Players', parents' and staffs' perceptions of injury prevention exercise programmes in youth rugby union

Background and aim

Despite evidence of their efficacy, there is no widespread adoption of injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) among young players and coaches in community rugby union. The purpose of this study was to (1) analyse the knowledge and perceptions of injury prevention and IPEPs among staff, parents and players in youth rugby union and (2) explore the facilitators and barriers to implementation of IPEPs. With this contextual information, tailored implementation strategies can be created.

Methods

Participants completed an online survey addressing knowledge and perceptions of injury risk, injury prevention practices and a rugby-specific IPEP. Community rugby union players aged 14-18 years, their parents and staff were invited to participate, including school-based and development squads competing at a national level.

Results

Surveys were completed by 18 staff members, 72 parents and 56 players. Staff, parents and players believe that the risk of injury in youth rugby union is high and that injury prevention is important. The perceived role in injury prevention and availability of allied health staff, particularly strength and conditioning coaches, was apparent in this sample. Reported barriers to completion of IPEPs related to time, resources, awareness of the programme and end-users' attitudes or motivations. Leadership, the use of role models and the structure and routine provided by an IPEP were considered facilitative.

Conclusions

These findings inform future implementation strategies for IPEPs in this setting, including the need to provide practical solutions, education and considering the role of allied health staff in facilitating such programmes.

A radiographic analysis of the abnormal hallux interphalangeus angle range: Considerations for surgeons performing Akin osteotomies

PURPOSE

This study is aimed to determine the abnormal radiological hallux interphalangeus angle (HIA) range, which can assist surgeons in determining the required bone resection in an Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

METHODS

Radiographs of 141 feet were analyzed. The mean HIA and range were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) deformity was 78% (110/141). The mean HIA was 13.5° ± 4.5° (1.4-24.4). Fifty percent had abnormal HIA values of 10-15°, 40% had values of 15-20°, and 10% had greater than 20°. A large proportion of patients with HVI deformities may need greater than the standard 2-3-mm bone wedge removal during Akin osteotomy.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence and wide range of HVI deformities should alert surgeons to the possibility that greater than 3-mm bone wedge resections may be required. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Kinanthropometric and physiological characteristics of outrigger canoe paddlers

We describe the physiological characteristics of amateur outrigger canoe paddlers. Twenty-one paddlers (13 males, 8 females) were evaluated for body stature, aerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, peak paddle force, flexibility and 250 m sprint paddle performance at the end of the outrigging season. The mean variables (+/- s) for the males were: age 27 +/- 9 years, height 175 +/- 5 cm, body mass 80 +/- 5 kg, arm span 178 +/- 7 cm, sitting height 100 +/- 2 cm, aerobic power 3.0 +/- 0.4 l x min(-1), maximum bench press strength 85 +/- 19 kg, right peak paddle force 382 +/- 66 N and left peak paddle force 369 +/- 69 N. For the females, these were: age 26 +/- 6 years, height 168 +/- 5 cm, body mass 70 +/- 8 kg, arm span 170 +/- 5 cm, sitting height 97 +/- 3 cm, aerobic power 2.3 +/- 0.51 l x min(-1), maximum bench press strength 47 +/- 10 kg, right peak paddle force 252 +/- 63 N and left peak paddle force 257 +/- 60 N. Analysis of variance revealed differences (P < 0.05) between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body for peak paddle force, isokinetic internal and external rotation, and flexion and extension torque of the shoulder joint. The outrigger canoe paddlers were generally within the range of scores found to describe participants of other water craft sports. Outrigger canoeists should be concerned with the muscular strength imbalances associated with paddling technique.