Rugby Science Update 25
By Lara Paul
The aim of this study is to report the imaging findings of school-level players in low to middle income countries who presented to public or private radiology centre for imaging after sustaining traumatic rugby-related head injuries. The study further aims to examine: (1) the prevalence of concussion based on available clinical history; (2) the imaging correlation in players diagnosed with concussion and the diagnostic utility of CT in the context of concussion; and (3) differences in imaging findings between the public and private sectors. Data were collected from school-aged players (6-18 years) over a 10-year period, from 2014 to 2023, in the Western Cape region in South Africa. Imaging of rugby-related head injuries were obtained from Tygerberg Hospital, a public multi-centre facility, and from SCP Radiology, representing the private sector. Sports-related concussion (SRC) diagnoses were recorded only when signs or symptoms were included in the clinical history provided in the imaging request by the referring clinician and met the criteria based on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6. A total of 369 school-level participants referred for imaging of rugby-related head injuries were included in this study. Participants in the public sector were over eight times more likely to have an SRC. This finding highlights disparities in healthcare access and injury reporting between the private and public sectors. Non-contrasted CT was the primary imaging modality used (94%). Eighty-six percent of scans showed no acute injury. Among abnormal studies, the most frequent findings were craniofacial fractures and brain injuries, including cerebral haemorrhage, contusions and oedema. SRC were prevalent in 78% of cases. Another noteworthy finding is that CT demonstrated low sensitivity for diagnosing concussion.
This study is published in Sports Medicine.
The purpose of this study was to compare three workload models and examine their relationships to match-specific and player specific characteristics in women’s rugby sevens. Twenty-two elite female rugby sevens players participated in the study. A total of 103 matches were analysed, incorporating GNSS-derived data, body mass measurements, self-reported RPE (rating of perceived exertion) and various match characteristics. The speed-deceleration-contact (SDC) model was used to generate predicted workload values, expressed in arbitrary units (AU). On average, players participated for 11.8 ± 4.53 minutes per match, experienced an RPE of 7 ± 1.9 AU, and had a calculated sRPE (session RPE) of 79.6 ± 45.59 AU, with 56.25 ± 21.40 kJ of mechanical work per match played. Player experience and match category significantly influenced all three workload measures (sRPE, mechanical work, and SDC model). Additionally, the opponent was significantly associated with both sRPE and the SDC model, while match outcome was associated with only sRPE. All three workload measures are valuable and are viable workload monitoring tools. However, they respond differently to contextual and experiential factors. Notably, sRPE and the SDC model appear more sensitive to key match characteristics compared to mechanical work.
This study is published in Applied Sciences.
Sleep architecture is altered with travel and matches in professional rugby union players
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of home versus away match fixtures on sleep quantity, quality, and architecture in professional male rugby union players. Twenty (n = 20) professional male rugby union players participated during the first two rounds of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, across two conditions: HOME and AWAY match fixtures. Sleep was assessed over three nights for each condition: the two nights preceding the match, the night of the match, and the second night following matchday. Two matches were separated by eight days, with the HOME fixture occurring first. Players wore a wireless home-based polysomnography PSG device on designated sleep assessment nights. Sleep was categorised into three groups: Sleep quantity, sleep quality and sleep architecture. Match day sleep duration was shorter than on the two preceding nights. Sleep efficiency was not affected by day or condition. Significant differences were observed in the proportion of time spent in light sleep (between conditions), deep sleep (across days), and REM sleep (by both day and condition). During AWAY fixtures, players experienced reduced light sleep and increased deep sleep, along with greater difficulty falling asleep. Regardless of match location, sleep duration was significantly reduced on the night of the match. Post-match sleep was characterized by reductions in light and REM sleep, and an increase in deep sleep. Overall, players exhibited lower proportions of REM sleep and higher proportions of deep sleep after matches compared to two nights preceding match day. These findings emphasise the importance of facilitating adequate sleep opportunities following travel and competition for professional rugby players.
This study is published in the Journal of Sport Science.
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