scholarly journals Pressure. A Qualitative Analysis of the Perception of Concussion and Injury Risk in Retired Professional Rugby Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Ed Daly ◽  
Adam White ◽  
Alexander D. Blackett ◽  
Lisa Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Peer Influences ◽  
Individual Interview ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Significant Injury ◽  
Concussive Injury

This study interviewed retired professional rugby union players (≤10 years since retirement) to discuss their careers in the game of rugby union. The primary aim of the study was to document their understanding of concussion knowledge and the analogies they use to describe concussion. In addition, these interviews were used to determine any explicit and implicit pressures of playing professional rugby as described by ex-professional rugby players. Overall, 23 retired professional rugby players were interviewed. The participants had played the game of rugby union (n = 23) at elite professional standard. A semi-structured individual interview design was conducted with participants between June to August 2020. The research team reviewed the transcripts to identify the major themes from the interviews using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Four major themes were identified: (1) medical and theoretical understanding of concussion, (2) descriptions of concussion and disassociated language, (3) personal concussion experience, and (4) peer influences on concussion within the sport. These were further divided into categories and subcategories. The interviews highlighted that players did not fully understand the ramifications of concussive injury and other injury risk, as it became normalised as part of their sport. This normalisation was supported by trivialising the seriousness of concussions and using dismissive language amongst themselves as players, or with coaching staff. As many of these ex-professional players are currently coaching rugby (48%), these interviews could assist coaches in treating concussion as a significant injury and not downplaying the seriousness of concussion in contact sports.

scholarly journals On average, a professional rugby union player is more likely than not to sustain a concussion after 25 matches

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (15) ◽  
pp. 969-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Rafferty ◽  
Craig Ranson ◽  
Giles Oatley ◽  
Mohamed Mostafa ◽  
Prabhat Mathema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Injury Rates ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Four Seasons ◽  
Concussive Injury ◽  
Over Time

ObjectivesTo investigate concussion injury rates, the likelihood of sustaining concussion relative to the number of rugby union matches and the risk of subsequent injury following concussion.MethodsA four-season (2012/2013–2015/2016) prospective cohort study of injuries in professional level (club and international) rugby union. Incidence (injuries/1000 player-match-hours), severity (days lost per injury) and number of professional matches conferring a large risk of concussion were determined. The risk of injury following concussion was assessed using a survival model.ResultsConcussion incidence increased from 7.9 (95% CI 5.1 to 11.7) to 21.5 injuries/1000 player-match-hours (95% CI 16.4 to 27.6) over the four seasons for combined club and international rugby union. Concussion severity was unchanged over time (median: 9 days). Players were at a greater risk of sustaining a concussion than not after an exposure of 25 matches (95% CI 19 to 32). Injury risk (any injury) was 38% greater (HR 1.38; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.56) following concussion than after a non-concussive injury. Injuries to the head and neck (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.70), upper limb (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.12), pelvic region (HR 2.07; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.65) and the lower limb (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.21 to 2.10) were more likely following concussion than after a non-concussive injury.ConclusionConcussion incidence increased, while severity remained unchanged, during the 4 years of this study. Playing more than 25 matches in the 2015/2016 season meant that sustaining concussion was more likely than not sustaining concussion. The 38% greater injury risk after concussive injury (compared with non-concussive injury) suggests return to play protocols warrant investigation.

scholarly journals Similar head impact acceleration measured using instrumented ear patches in a junior rugby union team during matches in comparison with other sports

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug A. King ◽  
Patria A. Hume ◽  
Conor Gissane ◽  
Trevor N. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Linear Acceleration ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Head Impact ◽  
American Football ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Head Impacts ◽  
Impact Acceleration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rugby Players

OBJECTIVE Direct impact with the head and the inertial loading of the head have been postulated as major mechanisms of head-related injuries, such as concussion. METHODS This descriptive observational study was conducted to quantify the head impact acceleration characteristics in under-9-year-old junior rugby union players in New Zealand. The impact magnitude, frequency, and location were collected with a wireless head impact sensor that was worn by 14 junior rugby players who participated in 4 matches. RESULTS A total of 721 impacts > 10g were recorded. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of impacts per player was 46 (IQR 37–58), resulting in 10 (IQR 4–18) impacts to the head per player per match. The median impact magnitudes recorded were 15g (IQR 12g–21g) for linear acceleration and 2296 rad/sec2 (IQR 1352–4152 rad/sec2) for rotational acceleration. CONCLUSIONS There were 121 impacts (16.8%) above the rotational injury risk limit and 1 (0.1%) impact above the linear injury risk limit. The acceleration magnitude and number of head impacts in junior rugby union players were higher than those previously reported in similar age-group sports participants. The median linear acceleration for the under-9-year-old rugby players were similar to 7- to 8-year-old American football players, but lower than 9- to 12-year-old youth American football players. The median rotational accelerations measured were higher than the median and 95th percentiles in youth, high school, and collegiate American football players.

scholarly journals Training volume and injury incidence in a professional rugby union team

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Viljoen ◽  
CJ Saunders ◽  
GD Hechter ◽  
KD Aginsky ◽  
HB Millson
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Training Volume ◽  
Injury Rates ◽  
Acute Injuries ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
Rugby Players

Objective. To describe the incidence of injuries in a professional rugby team, and to identify any associations between injury rates and training volume.Methods. This retrospective, descriptive study included all injuries diagnosed as grade 1 and above in a South African Super 12 rugby team. Injury incidence and injury rates were calculated and compared with training volume and hours of match play.Results. Thirty-eight male rugby players were injured during the study period. The total number of annual injuries decreased from 50 (2002) to 38 (2004) (χ2=0.84, p=0.36). The number of new injuries showed a similar trend (χ2=2.81, p=0.09), while the number of recurring injuries increased over the 3-year period. There was a tendency for total in-season injury rates to decrease over the 3 years (χ2=2.89, p=0.09). The pre-season injury rate increased significantly over the 3 years (χ2=12.7, pConclusions. One has to be cognisant of the balance between performance improvement and injury risk when designing training programmes for elite rugby players. Although the reduction in training volume was associated with a slight reduction in the number of acute injuries and in-season injury rates over the three seasons, the performance of the team changed from 3rd to 7th (2002 and 2004, respectively). Further studies are required to determine the optimal training necessary to improve rugby performancewhile reducing injury rates.

scholarly journals Implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme in English schoolboy rugby union

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001018
Author(s):  
Craig Barden ◽  
Keith A Stokes ◽  
Carly D McKay
Keyword(s):  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Common Barriers ◽  
Perceptions Of School ◽  
Intervention Uptake

ObjectivesThe implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme has not been assessed in an applied context. This study aimed to (1) describe the knowledge and perceptions of school rugby coaches and players towards injury risk, prevention and Activate and (2) evaluate Activate implementation in schoolboy rugby using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance framework.MethodsBespoke electronic surveys were administered to coaches (including support staff) and players at participating English schools (2018–2020). Most questions and statements were answered using a 7-point Likert scale. At baseline, participants detailed their Activate awareness and perceptions of injury risk and prevention in schoolboy rugby. At postseason, participants reported Activate use throughout the study and their perceptions towards the programme.ResultsAt baseline, significant differences existed between coaches (n=106) and players (n=571) in Activate awareness (75% and 13% respectively; χ2=173.5, p<0.001). Coaches perceived rugby had a significantly greater injury risk than players, while holding more positive perceptions towards injury prevention. At postseason, coaches reported greater Activate adoption compared with players (76% and 18% respectively; χ2=41.8, p<0.001); 45% of players were unaware if they used the programme. Median session adherence was twice weekly, with a median duration of 10–15 min. This suggests Activate was not implemented as intended, with recommendations of three 20 min sessions per week. Both groups identified common barriers to implementation, such as lack of time and inclusion of a ball.ConclusionCoaches are instrumental in the decision to implement Activate. Targeting behavioural change in these individuals is likely to have the greatest impact on intervention uptake.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Dynamic Balance and Jumping Tests among Adolescent Amateur Rugby Players. A Preliminary Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Bartosz Wilczyński ◽  
Jakub Hinca ◽  
Daniel Ślęzak ◽  
Katarzyna Zorena
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Counter Movement Jump ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rugby Players

Rugby is a demanding contact sport. In light of research, poor balance, reduced jumping ability, muscle strength, and incorrect landing patterns might contribute to the increased risk of injury in athletes. Investigating the relationship between tests assessing these abilities might not only allow for the skillful programming of preventive training but also helps in assessing the risk of injury to athletes. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance, vertical and horizontal jumps, and jump-landings movement patterns. Thirty-one healthy amateur adolescent rugby players (age: 14.3 ± 1.6 years, height 171.4 ± 9.7 cm, body mass 80 ± 26 kg) participated in the study. Data were collected by the Y-balance Test (YBT), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Single Leg Hop for Distance (SLHD), and Landing Error Score System (LESS). Significant positive correlations were found between SLHD both legs (SLHDb) and YBT Composite both legs (COMb) (r = 0.51, p = 0.0037) and between SLHDb and CMJ (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001). A relationship was also observed between the CMJ and YBT COMb test (r = 0.51, p = 0.006). Moderate positive correlations were found between the dominant legs in SLHD and the posterolateral (r = 0.40, p = 0.027), posteromedial (r = 0.43, p = 0.014), and composite (r = 0.48, p = 0.006) directions of the YBT. These results indicate that variables that are dependent on each other can support in the assessment of injury-risk and in enhancing sports performance of young athletes.

scholarly journals Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199870
Author(s):  
Mark Matthews ◽  
William Johnston ◽  
Chris M. Bleakley ◽  
Richard J. Davies ◽  
Alan T. Rankin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Rugby Players

Background: Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes ( x, y, and z). Results: Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- ( P = .47) and dual-task ( P = .67) conditions. Conclusion: Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.

Creation, implementation, and evaluation of a values-based training program for sport coaches and physical education teachers in Singapore

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koon Teck Koh ◽  
Martin Camiré ◽  
Gordon A Bloom ◽  
CKJ Wang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Individual Interview ◽  
Years Of Teaching Experience ◽  
Teaching Values ◽  
Sport Coaches

The purpose of the study was to create, implement, and evaluate a values-based training program for sport coaches and physical education teachers in Singapore. Four sport coaches with two to eight years of coaching experience ( M = 5.0, SD = 1.4) and four physical education teachers with two to nine years of teaching experience ( M = 5.25, SD = 3.3) took part in three 2-h training workshops focusing on the teaching of values to athletes and students. Following the workshops, the participants took part in an individual interview to document their perspectives of the values-based training program. Results of the thematic analysis revealed many benefits of the values-based training program, including an increased awareness of the importance of systematically teaching values through physical education and sport. Further, the participants felt better equipped to work with parents and other teachers in helping athletes and students transfer values.

scholarly journals Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Freitas ◽  
Pedro Alcaraz ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Rugby Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between “faster and slower players”, in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power–speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

Critical Speed as a Measure of Aerobic Fitness for Male Rugby Union Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kramer ◽  
Mark Watson ◽  
Rosa Du Randt ◽  
Robert W. Pettitt
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Graded Exercise Test ◽  
Graded Exercise ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Rugby Players ◽  
Linear Correlations ◽  
Test Level

Purpose:To compare critical speed (CS) derived from all-out testing (AOT) for linear and shuttle running with metrics from a graded exercise test, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test  Level 1 (YYIR1), and estimation of an 800-m-shuttle time trial.Methods:Twelve male rugby players completed a graded exercise test, the YYIR1, a linear AOT, shuttle AOTs of 25 and 50 m, and an 800-m-shuttle time trial consisting of 32 × 25-m shuttles.Results:Strong linear correlations were observed between maximum oxygen uptake () and CS (m·s−1) derived from the linear AOT (3.68 [0.62],r = .90,P < .01) and 50-m-shuttle AOT (3.19 [0.26],r = .83,P < .01). Conversely,showed lower correlations with speeds evoking CS from 25-m AOT (2.86 [0.18],r = .42,P = .18) and YYIR1 (4.36 [0.11],r = .55,P = .07). The 800-m time trial (213.58 [15.84] s) was best predicted using parameters from the 25-m AOT (r = .93, SEE = 6.60 s,P < .001).Conclusions:The AOT is a valuable method of assessing performance-specific fitness, with CS from linear and 50-m-shuttle AOTs being strong predictors of, rivaling metrics from the graded exercise test. The YYIR1 offered limited utility compared with the AOT method.

Attentional Styles in Rugby Players

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian W. Maynard ◽  
Bruce L. Howe
Keyword(s):  
Male Volunteer ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Vancouver Island ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Interpersonal Style ◽  
External Focus ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rugby Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the attentional subscales of Nideffer's Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style (TAIS) and playing standard, age, and position played within the sport of rugby. 144 male volunteer rugby players from the Vancouver Island Rugby Union were tested. The sample included 72 above average rugby players and 72 of average playing standard who were further classified by age: 24 under 19 yr. (U.19), 24 under 23 yr. (U.23), and 24 senior. Four specific positional groups were identified within the sample: Tight Five ( n = 56), Backrow ( n = 24), Halfbacks ( n = 20), and Outside Backs ( n = 44). A series of two-way multivariate analyses of variance gave no significant differences between the two different playing standards except for age. The senior group differed from both the U.19 and U.23 groups on narrowing. In addition, significant differences were also observed between the Halfbacks and the remaining positional groups (Tight Five, Backrow, and Threequarters) on two of the six measures, they demonstrated greater broad-external focus and less internal overload. It was concluded that the Halfbacks, who are the decision makers within the team, reflected most closely Nideffer's concept of an effective attentional style and the attentional subscales did discriminate minimally between rugby players of different ages and playing position.

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