Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2014 Nov-Dec;30(6):1346-50.
doi: 10.12669/pjms.306.5648.

Injury incidence and balance in rugby players

Jaco Ras M  1 , Threethambal Puckree  2
Affiliations

Injury incidence and balance in rugby players

Jaco Ras M et al. Pak J Med Sci. 2014 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objective : This study determined and correlated injury incidence and balance in rugby players.

Methods: A prospective survey with balance testing was conducted on first year rugby academy players (N= 114). Injury incidence, static and dynamic balance were tested pre and post-season using a Biosway portable balance system. The data was analysed using paired and independent samples t-tests at p<0.05, Odds ratios, and Spearman's correlation coefficients.

Results: 75.50% participated, 71.40% were 18 years old, and 71.40% were White. Injury was sustained by 83% of players with the knee (25%) most commonly injured. Injury incidence was 1.52 per player with an injury rate of 5.95 injuries per 1000 match playing hours. The Stability Index increased significantly (p=0.03) by 15% in the medial/lateral direction post-season compared to pre-season. Significant differences in post-test anterior posterior and overall static and front and front right dynamic stability between injured and uninjured players were noted. Risk factors for injury included the scrum-half (14.80%) playing position, injuries in the 2nd half of the match (57%), and during contact (67%). Conclusion : Injury incidence was related to static and dynamic balance in forward right direction only.

Keywords: Limits of stability; Rugby injury incidence; Stability index.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Junge A, Cheung K, Edwards T, Dvorak J. Injuries in youth amateur soccer and rugby players-comparison of incidence and characteristics. Br J Sports Med. 2004;38(2):168–172. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Ripani M, Ciccarelli A, Morini S, Ricciardi G, Michielonet G. Evaluation of foot support in rugby players: a baropodometric analysis . Sport Sci Health. 2006;1:104–108.
    1. Hrysomallis C, McLaughlin P, Goodman C. Balance and injury in elite Australian footballers. Int J Sports Med . 2007;28(10):844–847. - PubMed
    1. Coughlan GF, Green BS, Pook PT, Toolan E, O'Connor SP. Physical game demands in elite rugby union: a global positioning system analysis and possible implications for rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(8):600–605. - PubMed
    1. Jakoet I, Noakes TD. A high rate of injury during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. S Afr Med J. 1998;88(1):45–47. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources