Citation

Ma R, Lopez V, Weinstein MG, Chen JL, Black CM, Gupta AT, Harbst JD, Victoria C, Allen AA. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2016; 48(10): 1957-1966.

Affiliation

1University of Missouri, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute & Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, Columbia, MO; 2Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, New York, NY; 3USA Rugby Empire Geographic Union RFU, New York, NY; 4Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Rugby Codes Research Group, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand; 5Northeast Rugby Academy, USOC-Sanctioned Olympic Development Program, New York, NY; 6New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York, NY; 7University of San Francisco, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, San Francisco, CA; 8Alberta Health Services, Department of Medical Physiatry, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 9Professional Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, New York, NY; 10New York University, Global Institute of Public Health, New York, NY; 11Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY; 12National Basketball Association, New York Knickerbockers, New York, NY; 13USA Basketball, Colorado Springs, CO.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0000000000000997

PMID

27232243

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine incidence (injuries/1000 playing hours (ph)), severity (days absence), and cause of match injuries in U.S. women Rugby-7s.

METHODS: A prospective injury epidemiological study (2010-2013) of 3,876 under-19 to elite/national female Rugby-7s players (non-elite=3324; elite=552) on 323 teams (non-elite=277; elite=46). Applying methodology and injury definitions compliant with international consensus statement on rugby research. Injuries occurred in USA Rugby sanctioned tournament series: USA Rugby Local Area (2010), Territorial Union (2011-2013), National and All-Star Sevens Series; and USA Sevens Invitational (2011-12) and Collegiate Rugby Championships (2012).

RESULTS: 120 time-loss injuries were encountered (elite, n=15; 13%) with an injury rate of 46.3 injuries/1000 ph. Injury rates in non-elite were 49.3/1000 ph, and national level (elite) candidates at 32.6/1000 ph (RR: 1.5, P=0.130). Mean days missed found elite level players at 74.9 days per injury, whereas non-elite at 41.8 days (P=0.090). Acute injuries were significant (95%; RR: 1.9; P<0.001), resulting in immediate removal from the pitch (56%, P<0.001). Main mechanism of injury occurred tackling players (73%, P<0.001). The most common type of injury seen were ligament sprains (37%; 13.9/1000 ph), involving the lower extremity (45%, 20.5/1000 ph). Most common body parts injured were the knee and head/face (16%, 7.3/1000 ph).

CONCLUSIONS: Time-loss injuries occurred with frequency in the U.S. women Rugby-7s tournaments. Overall injury rates in U.S. women are lower than international elite men and women Rugby-7s. The head and neck area in our female players was injured at greater rates (16%) than international male Rugby-7s (5%). Injury prevention in U.S. women's Rugby-7s must focus on injuries of the knee, head and neck. Understanding risk factors will allow safe return-to-play decisions and formulate injury prevention protocols.

Language: en