 total days lost). Of those with concussion 28.6% continued racing, and 42.9% reported no time-loss (i. e. time off) post-race. In conclusion, the rate of injury during EWS race events was comparable to Downhill racing. Targeted injury prevention strategies around rider concussion education and rider qualification criteria may help to reduce the risk of injury in Enduro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Palmer
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Institute for Sport, PE and Health Sciences, Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Geraint Florida-James
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Chris Ball
- Enduro World Series, Innerleithen, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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25
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Thomas E, Fitzgerald M, Cowen G. Post-concussion states: How do we improve our patients’ outcomes? An Australian perspective. JOURNAL OF CONCUSSION 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2059700220960313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited data surrounding incidence and prevalence of concussion and the resulting post-concussion states. This creates difficulty when investigating ways to optimise patient management. It is proposed that a registry of patients presenting with symptoms and signs after a concussion, as part of a large scale TBI registry across Australia, would provide a starting point for future research with a view to improving the outcomes of patients experiencing symptoms and signs after concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Thomas
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Gill Cowen
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
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