@article{ref1,
title="Concussions in community-level rugby: risk, knowledge, and attitudes",
journal="Sports health",
year="2017",
author="Martin, R. Kyle and Hrubeniuk, Travis J. and Witiw, Christopher D. and MacDonald, Peter and Leiter, Jeff",
volume="9",
number="4",
pages="312-317",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Rugby is a popular collision sport where participants are at risk of sustaining concussions. Most research focuses on elite-level or youth divisions. Comparatively, little is known about adult community rugby. The aim of this research was to estimate the risk of sustaining a concussion during participation in community-level rugby and summarize the collective knowledge and attitudes toward concussions. HYPOTHESIS: Concussion symptoms will be reported frequently among community-level rugby players and a substantial proportion will report a willingness to continue participation despite the risk. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. <br><br>METHODS: An anonymous, voluntary survey was administered to all 464 senior rugby players registered in the province of Manitoba in 2015. Two primary domains were assessed: (1) concussion history from the preceding season including occurrence, symptomatology, and impact on daily activities and (2) knowledge and attitudes toward concussion risks and management. <br><br>RESULTS: In total, 284 (61.2%) rugby players responded. Concussive symptoms were reported by 106 (37.3%). Of those, 87% were formally diagnosed with a concussion and 27% missed school and/or work as a result. The danger of playing while symptomatic was recognized by 93.7% of participants, yet 29% indicated they would continue while symptomatic. Furthermore, 39% felt they were letting others down if they stopped playing due to a concussion. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Concussive symptoms were common among the study cohort and had a notable impact on daily activities. A high proportion of players were willing to continue while experiencing symptoms despite recognizing the danger. The observed discord between knowledge and attitudes implicates a culture of &quot;playing injured.&quot; CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the risk of injury may affect an individual's decision to participate in community-level rugby. Moreover, evidence of discord between the knowledge and attitudes of players may direct future research initiatives and league governance.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1941-7381",
doi="10.1177/1941738117695777",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1941738117695777"
}