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Edwards S, Tucker R, Quarrie K, Tahu T, Gardner AJ. Tacklers' shoulder abduction and flexion at contact alter when engaging in different front-on, one-on-one tackle instructions from an expert coach. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:472-479. [PMID: 38762386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ascertain how the three-dimensional shoulder kinematics of tacklers alter when performing four legal types of front-on, one-on-one, rugby-style torso tackles. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Three-dimensional motion capture measured 15 male amateur-level rugby code players (24.3 ± 6.1 years) who were instructed by an expert coach to perform four sets of 10 front-on, one-on-one tackles. Four sets comprised two smother and two dominant tackles: two based on the Australian National Rugby League coaching manual (Dominant NRL, Smother NRL); and two modifications via increasing the contact height from the lower- to mid-torso (Dominant, Torso Stick) or from the upper- to mid-upper torso with a vertical 'pop action' that changes the way the tackler contacted the ball carrier's upper torso (Smother, Pop, Lock). Mixed general linear models were applied. RESULTS Greater shoulder abduction, flexion and internal rotation were displayed by the DNRL tackle technique than in any other technique (p < 0.001). At contact, the Smother and Dominant NRL (p < 0.03) showed greater head-uptrunk contralateral rotation away from the tackle than the Smother, Pop, Lock. CONCLUSIONS Tacklers modified the way they positioned their shoulder joint when engaging in legal front-on, one-on-one tackles with different tackle instructions. More prominent positions of shoulder abduction and flexion, and head-uptrunk contralateral rotation were observed when executing the traditional tackle techniques (Smother NRL, Dominant NRL) as opposed to two variants of these (Smother, Pop, Lock, Dominant, Torso Stick). Inclusion of tackle specific coaching instructions provides emerging scientific evidence to support revised coaching tackling technique interventions that might enhance player safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzi Edwards
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia.
| | | | | | - Timana Tahu
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia. https://twitter.com/TimanaTahu
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Australia. https://twitter.com/Scienceofsport
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Tondelli E, Kenny IC, Comyns TM, Zabaloy S. Differences and correlations between horizontal and vertical single-leg jump performance, dynamic balance, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in male amateur rugby players according to playing positions. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2024; 38:281-288. [PMID: 38763571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the differences and correlations in the Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores, ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM), single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) and single-leg hop for distance (SLHD) in amateur male rugby players by playing positions and limb dominance. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Argentinian amateur rugby club. PARTICIPANTS Male (n = 58) senior amateur rugby players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ADFROM, YBT (anterior [AN], posteromedial, posterolateral, and composite [COM]), SLDJ and SLHD performances. RESULTS Forwards demonstrated different anthropometric traits than backs (p < 0.001 to 0.003; ES: -0.508 to -1.331), whereas the latter attained better jump performance (p < 0.001-0.05; ES: 0.297-1.349) and YBTCOM scores compared to the former, irrespective of limb dominance (p: 0.007-0.034; ES: 0.569-0.730). With regards to the associations, forwards' BMI (rho: -0.35 to -0.52, ES: 0.184) and ADFROM values (rho: 0.41 to 0.53, ES: 0.184; r: 0.43 to 0.50, ES: 0.184) were associated to jump performance among both limbs. In contrast, for the backs, leg length was associated with SLHD (rho: 0.42-0.45, ES: 0.214) and YBTCOM (rho: -0.67 to -0.76, ES: 0.215). Likewise, ADFROM values (r: 0.44-0.56, ES: 0.185) were moderately associated to YBTAN in both limbs. CONCLUSIONS Backs attained better dynamic balance, wider ADFROM, and better unilateral vertical and horizontal jumps performances in dominant and non-dominant limb, compared to forwards. Additionally, ADFROM maybe an important aspect to consider when aiming to improve balance and jump performance among forwards and backs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tondelli
- Discipline of Sport Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ian C Kenny
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Thomas M Comyns
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Santiago Zabaloy
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports, University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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McLeod S, Tucker R, Edwards S, Jones B, Page G, Spiegelhalter M, West SW, Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. A case-control study of tackle based head impact event (HIE) risk factors from the first three seasons of the National Rugby League Women's competition. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1080356. [PMID: 37334015 PMCID: PMC10272446 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1080356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The tackle is the most injurious event in rugby league and carries the greatest risk of concussion. This study aims to replicate previous research conducted in professional men's rugby league by examining the association between selected tackle characteristics and head impact events (HIEs) in women's professional rugby league. Methods We reviewed and coded 83 tackles resulting in an HIE and every tackle (6,318 tackles) that did not result in an HIE for three seasons (2018-2020) of the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition. Tackle height, body position of the tackler and ball carrier, as well as the location of head contact with the other player's body were evaluated. Propensity of each situation that caused an HIE was calculated as HIEs per 1,000 tackles. Results The propensity for tacklers to sustain an HIE was 6.60 per 1,000 tackles (95% CI: 4.87-8.92), similar to that of the ball carrier (6.13 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 4.48-8.38). The greatest risk of an HIE to either the tackler or ball carrier occurred when head proximity was above the sternum (21.66 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 16.55-28.35). HIEs were most common following impacts between two heads (287.23 HIEs per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 196.98-418.84). The lowest propensity for both tackler (2.65 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.85-8.20) and ball carrier HIEs (1.77 per 1,000 tackles, 95% CI: 0.44-7.06) occurred when the head was in proximity to the opponent's shoulder and arm. No body position (upright, bent or unbalanced/off feet) was associated with an increased propensity of HIE to either tackler or ball carrier. Conclusions In the NRLW competition, tacklers and ball carriers have a similar risk of sustaining an HIE during a tackle, differing from men's NRL players, where tacklers have a higher risk of HIEs. Further studies involving larger samples need to validate these findings. However, our results indicate that injury prevention initiatives in women's rugby league should focus on how the ball carrier engages in contact during the tackle as well as how the tackler executes the tackle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya McLeod
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ross Tucker
- Department of Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine (ISEM), University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
- World Rugby Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzi Edwards
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Jones
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, UCT Research Centre for Health Through Physical Activity (HPALS), Lifestyle and Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Premiership Rugby, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Page
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mily Spiegelhalter
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- England Performance Unit, Rugby Football League, Red Hall, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. West
- Centre for Health, and Injury & Illness Prevention in Sport, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Gardner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
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EDWARDS SUZI, GARDNER ANDREWJ, TAHU TIMANA, FULLER GORDON, STRANGMAN GARY, LEVI CHRISTOPHERR, IVERSON GRANTL, TUCKER ROSS. Tacklers' Head Inertial Accelerations Can Be Decreased by Altering the Way They Engage in Contact with Ball Carriers' Torsos. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1560-1571. [PMID: 35394470 PMCID: PMC9390229 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate how four types of successfully executed, legal front-on, one-on-one torso tackles influence the tacklers' and ball carriers' inertial head kinematics. METHODS A total of 455 successful front-on, one-on-one torso tackle trials completed by 15 rugby code players using three-dimensional motion capture were recorded. Tackles differed with respects to the height of the contact point on the ball carrier's torso. A series of mixed general linear models were conducted. RESULTS The tackler sustained the highest peak resultant linear ( P < 0.001) and angular ( P < 0.01) head accelerations when contacting the lower torso to execute a "dominant" tackle compared with mid or upper torso, although these latter tackle types had the lowest ball carrier inertial head kinematics. When executing a "smother" tackle technique, a significant decrease in peak resultant linear head acceleration was observed with a vertical "pop" then lock action used, compared with the traditional upper torso tackling technique ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Modifying the tackler's engagement with a ball carrier's torso, with respect to height and technical execution, alters the inertial head kinematics of the tackler and the ball carrier. The traditional thinking about optimal tackle technique, as instructed, may need to be reevaluated, with the midtorso being a potential alternative target contact height, whereas changes in tackle execution may be relatively protective for tacklers when executing either a dominant or smother tackle. This study provides critical scientific evidence to underpin revised coaching tackling technique interventions that might enhance player safety. Tackles in which the tackler contacts the ball carrier around the midtorso region, rather than lower torso, produce the lowest acceleration and thus may contribute to reducing head injury risk for the tackler.
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Affiliation(s)
- SUZI EDWARDS
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - ANDREW J. GARDNER
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Newcastle, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - TIMANA TAHU
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - GORDON FULLER
- Emergency Medicine Research in Sheffield Group, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - GARY STRANGMAN
- Neural Systems Group, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - CHRISTOPHER R. LEVI
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Newcastle, NSW, AUSTRALIA
- Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE), Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | - GRANT L. IVERSON
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sport Concussion Program, Boston, MA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA
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