Category: Injury Prevention
Rugby Science Update 23
By Lara Paul
The aim of this study was to examine the association between tackle characteristics and suspected concussion-related versus non-injurious tackle events in a Canadian female varsity rugby cohort using video analysis. Video footage from Canada West female varsity rugby union league, spanning 2017 to 2019, were analysed. A case-control study design was employed to evaluate the relationship between tackle characteristics and a suspected concussive tackle event. Tackle and head impact characteristics, such as contact direction, location, intensity, were coded. In total, 13 439 tackles were identified. Among 151 225 suspected injury events identified, 26% were classified as suspected concussions. Of these, 78% were attributed to tackle events, while the remaining concussions resulted from other match events, such as a scrums, mauls, or rucks. A high head impact intensity score was strongly associated with concussion for both ball carriers and tacklers. Tackler related suspected concussions were linked to tackle events involving three tacklers in a tackle event, a tap tackle and an away pre-contact head position. Ball carrier related suspected concussions were associated with a tap tackle, illegal tackle type and down pre-contact head position. Concussion prevention programmes and strategies should be prioritised in rugby. The findings of this study can guide the development of strategies and programmes focused on tackle types and head positioning for both tacklers and ball carriers.
This study is published in the International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport.
The purpose of this study was to identify tackle characteristics associated with clinically diagnosed concussions in the men’s rugby league. Additionally, it aimed to determine the tackle characteristics that predict concussions in rugby league. Match concussions were reported throughout the 2018-2022 Super League seasons and were analysed using video analysis by the research team. In total, 7415 tackles that did not involve concussive events were coded, alongside the analysis of 196 concussions. Seventy percent (70%) occurred to the tackler, while thirty percent (30%) occurred to the ball carrier. Key tackle characteristics associated with concussions included the tackle impact location on the ball carrier’s body, the ball carrier leading arm, the number of defenders in the tackle, and the interaction of body positioning between the ball carrier and tackler. Specific characteristics for tacklers included tackler head placement, the ball carrier leading arm, number of players in the tackle, and tackle impact zone location on the ball carrier. For ball carrier concussions, tackle impact zone location on the ball carrier and the ball carrier and tackler body position. Tackle technique interventions should prioritise proper head placement to minimize direct impacts to the tackler’s head. Interestingly, this study found that the greatest odds of concussion occurred when both players were falling or diving rather than remaining upright. Tackles involving one ball carrier and three tacklers were the most frequent tackle type and had the lowest odds of causing concussion. Prioritising strategies focused on the tackler may significantly reduce overall concussions. Interventions should address initial impact with the ball carriers’ head or neck to decrease ball carrier concussions. Further research into optimal techniques for both ball carrier and tackers is needed. The findings of this study suggest that modifying and reinforcing tackle laws could help reduce the incidence of concussions in rugby league.
This study is published in Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
The aim of this study was to explore youth Rugby Union coaches’ preferences for education and support in implementing injury prevention programmes. Five focus group were conducted in 2023, involving twelve Rugby Union coaches from secondary school teams and youth clubs in Ireland. Data were collected until data saturation was reached, and a conventional content analysis approach was used to analyse the data and address the research question. Three main categories emerged from the analysis: 1) Formal/non-formal learning, 2) Informal learning, and 3) Intrapersonal considerations. Coaches expressed a preference for live, structured, and practical workshops during the pre-season period, which a strong focus on developing knowledge. The emphasized that injury prevention workshop should also be a stand-alone session to allow full attention to the topic. Coaches also requested active resources to aid in planning their programmes. These resources would enable coaches to develop implicit knowledge of injury prevention programmes through various means, including adapting, integrating, and engaging in Q&A sessions. Coaches also sought the flexibility to adjust programmes as needed. The study identified a mismatch between coaches’ preferences for injury prevention programme education and what is currently offered through National Governing Bodies coach education programmes. Further exploration of perspectives of National Governing Bodies is necessary to address this gap.
This study is published in Physical Therapy in Sport.
Rugby Science Update 22
By Lara Paul
“Women shouldn’t play rugby” – the gendered and embodied experiences of women players in rugby union
The aim of this study to understand the attitudes, experiences and behaviours of women rugby players concerning tackle performance and safety. In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one senior women rugby players. A constructivist grounded theory approach guided the recruitment of participants, data collection and data analysis. The results were divided into two categories: 1) The position of women’s rugby and 2) how women shape the field of rugby. Participants discussed how their bodies felt ‘out of place’ within the rugby community due to their personal experiences and restrictive gender norms. This included deeply embedded gender norms within social and organisational structures, playing conditions and societal perceptions of women’s rugby, which limited their opportunities to safely participate and thrive in the sport. Despite these challenges, players did not change themselves to fit in, rather, they embraced the diversity of women’s embodiment and capabilities. They continued to participate in this sport, actively re-shaping the future of women’s rugby. The authors mentioned that participants expressed optimism about the future public profile of women’s rugby, and this positive attitude could serve as a catalyst for changing attitudes and increasing support. The authors recommend that researchers continue to build on this research by investigating the why and how certain knowledges and practices become normative, as well as when and why they may be resisted.
This study is published in the Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health.
The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to describe the incidence, severity and burden of knee injuries over 20 English Premiership rugby seasons in matches and training, and (2) to assess changes in injury rates over time and compare these rates across different playing surfaces and between types of playing events. Data on injuries and match and training exposure were collected from first team male rugby players of Premiership Rugby Clubs from 2002/2003 season to the 2022/2023 season. All injury definitions were aligned with the 2020 IOC injury consensus document. Over the 20 seasons, a total of 2128 knee injuries reported, with 71% occurring during matches and 29% during training. Annually, knee injuries accounted for an average of 11.6% of all match injuries and 9.5% of all training injuries. The mean knee severity in matches was 50 days, with an injury incidence of 9.8 injuries per 1000 player hours. MCL injuries were the most common during matches; however, ACL injuries had the highest severity (241 days) and injury burden (112 days per 1000 hours). In training, the mean severity of knee injuries were 51 days, and the injury incidence was 0.2 injuries per 1000 player hours. MCL, chondral/meniscal, and ‘other’ knee injuries were the most common in training, though ACL injuries had the highest severity (243 days). While the overall knee injury count did not change over time, counts of PCL and complex knee injuries have significantly increased. Average knee injury severity also showed a significant increase over time. Knee injury rates during matches were 44% higher on artificial grass pitches than on natural grass surfaces. The tackle event was the leading cause of knee injuries in matches, with ball carrier at a higher risk than tacklers. For ACL injuries, running accounted for 33% of cases, followed by the tackle event with 31%. Given the evolving nature of the game, prioritising knee injury prevention strategies is recommended.
This study is published in British Journal of Sports Medicine.
This study aims to examine performance across the menstrual cycle and compare athletes using hormonal contraption with those having a “natural” cycle. Twenty-four national Australian National Rugby League’s Indigenous Women’s Academy athletes participated in this study while attending a 5 week training camp. The players were divided into two groups: those using hormonal contraception and those reporting naturally menstrual cycles. After two familiarization sessions, participants completed performance tests on three separate occasions, aligned with each participant’s individualized menstrual (MC) or hormonal contraceptive cycle. Menstrual status was tracked for all athletes by recording the onset of bleeding, conducting 11 weeks of MC or hormonal contraceptive tracking, using dual hormone urinary ovulation kits, and analysing retrospective serum 17‐β‐estradiol and progesterone concentration. Performance tests were administered at MC phase one, two and four for natural menstruating athletes and three equally spaced out intervals for athletes using hormonal contraceptive athletes. Blood samples were collected from each athlete before each performance testing session. Performance tests included the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and isometric mid‐thigh pull, conducted on a dual force plate system, followed by the power pass, 20m sprint and the Stroop Colour and Word Test. No differences or changes were observed in CMJ, SJ, and isometric mid‐thigh pull force, power pass distance, 20m sprint times or Stroop effect across MC phases, test sessions, or between groups. However, small variations in kinetic and kinematic outputs were noted in the CMJ and SJ: a 16.8% greater mean concentric power were observed in the CMJ, and a 4.7% reduction in impulse at 50 ms in the SJ during MC phase four compared to MC phase one. This study suggests that while the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive use does not significantly impact physical and cognitive performance outcomes, certain kinetic or kinematic outputs during the CMJ and SJ may experience minor alterations.
This study is published in European Journal of Sport Science – Open Access.
Rugby Science Update 20
By Lara Paul
The state of play for contact training and coaching in women’s rugby
The purpose of this study was to review the current literature on tackle training in contact rugby codes and highlight key messages for coaches and stakeholders as part of a transdisciplinary approach to improve science, safety and gender equity in women’s rugby. The review looked at female specific injury surveillance, prevention, coaches in women’s rugby and match demands. The current literature is sparse but acknowledges the gendered sociocultural and environmental conditions that have influenced women’s experiences of rugby contact and coaching. One cannot copy and paste what has been done from male literature and expect it to work for women’s rugby. Women’s rugby should be understood and coached in a context‐specific manner, considering the needs of the players, coaches and the training environment. Developing and encouraging coaches to execute safe and effective tackle technical actions has been highlighted a priority in women’s rugby. Researchers in all disciplines have been encouraged to work across all levels of women’s rugby, with coaches and athletes, to understand the whole system of women’s rugby. This allows for a holistic approach to developing women’s rugby further. This review also suggests that adapting and adopting progressive tackle skill training frameworks and gender‐responsive coaching practices can aid tackle skill learning.
This study is published in the European Journal of Sport Science – Open Access.
The aims of this study were two-fold: 1) to describe the Head Acceleration Events (HAEs) experienced by professional men’s rugby union players during contact events using statistical modelling techniques appropriate for instrumental mouthguard (iMG) data, and 2) to explore the differences between contact-event types and positional groups. This observational study was conducted during the 2023 Currie Cup and Super Rugby season. Custom Prevent Biometrics iMGs were provided to all players. Post-match data was downloaded from the iMGs to provide linear and angular kinematics. Video analysis data, provided by Opta, included ruck, ball carrier and tackle data. Accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor data were synchronized to video timestamps of contact events using Matlab. Each HAE was linked to a contact event if their timestamps occurred within 10 seconds of one another. The results from this study show that as the HAEmax magnitude increased, the probability of occurrence decreased. This results in a relatively small probability of higher HAEmax magnitudes in professional male rugby union players. Tackles and ball carries had a greater probability of HAEmax in higher magnitude ranges than rucks. However, the defensive ruck probability profile was closer to tackle and carry events than attacking rucks. The authors suggest that defensive rucks may warrant greater consideration within the injury prevention interventions. No clear differences were found between positions for any of the contact events. The occurrence of HAEmax was associated with roles players performed within contact events, not their actual playing position. These results of HAEmax occurrence can be used to guide and evaluate future HAE reduction strategies in professional rugby union players. Additionally, these results can guide practitioners in planning and player monitoring.
This study is published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.
The purpose of this study to quantify changes in body composition, blood markers, energy requirements, strength, and aerobic capacity of women’s international rugby league players during the lead up to the 2022 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC). Twenty-four international women’s rugby league players participated in this study. Players were tested at three testing points: 1) December 2021, at the beginning of the 2022 Women’s Super League pre-season; 2) March 2022, at the end of the 2022 Women’s Super League pre-season; and 3) October 2022, following the completion of the 2022 Women’s Super League season and prior to the RLWC. Data collection included anthropometric measurements (height and body mass), body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), blood profiling, assessments of endurance capacity (VO2max) and isometric strength. This study observed increases in lean mass during the pre-season which aligned with the team’s training goals. Backs demonstrated improvements in VO2max across the three testing points. Interestingly, no significant changes were observed in fat mass, RMR, blood markers, or strength over time. Forwards has a greater body mass and body fat percentages compared to backs. The authors recommend the inclusion of iron profile monitoring in practical settings, especially during intensified training phases, as it can contribute to players’ overall health and performance. Although the iron profiles remained at similar levels across all testing points, it was below the recommended threshold.
This study is published in PLoS ONE.
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