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Study: Incorrect technique contributes to increased injury risk among rugby players
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Recently published results showed a higher risk of tackle-related injury among rugby players toward the end of matches, with incorrect technique contributing to an increased risk.
Nicholas Burger, BSc(Hons), and colleagues analyzed the South African Rugby injury and video databases for information regarding all tackle-related injury events that occurred at the South African Rugby Union Under-18 Craven Week youth rugby tournaments between 2011 and 2013.
Results showed ball carriers had a significantly greater likelihood of being injured in the third and fourth quarters. Researchers also found tacklers had a greater chance of injury in the fourth quarter. When ball carriers were aware of or better attuned to their surroundings and the impending contact or collision, they had a lower risk of injury.
Researchers found both ball carriers and tacklers were at a significantly lower risk of injury when initial contact was made with the tackler’s shoulder or arm vs. their head or neck. Performing a moderate fend or hand-off lowered the risk of injury for ball carriers, results showed, while tacklers had a lower probability of injury when a shoulder tackle on the same side as the leading leg occurred. When the ball carrier’s legs were brought to the ground before another body region after the tackle, researchers noted a significantly lower chance of an injury occurring to the tackler.
“Implementing recovery strategies between matches, training safe and effective techniques, and improving levels of conditioning may counter the negative effects of fatigue. These findings may assist stakeholders in youth rugby to formulate injury prevention strategies and may improve the preparation of field-side medical staff for managing tackle-related injuries at these or similar tournaments,” the researchers wrote. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Burger reports that he received funding from the National Research Foundation (Scarce Skills Development Fund Doctoral Scholarship). Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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