Dissertations / Theses: 'Rugby football injuries'

1

Viljoen, Erna. "The legal implications of rugby injuries." Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/332.

Full text

Abstract:

Sports law in South Africa is a field requiring exciting and intensive research. With so many sporting codes changing their status to professional sport, intensive research on the legal implications pertaining to each professional sporting code has also become necessary. Professional rugby in South Africa has grown into a multimillion rand industry. It is an industry whose role players need specialized legal advice on a multitude of issues. This dissertation addresses the legal issues arising out of the situation where a professional player is injured, during practice or a game, due to the intentional or negligent action of another. The medico-legal aspects of rugby, relating to causation and proof of injuries are an indispensable element of proving liability where rugby injuries are concerned. These aspects are crucial in assessing the criminal and delictual liability of players, coaches, referees, team physicians and even the union concerned. The problem of rugby violence, causing injury, is addressed by both the criminal law and the law of delict with the issue of consent being central to this discussion. Furthermore, the labour law implications can be far-reaching for both the player and the employer union due to the unique features of sport as an industry. All role players in professional rugby will have to cooperate with the legal community to ensure that a practical body of law is established in order to make rugby a safer sport for all concerned and to protect the professional player from unnecessary, incapacitating injury.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Ancer, Ruth Lauren. "Cumulative mild head injury in rugby: cognitive test profiles of professional rugby and cricket players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002434.

Full text

Abstract:

This study investigates the effects of cumulative concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of professional rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to 26 professional rugby players and a noncontact sport control group of 21 professional cricket players. The test performances of the rugby players were compared to those of the cricket players. Within the rugby group, forward and backline players were compared. An analysis of mean score differences between the rugby and cricket group failed to support the presence of brain damage effects in the rugby group. However, there was significantly increased variability of scores for the rugby players compared with the cricket players on tests particularly sensitive to cognitive deficit associated with mild head injury. This invalidates the null indications of average effects, indicating that a notable proportion of rugby players’ performances were falling off relative to the rest of the rugby players on tests vulnerable to the cognitive effects of diffuse brain damage. Mean score comparisons within the rugby group indicated that it was the subgroup of forward players, in particular, whose test performances revealed deficits suggestive of cerebral damage. Specifically, deficits were found in working memory, visuoperceptual tracking, verbal memory and visual memory, a pattern of deficits commensurate with cumulative mild head injury. The theoretical perspectives of Satz’s (1997) Brain Reserve Capacity Theory and Jordan’s (1997) ‘Shuttle’ model of variability are drawn upon in order to elucidate research findings and suggestions for future research are provided.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Cannon, Michael-John. "The impact of clothing and protective gear on biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses of rugby players during a simulated rugby protocol." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005202.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Reid, Iain Robert. "Tackling mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of the cognitive profiles of professional rugby and cricket players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002552.

Full text

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cumulative mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of professional rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to 26 professional rugby players and to a comparison group of 21 professional cricket players. The group test results of the rugby, cricket, rugby forwards and rugby backline players were each compared with established normative data. Generally, the comparison of the rugby and cricket mean scores relative to the normative data did not reveal significant differences on tests known to be sensitive to the effects of mild head injury. However, the comparison of variability for each of the rugby and cricket playing groups relative to variability for the normative data, revealed a pattern of increased variability among the rugby players. This implies a bimodal distribution in which a significant number of rugby players were performing poorly across these tests whereas a significant proportion were not. This variability effect was accounted for by further mean score comparisons which revealed that, as a group, it was the forward players whose performances were disproportionately poor on tests sensitive to the effects of mild head injury. The implications of these results are developed theoretically within the context of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Brown, Lisa Gill. "Effect of repeated eccentric demands placed on the lower limb musculature during simulated Rugby Union play." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192.

Full text

Abstract:

Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Beilinsohn, Taryn. "Cumulative mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of cognitive deficit and postconcussive symptomatology between schoolboy rugby players and non-contact sport controls." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002440.

Full text

Abstract:

This study investigates the cumulative effects of concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of schoolboy rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and a self-report postconcussive questionnaire were administered to top level schoolboy rugby players (n=47), and a non-contact sport control group of top level schoolboy hockey players (n=34). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with cognitive deficit were carried out between i) the schoolboy rugby and the schoolboy hockey players, ii) the rugby forward and the rugby backline players; iii) the rugby forward and the schoolboy hockey players and, iv) the rugby backline and the schoolboy hockey players. Results on the neuropsychological test battery did not provide any substantial evidence of a higher level of neuropsychological impairment in the rugby players relative to the control group, or in the rugby forward players relative to the rugby backline players. Results obtained on the postconcussive symptom questionnaire provided tentative indications that the rugby players do report a greater frequency of postconcussive symptomatology. The symptoms most frequently reported were being easily angered, memory problems, clumsy speech and sleep difficulties. It was hypothesized that the absence of cognitive impairment in the schoolboy rugby players compared with that noted for professional players was due to their younger age, relatively high IQ and education level and a less intensive level of physical participation in the sport, and hence less accumulated exposure to the game, thereby decreasing their exposure to mild head injuries. From a theoretical perspective, these pre-existing conditions were considered to act as protective factors against reductions in brain reserve capacity and concomitant susceptibility to the onset of neuropsychological dysfunction.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Smith, Ian Patrick. ""Is rugby bad for your intellect": the effect of repetitive mild head injuries on the cognitive functioning of university level rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002567.

Full text

Abstract:

The study sought to determine whether there is evidence for the presence of residual (chronic) deleterious effects on cognition due to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in top team university level rugby players, using ImPACT 3.0, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Span. The initial sample of 48 participants was divided into groups; Rugby (n = 30) and Controls (n = 18), Rugby Forwards (n = 14) and Rugby Backs (n = 16). A reduced sample (N = 31) comprised of Rugby (n = 20) and Controls (n = 11), Rugby Forwards (n = 9) and Rugby Backs (n = 11). Comparative subgroups were equivalent for estimated IQ but not for age and educational level in the full sample; in the reduced sample there was equivalence for all three variables of age, education and estimated IQ. All cognitive test measures were subjected to independent t-test analyses between groups at the pre- and post-season, and dependent t-test analyses for Rugby and Controls at pre- versus post-season. Overall, the results implicated the presence of deleterious effects of concussive events on Rugby players in the areas of speed of information processing, working memory and impulse control. Significant practice effects were found on the TMT and Digit Span for controls, but not on ImPACT 3.0, supporting the use of this computer-based programme in the sports management context.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Giai-Coletti, Cristina. "Rugby : more than just a game : a study of the cumulative effects of mild head injuries on high school rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007809.

Full text

Abstract:

The present study comprises part of an ongoing research study investigating the effects 0 f cumulative mild head injuries 0 n Rugby Union p layers. The aim 0 f t he study was to ascertain whether there are neuropsychological effects of cumulative mild head injuries sustained during the rugby-playing careers of senior schoolboy rugby players. Participants were top-level rugby players from high schools in Grahamstown and Cape Town (n = 79) and non-contact sport controls of top-level field hockey players from the same schools (n = 58). Group mean comparisons across a battery of neuropsychological tests were carried out between the Total Rugby versus the Total Field Hockey group, and the Rugby Forwards versus the Rugby Backs group. Comparisons between Total Rugby versus Total Field Hockey revealed impaired performance by the rugby players on two tests of visuoperceptual tracking, namely Digit Symbol Substitution and Trail Making Test (Part A). For Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs, there were no consistent differences to support the expectation that forwards would perform worse than backs. Forwards performed more poorly than backs on WMS Associate Learning Subtest - Hard (Delayed Recall), whereas backs performed more poorly than forwards on Digits Backwards. This suggests that some individuals in the cohort were starting to exhibit verbal memory deficit, albeit not clearly in association with forward positional play. Overall, results of the present study provide tentative support for the hypothesis that school level rugby players are more susceptible to the effects of cumulative concussive and sub-concussive head injuries than are non-contact sport controls.
KMBT_363
Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Finkelstein, Melissa. "The scrum-down on brain damage effects of cumulative mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of group mean scores between national rugby players and non-contact sport controls." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002485.

Full text

Abstract:

The present study comprises the second phase of a larger and ongoing research study investigating the brain damage effects of cumulative mild head injury in rugby. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cumulative mild head injury sustained in the game of rugby would cause brain injury as evidenced by impaired performance on sensitive neuropsychological tests. Participants were Springbok professional rugby players (n = 26), Under 21 rugby players (n = 19), and a non-contact sport control of national hockey players (n = 21). Comparisons of performance were carried out across a spectrum of neuropsychological tests for the three rugby groups (Total Rugby, Springbok Rugby, and Under 21 Rugby) versus the performance of the non-contact sport control group (Hockey Control), as well as comparisons of performance f9r the subgroups of Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. Comparisons revealed a consistent pattern of poorer performance across all rugby groups relative to the performance of the controls on tests highly sensitive to the effects of diffuse brain damage. Within rugby group comparisons (Forwards versus Backs) showed significantly poorer performance for Total Rugby Forwards and Springbok Rugby Forwards relative to the performance of the respective Total Rugby Backs and Springbok Rugby Backs on sensitive, as well as on somewhat less sensitive, neuropsychological tests. The performance of Under 21 Rugby Forwards relative to Under 21 Rugby Backs demonstrated similar trends. Brain reserve capacity theory was used as a conceptual basis for discussing the implications of these findings.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Quarrie, Kenneth Lincoln. "RugbySmart the development, delivery and evaluation of a nationwide injury prevention programme : published papers submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD, AUT University , 2008 /." Click here to access this resource online, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/672.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis represents my research work relating to rugby union from 2000 to 2007. During this time I was the Manager of Injury Prevention and Research for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). The main priorities of this role were to increase understanding of risk factors for rugby injury, to implement preventive measures, and to assess the effect of those preventive measures. The thesis is presented as a series of peer-reviewed, published papers. A key concern of the NZRU when I undertook the role was to decrease the number and severity of spinal cord injuries occurring in New Zealand rugby. The first paper is a review of literature of rugby union injuries to the cervical spine and spinal cord. This paper was published in Sports Medicine, and the knowledge derived there from formed an important element in RugbySmart, which was the nationwide injury prevention partnership between the NZRU and ACC. The second paper, which was published in the British Medical Journal, outlines the effect of RugbySmart on serious spinal injuries in New Zealand. Eight spinal injuries occurred in New Zealand in 2001-2005, whereas the predicted number based on previous incidence was 19 (relative rate 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.19 to 1.14). The main reason for the decline was a decrease in the number of injuries from scrums, from a predicted number of nine only one was observed (relative rate 0.11; 0.02 to 0.74). Injury prevention initiatives in New Zealand appear to have been successful in areas beyond spinal injuries. The third paper deals with the effect of RugbySmart in general. RugbySmart was associated with a decrease in injury claims per 100,000 players in most areas the programme targeted; the programme had negligible impact on non-targeted injury sites. The decrease in injury claims numbers was supported by results from player behaviour surveys pre- and post-RugbySmart. There was an increase in safe behaviour in the contact situations of tackle, scrum and ruck technique. The fourth paper, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, examines the effect of mandating mouth guard usage on mouth guard wearing rates and ACC dental injury claim rates. The self reported rate of mouth guard use was 67% of player-weeks in 1993 and 93% in 2003. A total of 2644 claims were reported in 1995. There was a 43% (90% confidence interval 39% to 46%) reduction in dental claims from 1995 to 2003. On the reasonable assumption that the number of players and player-matches remained constant throughout the study period, the relative rate of injury claims for non-wearers versus wearers was 4.6 (90% confidence interval 3.8 to 5.6). In New Zealand the tackle is the facet of play associated number of injuries, and over the past decade tackles have overtaken scrums as the cause of the greatest proportion of spinal injuries. To address the lack of knowledge regarding risk factors for injuries in the tackle, a large scale study of tackles in professional rugby matches was undertaken. In 434 matches, over 140,000 tackles were coded. The impact of the tackle was the most common cause of injury, and the head was the most common site, but an important mechanism of lower limb injuries was loading with the weight of another player. Rates of replacement increased with increasing player speed. The resulting paper was published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. A commonly cited model of injury causation in sport posits that risk factors for injury can be considered as those related to the athlete (intrinsic) and those related to the activity (extrinsic). To examine the extent to which the activities comprising rugby matches at the international level has changed over time the first match in each Bledisloe Cup series from 1972 to 2004 was coded. Increases in passes, tackles, rucks, tries, and ball-in-play time were associated with the advent of professionalism, whereas there were reductions in the numbers of lineouts, mauls, kicks in play, and in mean participation time per player. Noteworthy time trends were an increase in the number of rucks and a decrease in the number of scrums. With the advent of professionalism, players have become heavier and backs have become taller. A number of articles written to communicate injury prevention messages to rugby union coaches, players and administrators are presented as appendices, along with two peer reviewed papers that closely relate to the thesis, but which I excluded from the thesis proper.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Raffan, Ryan Phillip. "Gaze behaviour patterns of under 19 level Rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372.

Full text

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Olivier, Pierre Emile. "A comparative normative survey of the isokinetic neck strength of senior elite South African rugby players and schoolboy rugby forwards." Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. http://www.oregonpdf.org.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Boulind, Melissa. ""Feeling foggy?": an investigation into the self-reported post-concussive symptoms in rugby union players at university level." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002447.

Full text

Abstract:

A study was conducted on the self-reported symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Rugby Union at the pre- and post-season stages. A full sample of 30 rugby players at Rhodes University was compared to 27 non-contact sport controls. A reduced sample of 20 rugby players and 9 control participants provided improved control for education and IQ and was compared. Measures included the WAIS-III Vocabulary and Picture Completion Sub-tests to estimate IQ level, the symptom checklist on a widely used computer-based program (ImPACT), and a paper and pencil self-report 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Independent and Dependent T-Test comparisons were conducted on the full and reduced samples. The symptoms reported by the rugby group appeared to be more pronounced on both the ImPACT Symptom Scale and the 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire when compared to the control group at both the pre-and post-season stages. It was concluded that the rugby players demonstrated evidence to support the hypothesis of having sustained more previous concussions and reporting more symptoms at the pre-season stage when compared to comtrol participants. No prevalent changes for either the rugby or control groups were seen in dependent comparisons from pre-to post-season.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Clark, Susan Beverley. "Neurocognitive and symptom profiles of concussed and nonconcussed provincial rugby players over one season." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002459.

Full text

Abstract:

Neurocognitive and symptom profiles of concussed and nonconcussed adult provincial rugby union players were investigated over one rugby season, including early season (baseline), intermittent postconcussion, and end of season testing. In a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design, nonconcussed (n = 54) and concussed (n = 17) rugby groups were compared with demographically equivalent noncontact sport controls (n = 37, and n = 17, respectively). Measures included the ImPACT cognitive and symptom composites, and the WMS-III Visual Reproduction and Verbal Paired Associates subtests. The independent and dependent comparative analyses in respect of both nonconcussed and concussed groups, provided cross-validation of poorer acute and/or chronic neuropsychological outcomes for the rugby groups on the ImPACT Reaction Time, Visual Motor Speed, Impulse Control and Symptom composites, and the WMS-III Verbal Paired Associates. The finding of significantly poorer scores on Verbal Paired Associates up to 24 days post concussion for the rugby players versus controls, was longer than the 7 – 10 day recovery period frequently cited in the literature. The overall implication of the study is that even in a group with high cognitive reserve such as these provincial level athletes, there may be prolonged acute recovery, as well as permanent deleterious neuropsychological consequences of cumulative concussive injury in association with a sport such as rugby. Accordingly, the move towards careful individualised postconcussion monitoring of neurocognitive functioning is endorsed, including early identification of any significant permanent reductions in cognitive reserve. Sensitivity of the ImPACT test might be enhanced via inclusion of a verbal associate learning task.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Border, Michael Anthony. "Heads and tales: the effect of mild head injuries of rugby players: cognitive deficit and postconcussive symptoms." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002446.

Full text

Abstract:

This study investigated the cumulative effect of mild head injuries on rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered and subjects completed a self-report postconcussive symptom questionnaire. Data were collected for the two rugby groups, Springbok rugby players (n = 26) and Under 21 rugby players (n = 19), and for the control group, national hockey players (n = 21). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with deficit or self-reported symptomatology were made between: (i) the contact sport groups and the control group; (ii) the forwards and the backs within each rugby group and the rugby forwards and the control group; and (iii) the Springbok and Under 21 rugby players. Broadly speaking, comparative results on the neuropsychological tests and the self-reported postconcussive symptoms clearly distinguished between contact sport players and non-contact sport players and indicated the presence of diffuse brain damage in the contact sport players. There was also clear evidence of positional variation within the rugby groups, with the forwards (more full contact positions) most susceptible to impairment. Neuropsychological test results revealed deficit in information processing speed, attention and concentration, mental flexibility, visual memory and verbal new learning. The most significant neuropsychiatric complaints were reported in the areas of memory, social contact, sensitivity to noise, lowered frustration tolerance, anxiety and worry, and depression. The most sensitive neuropsychological test used in the present study was the Digit Symbol Substitution test. This test clearly distinguished contact sport players from non-contact sport players, and forwards from backs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Ackermann, Tessa Ruth. "Minor "dings" - major effects? a study into the cognitive effects of mild head injuries in high school rugby." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002429.

Full text

Abstract:

The present study is part of a larger and ongoing research initiative investigating the cumulative cognitive effects of mild head injury in rugby union and focused specifically on high school rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to top team high school rugby players (n = 47), and a non-contact sport control group of top team high school hockey players (n = 34). Direct comparisons of group mean scores and standard deviations across each neuropsychological test were carried out for the Total Rugby group versus the Total Hockey group as well as for the subgroups Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. A correlational analysis was conducted to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the number of mild head injuries reported by the players and their cognitive test performance. Results of the group comparisons of means and variability on WMS Paired Associate Learning Hard Pairs - Delayed Recall provides tentative indications of the initial stages of diffuse damage associated with mild head injury in the rugby group and provides some evidence for impairment of verbal learning and memory in the Rugby Forwards group. The correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between number of reported mild head injuries and cognitive performance. The findings and possible latent effects of the multiple mild head injuries reported by the rugby players are discussed in terms of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Case, Stephanie. "A case study investigation of the neuropsychological profile of a rugby player with a history of multiple concussions." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007727.

Full text

Abstract:

sustained multiple concussions may be at risk of cumulative impairment. The role of neuropsychological testing in the management of sports-related concussion is a contentious and challenging issue which has gained credibility given the lack of clear and well-established guidelines pertaining to the diagnosis, assessment and return-to-play decisions following concussion. Despite various traditional paper and pencil tests being shown to be effective indicators of postconcussive neuropsychological dysfunction, testing has not been widely implemented, due to time- and labour-demands. ImPACT, a computer-based neuropsychological assessment instrument, has been recognised as a valid and reliable tool in the monitoring of athletes' symptoms and neurocognitive functioning preseason and postconcussion. As a part of larger-scale concussion research conducted on top-team university rugby players, this is an in-depth case study conducted on a 20-year old participant with a history of multiple concussions, who was referred following a concussion sustained during the season. The objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the sensitivity of ImPACT versus WAIS-III Digit Span and Trail Making Test during the acute postconcussive phase; and (ii) to examine the sensitivity of ImPACT versus a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to possible residual deficits as a result of the multiple concussions. ImPACT was determined to be more sensitive to acute postconcussive impairment following concussion than Digit Span and Trail Making Test. Furthermore, the ImPACT preseason baseline scores appear to be sensitive to neurocognitive dysfunction, possibly due to cumulative concussive injuries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Nel, Trudine. "Monitoring stress and recovery among u/20 rugby union players over a training season." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71758.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stress and recovery plays an important role in the performance of semi-professional rugby players. Physiological and psychological markers have been established as reliable indicators of the recovery-stress state in athletes. Monitoring changes in the recovery-stress state enables the coaching staff to adapt training sessions to enhance performance. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in stress and recovery states among U-20 rugby union players during a training year. Relationships regarding monitoring variables and differences in stress and recovery between playing positions were examined. 55 Players between the ages of 18 and 20 were monitored for 27 weeks, over a training year. The training year was divided into 5 training phases: Developing phase (week 1 – 7), Transitional phase (week 8 - 11), Early Competition phase (week 12 - 17), Performance phase (week 18 – 24), and High Performance phase (week 25 - 27). Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for sessions were reported on a daily basis. The Heart-rate Interval Monitoring System (HIMS) test was run every week. The Stellenbosch Mood Scale (STEMS) and Self-Report questionnaires were completed on a weekly basis, and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (RESTQ-76-Sport) was completed once a month. Backline players physically recovered better and faster than the forwards throughout the training year, while the forwards exhibited better psychological coping methods. The backline players had significant higher scores for the Depression (p = 0.03), Anger (p = 0.009), and Confusion (p = 0.01) scales of the STEMS. The Total Mood Disturbance scores were also significantly higher (p = 0.03) for the backline players than the forwards during the Performance phase. The backline players experienced increased stress and decreased feelings of well-being during the competitive phases when compared to the forwards. The backline players had better physical recovery than the forwards after the high intensity and high volume Developing phase. Correlations were evident between the HIMS test and the RESTQ-76-Sport questionnaire. Additional correlations were found between training load, as well as training monotony and training strain, and scales of the RESTQ-76-Sport and STEMS questionnaires. Lack of psychological skills-training might also have resulted in the players not knowing how to properly handle stressful situations and how to regulate their stress and recovery states. The lack of an educational system regarding recovery strategies, and the reinforcement thereof, especially during the Developing phases might play a role in the later increased fatigue and injury rates among the players.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Stres en herstel speel 'n groot rol in die prestasie van semi-professionele rugby spelers. Fisiologiese en sielkundige merkers is vasgestel as betroubare aanwysers ten opsigte van die stress-herstel toestand van atlete. Die monitoring van veranderinge in hierdie toestand kan die afrigtings-personeel help om die oefensessies aan te pas om optimale prestasie te verseker. Die doel van hierdie navorsingstudie was om veranderinge in stres en herstel toestande in O/20 rugby unie spelers, oor 'n oefenjaar, te moniteer. Verhoudinge in monitering veranderlikes en moontlike verskille in die stress en herstel toestand tussen die voorspelers en agterspelers is ondersoek. 55 Spelers tussen die ouderdomme van 18 en 20 is vir 27 weke, oor 'n oefenjaar, gemonitor. Die oefenjaar was onderverdeel in vyf oefenfases nl. die Ontwikkelingsfase (week 1 – 7), die Oorskakelingsfase (week 8 – 11), die Vroeë Kompetisiefase (week 12 – 17), die Prestasiefase (week 18 – 25), en laastens die Hoë Prestasiefase (week 25 – 27). Spelers het daagliks hul “Rate of Perceived Exertion‟s” aangedui vir elke oefensessie. Die “Heart-rate Interval System” toets (HIMS) was een keer 'n week gehardloop. Die “Stellenbosch Mood States” (STEMS) en Selfrapporteringsvraelyste was op 'n weeklikse basis ingevul en die “Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport” (RESTQ-76-Sport) was een keer 'n maand ingevul. Agterspelers het deur die jaar fisies beter en vinniger as die voorspeler herstel, terwyl die voorspelers beter sielkundige beheer getoon het. Die agterlyn se tellings vir die Depressie (p = 0.03), Woede (p = 0.009), en Vervanging (p = 0.01) skale van die STEMS was betekenisvol hoër as die telling van die voorspelers. Die Totale Gemoedsversteuringstellings was ook betekenisvol hoër vir die agterlyn as die voorspelers tydens die Prestasiefase (p = 0.03). Die agterspelers het toenemende stres tydens die kompetitisie fases ervaar, sowel as 'n afname in die gevoel van Welsyn. Die agterlyn het beter fisiese herstel na die hoë intensiteit en hoë volume Ontwikkelingsfase as die voorspelers getoon. Korrelasies is gevind tussen die HIMS en die RESTQ-76-Sport. Verdere korrelasies is ook tussen “training load”, sowel as “training monotony” en “training strain”, en sekere skale van die RESTQ-76-Sport en STEMS vraelyste gevind. Die tekort aan sielkundige tegniek-ontwikkeling kon bydrae tot die spelers se verwardheid rondom die hantering van stresvolle situasies en hoe om hul stres en herstel toestande te reguleer. Die afwesigheid van „n opvoedkundige sisteem rondom herstel strategieë, en die toepassing daarvan, veral tydens die Ontwikkelingsfases, mag moontlik 'n rol speel in latere toenames in vermoeienis en getal beserings onder die spelers.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Horsman, Mark. "Concussion in contact sport: investigating the neurocognitive profile of Afrikaans adolescent rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503.

Full text

Abstract:

A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Visser-Maritz, Karien. "Knee kinematics during a single-leg drop-landing in sports participants with chronic groin pain." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86507.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Groin injuries are among the top six injuries in contact sports and may lead to career ending chronic pain. Research on the role of knee kinematics in developing chronic groin pain in sport is scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in knee kinematics during a single-leg drop-landing in sports participants with chronic groin pain compared to asymptomatic controls. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted. Twenty active sports’ participants were recruited from soccer and rugby clubs situated around the Cape Peninsula area, Western Cape, South Africa. The three-dimensional (3D) knee kinematics of ten cases with chronic groin pain and ten asymptomatic controls was analysed. Knee kinematics was analysed in the FNB-3D Vicon Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, using an eight camera Vicon system. A positive adductor squeeze test was used as a diagnostic test to include cases with chronic groin pain. Each participant performed six single-leg drop landings. The main outcome measure was 3D knee kinematics at initial foot contact and at the lowest vertical position of the drop landing. The following sub-groups were analysed: seven unilateral groin pain cases compared to their seven matched controls; three bilateral groin pain cases where their most painful leg and least painful leg were compared to their matched controls, respectively. Descriptive statistical techniques were used for all outcome measures; means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated, followed by a Student’s t-test to determine significant differences between the cases and controls. For all outcomes with p-values equal to or below 0.05, the effect size was calculated using the Cohen’s D. Results: The findings of this study indicated a significant difference (p=0.0001) between cases with unilateral groin pain having less knee internal rotation compared to the controls at the lowest vertical position of the drop landing in the transverse plane. Significantly less internal rotation (p<0.0001), was also noted in the cases with bilateral groin pain (in the most painful leg and the less painful leg), although this was noted at foot contact. Cases with bilateral groin pain also had significantly (p<0.001) more knee varus (adduction) during the landing phase. Conclusion: Differences in knee kinematics between sports participants with chronic groin pain and asymptomatic controls were found. These findings imply that the knee joint should be included during assessment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering with chronic groin pain. Due to the cross-sectional study design of the current study, it cannot be stated for certain whether the knee kinematics noted in the groin pain group are causative or as a result of groin pain. Future prospective studies are thus recommended; these studies should focus on the effect of contralateral knee kinematics on the hip adductors and may include exploration of the muscular components during a single-leg drop landing.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Lies beserings is een van die top ses beserings in kontak sport en kan lei tot chroniese lies pyn en selfs die be-eindigging van ‘n sportloopbaan. Navorsing oor die rol van knie kinematika in die ontwikkeling van chroniese liesbeserings in sport is skaars. Doelwit: Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaal of daar verskille in die knie kinematika is tydens 'n enkel been val landing in sport deelnemers met chroniese lies pyn in vergelyking met gesonde kontroles. Metode: 'n Beskrywende studie was uitgevoer. Twintig aktiewe sport deelnemers is gewerf van rugby en sokker sportklubs geleë rondom die Kaapse Skiereiland, Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika. Die 3D knie kinematika van tien gevalle met chroniese lies pyn en tien asimptomatiese bypassende kontroles is ontleed. Knie kinematika was ontleed in die FNB-3D Vicon Laboratorium by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, met behulp van 'n agt-kamera Vicon stelsel. 'n Positiewe Adduktor druk toets was gebruik as 'n diagnostiese toets om gevalle met chroniese lies pyn in te sluit. Om die knie kinematika te analiseer, het elke deelnemer ses enkel been val landings uitgevoer . Die belangrikste uitkomsmeting was 3D knie kinematika by die aanvanklike voet kontak en by die laagste vertikale posisie van die enkel-been val landing. Die volgende sub-groepe was ontleed: sewe unilaterale lies pyn gevalle in vergelyking met hul sewe bypassende kontroles; drie bilaterale lies pyn gevalle waar hul mees pynlike been, sowel as minder pynlike been onderskeidelik vergelyk was met hul bypassende kontroles. Beskrywende statistiese tegnieke was gebruik vir alle uitkoms maatreëls; gemiddeldes en standaardafwykings (SA) was bereken, gevolg deur 'n Studente’s t-toets om beduidende verskille tussen die gevalle en kontroles te bepaal. Vir al die uitkomste met p-waardes gelyk of onder 0.05, is die effekgrootte bereken deur die Cohen’s D. Resultate: Die bevindings van hierdie studie dui op 'n beduidende verskil (p=0,0001) tussen gevalle met unilaterale lies pyn met minder interne knie rotasie in vergelyking met die kontroles by die laagste vertikale posisie van die val landing in die dwars vlak. Aansienlik minder interne rotasie (p<0,0001), is ook opgemerk in gevalle met bilaterale lies pyn (in die mees pynlike been en die minder pynlik been), alhoewel tydens voet kontak. Gevalle met bilaterale lies pyn het ook betekenisvol (p <0.001) meer knie varus (adduksie) tydens die landingsfase gehad. Gevolgtrekking: Verskille bestaan in die knie kinematika tussen sport deelnemers met chroniese liesbesering pyn en gesonde kontroles. Hierdie bevindinge impliseer dat die knie behoort ingesluit te word tydens die assessering en rehabilitasie van individue met chroniese lies pyn. As gevolg van die deursnee-studie ontwerp van hierdie studie, kan dit nie bevestig word of die knie kinematika die oorsaak van die chroniese pyn is nie. Toekomstige voornemende studies word dus aanbeveel, hierdie studies moet fokus op die effek van die kinematika van die kontralaterale knie op die heup adduktore en kan moontlik die ondersoek van die spier kinetika tydens hierdie aktiwiteit insluit.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Bandeira, Fábio Henrique. "A termografia no apoio ao diagnóstico de lesão muscular no esporte." Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 2013. http://repositorio.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/886.

Full text

Abstract:

Introdução: Lesões musculares são muito comuns e costumam afastar os atletas da prática esportiva, tornando-se um transtorno também aos clubes. Devido às suas características, o rúgbi é um dos esportes que mais ocasionam lesões. A lesão muscular apresenta uma variação térmica localizada, provocando um acréscimo da temperatura local. Supostamente estes sítios podem ser avaliados através da mensuração da temperatura. Objetivo: o objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar a utilização da termografia como método de apoio ao diagnóstico de lesões musculares em atletas de rúgbi durante atividades de treino e jogo. Metodologia: participaram deste estudo, 21 atletas de rúgbi do sexo masculino com idades entre 19 e 31 anos, inscritos na Confederação Brasileira de Rúgbi, pertencentes à categoria adulta de um clube profissional de nível nacional, que executam treinamentos diários a mais de dois anos e que tenham participado por pelo menos 40 minutos de um treino ou partida oficial de rúgbi. Foram realizadas duas coletas de sangue para identificação da concentração sérica de CK, expressa em IU/L, sendo uma 48 h pós-treino e outra 48 h pós-jogo. Foi realizada a aquisição da imagem infravermelha dos atletas, sendo estes previamente orientados sobre os procedimentos a serem seguidos no dia dos exames. No momento da coleta, os atletas permaneceram vestidos apenas com a roupa íntima, em pé, por 30 minutos em repouso muscular em uma câmara de adaptação à temperatura, com temperatura e umidade controladas entre 22° e 23 °C e 45 e 50% respectivamente. Foram coletadas imagens do tronco (superior) e das coxas (inferior), nas incidências anterior e posterior. As imagens foram analisadas de forma sistemática e por inspeção. Resultados: a análise sistemática demonstra que não houve correlação entre a variação da CK e a variação de temperatura dos músculos analisados. A temperatura média das áreas selecionadas de todos os músculos foram maiores nos momentos de maior CK, porém, a variação de CK não apresentou correlação positiva significativa com a temperatura nestes mesmos momentos. Quando separado os sujeitos que apresentaram variação maior que 50% no nível sérico de CK entre os momentos de maior e menor concentração, os músculos peitoral esquerdo, reto femoral esquerdo e o semitendíneo esquerdo apresentaram as maiores diferenças com p-valor de 0,037, 0,057 e 0,045, respectivamente. O hemisfério corporal esquerdo apresentou uma maior diferença de temperatura quando comparado com o hemisfério corporal direito. A avaliação por inspeção mostrou que as regiões: superior anterior e inferior posterior apresentaram 13 atletas com aumento de temperatura maior que 0,6 °C coincidindo com um aumento do nível sérico de CK. A região superior posterior e a região inferior anterior apresentaram 11 atletas com variação de temperatura maior que 0,6 °C entre os momentos de maior e menor CK. Conclusões: pode-se concluir que a termografia pode e deve ser utilizada como método de apoio ao diagnóstico de lesão muscular em atletas, recomendando-se a utilização da análise por inspeção visual.
Introduction: Muscle lesions are very common and usually move away athletes from practicing sports, becoming also a nuisance to the clubs. Due to its characteristics, rugby is one of the sports where lesions on athletes happen very often. The muscle lesion presents a thermal variation in the affected area, causing a local increase of temperature. Supposedly these areas can be evaluated through the measurement of temperature. Objective: The general objective of this study was to analyze the use of thermography as a method of support on the diagnosis of muscle lesions in rugby athletes during training activities and games. Methodology: participating in this study were, 21 male rugby athletes, aged between 19 and 31 years old, registered with the Brazilian Rugby Confederation, belonging to the adult categories at a professional level of a national team, who perform daily training for over two years and who have participated for at least 40 minutes of training or of an official rugby match. Twice there were collections of blood samples so the serum CK could be identified, expressed in IU/L; one collection 48 hours after training and another 48 hours after a game. The infrared images of the athletes were obtained, these being previously instructed on the procedures to be followed on the day of the exam. On collection the athletes were dressed only with their underwear, standing up, for 30 minutes with muscle at rest in a chamber which adapts to the temperature, with temperature and humidity controlled between 22° and 23 °C and 45 and 50% respectively. Images were collected from the upper body (superior) and upper-legs (inferior), from anterior and posterior sides. The images were analyzed systematically and by inspection. Results: The systematic analysis revealed that there is no correlation between de CK variation and temperature variation in muscles analyzed. The average temperature in the selected areas of all muscles were higher when the CK was higher, however, the variation of CK did not show any significant positive correlation with the temperature in the same situations. When separating the participants who presented a variation higher than 50% on the serum CK level between moments of higher and lower concentration, the left upper body muscles, left rectus femoris and left semitendinosus presented the biggest differences with p-value of 0.037, 0.057 and 0.045, respectively. The left body hemisphere showed a bigger difference in temperature when compared with the right body hemisphere. The evaluation by inspection showed that the anterior superior and posterior inferior regions presented 13 athletes with increased temperature higher than 0.6 °C coinciding with an increase of the serum CK. The posterior superior and the anterior inferior presented 11 athletes with temperature variation higher than 0.6 °C between the moments of higher and lower CK. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that thermography can and should be utilized as a supporting method to diagnose muscle lesion in athletes, recommending the use of the visual analysis by inspection.
5000

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Hollinshead, Tina. "The possible aetiologies for the incidence of rugby injuries among medium-level Gauteng rugby-playing schools." 2004. http://www.oregonpdf.org.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M. in Technology: Chiropractic)--Technikon Witwatersrand, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Constantinou, Demitri. "Injuries at Johannesburg high school rugby festivals." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/15296.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.Sc.(Emergency Medicine))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2014.
Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence and type of injuries over two years of a Johannesburg High School rugby festival by assessing the injuries (number, anatomical sites, types and severity), to compare the injuries between the two years and to compare the injuries between the three days of the festival. Methods. The study design was a retrospective, descriptive and observational study. The study population was the participating rugby players at the two rugby festivals in 2010 and 2011. Medical records of rugby related injuries in schoolboy participants were used for capturing injury data. Results. A total of 626 players participated (322 and 304 in 2010 and 2011 respectively) of which there were a total of 100 injury data sets analysed. The injury rate per player in year one was 16.8%, and 15.2% in year two. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.6526) in the injury numbers between the two years. The injury profiles between the respective days between the two years were not statistically different. Most injuries were to the head/face, with the majority being concussion related. The next commonest injuries were to the neck area. Most injured players had not had previous similar injuries. Tackles were the commonest mechanism of injuries. Twenty four percent of injuries were deemed severe enough to stop the players from continuing play. Few required referral for investigations or specialist physician care and most were managed with simple first aid at the primary care level. Conclusion. The nature and mechanisms were in keeping with numerous local and international studies of schoolboy rugby players, but with a lower injury frequency. Providing medical services at rugby events such as these festivals is a requirement and adequate standardised record keeping is recommended to increase knowledge and monitor trends as the dynamic nature of the game of schoolboy rugby continues to develop and change.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Grobler, Clive. "The possible aetiologies for the incidence of rugby injuries among top level Gauteng rugby-playing schools." 2004. http://www.oregonpdf.org.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M. in Technology: Chiropractic)--Technikon Witwatersrand, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-74). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Rotem, Tai Public Health &amp Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Epidemiology of catastrophic rugby football injuries in New South Wales." 2007. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44282.

Full text

Abstract:

Aims and objectives: To investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies for serious head and spinal injuries related to rugby league and union football in New South Wales (NSW). Methods: The three main components of this study included. 1. A retrospective analysis of clinical and compensation case file records during the 16-year period, 1984-1999. 2. A review of game rules, weights and heights of players, over the past 100 years. 3. A review of film and video footage of rugby football games spanning most of the 20th century. A method was developed to allow valid comparisons in style of play over a 70-year period. Results: The estimated annual incidence rate of SCI for rugby league players was 1.9 (95%CI 1.3 - 2.8) per 100,000 estimated players per year, and 3.3 (95%CI 2.2 - 4.8) per 100,000 estimated rugby union players per year over the study period 1984 to 1999. There was no significant change in the incidence of rugby league related serious spinal cord injuries (1984-1999), fatalities (1984-1999) or serious head injuries (1984-1999). There was a small but significant decline in rugby union related serious spinal cord injuries (1984-1999, P<0.05). However, the relative risk of spinal cord injury was 1.34 times greater for rugby union compared to rugby league over the entire study period (95%CI 1.01 - 1.67, P<0.05). For rugby football, the evidence suggested that the force of impact between participants was a key causal risk factor for serious injury. Elite rugby league and union players from 1999-2000 teams were significantly heavier (P<0.05) and taller (P<0.05) than players pre 1950. Players in modern elite games post 1989 were more likely to be tackled by multiple opponents (P = 0.000), tackled head on (P<0.05), at chest level (P<0.05) and at greater speeds than their earlier counterparts pre 1958. However, modern players appear to be no more aggressive or perpetrate greater foul play than their predecessors. Conclusions: There was a continued annual occurrence of catastrophically serious injuries leading to permanent brain damage and quadriplegia associated with rugby league and union in NSW. The critical risk factors found to be associated with serious injury in rugby football suggest relatively novel approaches to the development of preventive strategies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Hill, Patricia M. "Vestibular dysfunction associated with chronic traumatic brain injury in amateur rugby players." 2005. http://www.oregonpdf.org.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.S)--Texas State University, San Marcos, 2005.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-166). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Pentz, Hayley Liza. "Do cumulative mild head injuries in rugby affect neuropsychological performance? : a comparative study between club rugby players and non-contact sport athletes." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/297.

Full text

Abstract:

Context: Concussion is a major sports medicine concern that is currently under scrutinisation worldwide. Well-publicised cases of careers ending due to multiple concussions, and the potential for permanent, disabling neurocognitive deficits have raised concerns and encouraged further research to take place. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate subjects exposed to mild head injuries with the aim of determining if neuro logical sequelae are detectable. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in neuropsychological performance over a period of playing rugby for one full season, which extended over nine months. This study investigated the relationship between concussion history and neuropsychological performance relating to the possible cumulative effects of concussion. Neuropsychological functioning in recently concussed athletes was compared with that of non-injured (control) athletes to detect whether neurological sequelae were present. Investigation into the relationship between post-concussion symptoms and neuropsychological performance was evaluated. The position of play was analysed to see if there were any measurable differences m neuropsychological performance present between forward and backline players. Design, Setting, and Participants: 35 club rugby players and 35 non-contact sports athletes were assessed over a period of 9 months. Both groups underwent pre-season baseline testing and post-season testing. A comprehensive battery of reliable and valid neuropsychological tests was used to assess these subjects, with particular focus on the following 5 areas of cognition: planning, visuo spatial and constructional ability; attention and concentration; memory; verbal fluency and speed of information processing. Results: The data showed that significant differences occurred in rugby players participating regularly in the sport over one full season in terms of changes in neuropsychological test performance in a range of cognitive domains, including planning, visual spatial and constructional ability, attention and concentration, memory and verbal fluency. Numerous significant relationships were found between certain Post Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores and poor neuropsychological performance, which were considered indicative of subtle effects of sub-concussive injuries and mild head injury (MHI). Surprisingly, following the assessment of concussed players during the season, the data did not show any reliable significant declines in cognitive performance compared to their baseline testing. However, mean scores of the concussed group did show a trend of decreased neuropsychological performance in almost every cognitive domain following the concussive injury. The data did not show any significant relationship between a history of three or more previous concussions and neuropsychological performance. Furthermore, no significant differences in neuropsychological performance between backline and forward players were evident. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that concussion can present serious consequences for athletes and warrants the attention it has received. This present study gives a clear description of the potential negative consequences of playing rugby, which are evident by looking at the change in scores between pre- and post-season testing and poorer performance in most neuropsychological measures following a concussive injury. Although this study dealt mainly with 'normal' players, the results shown here are a cause for concern. What has become evident is that the player need not be exposed to severe concussion in order to experience some form of cognitive impairments. Even if these impairments are minimal, they are however still present and have the potential of accumulating, which could lead to disastrous permanent deficits.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

McAlery, Caryn. "An analysis of injury profiles and management strategies utilised by chiropractic students at the 2015 Durban 'Rugby Rush Tournament'." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/1412.

Full text

Abstract:

submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.
Background Rugby union is one of South Africa’s most popular sports; it requires high levels of skill and fitness and is played at a high intensity and speed which allows for a greater risk of injury. The high risk of injury is said to be due to the nature of the physicality of rugby. It is because of this high risk of injury that several adaptations of rugby have since developed which rely more on speed and agility than physicality. These adaptations include tens or ten-a-side rugby, sevens or seven-a-side rugby and finally touch rugby, which is played with six players a-side. Each adaptation has its own set of rules and is played differently to the traditional rugby union or fifteen-a-side rugby. Hence, in these adaptations the physicality is said to decrease with a resultant increase in demand for speed and agility. The reduction of physicality and increase in the need for speed and agility would imply that the nature of injuries sustained will be different to those sustained in traditional rugby union. Objectives To develop a profile of injuries that describe the type, anatomical location and mechanism of injuries sustained in tens, sevens and touch rugby; to compare the injuries sustained between the three groups; and, to analyse management strategies utilised by chiropractic students at the 2014 Durban ‘Rugby Rush Tournament’. Additionally this study aimed to provide recommendations to the injury reporting form utilised. Method This study was a retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study based on the Chiropractic Student Sports Association’s report form in order to produce a retrospective cohort analysis of injury and treatment profiles. Participants who made use of the chiropractic treatment facility were required to complete the informed consent section of the injury reporting form. The chiropractic intern was required to complete the remainder of the form pertaining to the participant, complaint and treatment information. This study was limited to event participants to allow for subgroup analysis. The forms were then captured and analysed. Results The data collected consisted of a total of 345 individual patient forms which indicated 626 visits for a total of 733 complaints. The average participant age was 24 ± 5.58. The study found muscle strains (41.5%), SI Syndrome (17.6%) and Joint sprains (15.0%) to be the most frequent diagnoses. A history or previous injury or trauma was reported in 18.7% and 7.40% respectively. Acute injuries accounted for 64.3% and 35.7% were recorded as chronic in nature. The most frequent mechanism of injury was that of overuse (81.9%) and trauma accounted for 17.2% of injuries. The lumbar region (26.1%), thigh (20.7%) and shin/calf (15.6%) were the most commonly reported regions of complaint. Manipulation (58.8%), massage (32.0%) and stretch PNF (27.9%) were the most frequently used treatment protocols. Strapping was utilised in 21.1% of injuries of which 5.20% was applied to the muscle and 13.6% was applied to the joint. No comparison was made using the sevens subgroup as there were insufficient records, thus only tens and touch players were compared. A borderline non-significant difference (p = 0.057) was noted between the type of player and the history of previous trauma. Tens players were more likely to have a history of trauma compared to touch players. A significant difference (p = 0.001) was found between the type of athlete and mechanism of injury. Overuse was more common in touch players whereas trauma was more common in tens players. Due to statistical inconsistencies no significance tests were applicable to compare the type of player and region of complaint. Recommendations were proposed in order to avoid this in future research. Conclusion This study provides a base of knowledge regarding the injuries that were presented to the chiropractic treatment facility at the 2014 Durban ‘Rugby Rush Tournament’ and the management strategies utilised by the chiropractic interns at the event. This research provides insight into injury profiling of tens, sevens and touch rugby players. There were several recommendations proposed for future researchers in order to expand on this field of knowledge.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Ferreira, António Miguel da Cruz. "Epidemiology of injuries in Portuguese senior male rugby union sevens." Doctoral thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/6956.

Full text

Abstract:

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the epidemiology of injuries in rugby sevens. To determine the incidence rate of injuries in the Portuguese senior male sevens circuit, to characterize them and identify associated factors. To present the results of the study to relevant rugby agents, make suggestions aiming at the mitigation of the problem and collect their feedback. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was performed. Most relevant electronic databases were searched, complemented by manual searches of bibliographies and “grey literature”. A prospective cohort study recording time-loss injuries was then conducted, during the 2015/16 Portuguese circuit (two top divisions). Main outcome measures included: incidence rate, location, type and severity of injuries. Data were also collected regarding players’ training loads. Later, in June 2017, suggestions to mitigate the burden of injuries in Portuguese sevens were presented during a scientific meeting and feedback was requested. Data were then compiled, analyzed and used to make recommendations to the Board of the Portuguese Rugby Union. Results: Overall injury incidence rates in elite senior male rugby sevens tournaments ranged between 101.5 and 119.8 per 1000 player-match-hours. Mean severity was greater than 34.1 days. Lower limb and joint/ligament injuries were the most frequent injuries in elite players. The only study in amateur players revealed a lower incidence rate, and a higher proportion of muscle/tendon injuries. During our cohort study, 27 injuries were recorded (incidence rate of 133.9 injuries per 1000 player match-hours). Average severity was 22.22 days. Most injuries occurred in the lower limb and were joint/ligament or muscle/tendon types. Association between injury and lower training loads during the sevens season was identified for the second-tier (p=0.021). For the same level, an inverse relation between training hours and injury severity was also found (p=0.008). Top-tier players training sevens and fifteens simultaneously during the year presented a significant increase of injury risk (relative risk=3.2; p=0.011). Based on these findings several recommendations were presented to independent rugby agents, with 95% agreeing and 81% stating that they would implement them at their own clubs. Conclusions: We conducted the first ever systematic review of the literature on the epidemiology of injuries in rugby sevens. Data obtained confirmed their high incidence rate and severity. We also presented the first study providing benchmark values for the incidence, severity and risk factors associated with injuries in senior male Portuguese rugby sevens. Incidence rates were similar to those at elite tournaments, but severity was lower. Considering the associations between training loads and injuries in both levels of the competition, we suggest the need to customize sevens preparation. The level of acceptance of our recommendations by independent rugby agents was surprisingly high. A summary of the recommendations was submitted to the Portuguese Rugby Union, for their consideration. Authorization and official support to implement a injury surveillance program for the 2017/18 rugby season were subsequently granted. Although we agree that the real impact of our effort will only be assessed by future studies, our main goal has already been achieved: scientific evidence was used aiming at the promotion of player’s safety and welfare in Portuguese rugby sevens.
Introdução: O rugby de sete (popularmente conhecido como Sevens) é uma modalidade desportiva, variante de rugby union, disputada por duas equipas de sete elementos cada, num campo com as dimensões habituais da variante de quinze (100 metros de comprimento por 70 de largura), em partidas com duração total de 14 minutos (duas partes de sete minutos com um intervalo de dois entre cada uma). Apesar de ter mais de um século de história, nas últimas duas décadas, após a criação dos Campeonatos Mundiais de Sevens (em 1993) e do Circuito Mundial de rugby de sete (em 1999), esta variante ganhou um especial destaque e mediatismo global, que culminou na sua introdução no programa dos Jogos Olímpicos de Verão, em 2016. Como se verifica na maioria dos fenómenos sociais de destaque, especialmente nos emergentes, também o rugby de sete passou a beneficiar de uma maior atenção prestada pelos académicos e investigadores nas áreas das Ciências do Desporto e da Medicina Desportiva, tendo as décadas de 2000 e 2010 assistido à realização e publicação de numerosos estudos procurando, em particular, caracterizar o perfil do atleta de rugby de sete, as exigências físicas e as dinâmicas do jogo, mas também aspectos relativos à epidemiologia das lesões desportivas nesta variante. No entanto, apesar deste maior interesse, quando comparada com a variante de rugby de quinze, a literatura disponível sobre o rugby de sete continua a ser escassa e essencialmente centrada nos níveis competitivos mais elevados, em particular nas competições de seleções de elite, como são os casos do Circuito Mundial de rugby de sete, do Campeonato do Mundo e do Torneio Olímpico. Dessa mesma literatura, é possível apurar que o rugby de sete é uma variante desportiva extremamente exigente do ponto de vista físico, favorecendo os atletas que possuem um conjunto alargado de atributos físicos como a velocidade, a capacidade de suportar um significativo número de contatos com o adversário e de realizar esforços estáticos de alta intensidade. Neste contexto, tratando-se de uma modalidade de conquista territorial e sendo disputada numa campo com as dimensões anteriormente referidas, ao permitir a realização de movimentos de corrida livre a alta intensidade e o contacto direto com oponente procurando interromper esse movimento e recuperar a bola, é aceitável a evidência de literatura científica relatando uma maior incidência de lesões desportivas nesta variante, comparando com o rugby de quinze (para o mesmo nível de competição – elite). [...]

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Ras, Jaco. "A correlation between injury incidence, injury prevalence and balance in rugby players." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/10046.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Tuck, Andrew Murray. "An investigation into the risk factors and management of rugby injuries in the greater Durban area." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/543.

Full text

Abstract:

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2010.
Objective: Majority of studies to date have focused on injury profiles and types of injuries in rugby, without looking at the risk factors associated and the management of these injuries. It was thus the aim of this study to determine the risk factors and management of rugby injuries in the greater Durban area. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional based study, using a self-administered questionnaire, developed specifically for this research utilizing a focus group and pilot study. The questionnaire details a patient injury history, rugby history, resources, management, coaching and training parameters. Letters of informed consent and the questionnaire were distributed to 300 players / coaches for completion and data was analysed using Pearson’s correlation and t-tests. Results: A response rate of 70% (n=210) was achieved. Selected risk factors were found to be significantly related to current and / or previous injury. New risk factors which did significantly impact injury, were also determined. Conclusion: It is advised that coaches and players take note of significant injury risk factors and management protocols in order to improve player health and decrease injury risk. Further research may look into the factors identified in order to set up better structures in order to prevent further injuries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Silva, João Diogo Cadima Leite da. "Perfil do jogador de Rugby de 7 Universitário Português: Características antropométricas e Experiência na Modalidade, bem como da incidência de lesões desportivas." Master's thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10316/82500.

Full text

Abstract:

Trabalho de Projeto do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina apresentado à Faculdade de Medicina
Introdução: O Rugby de 7 (Sevens) é dos desportos mundiais com mais crescimento em termos de atletas, desde que integrou os jogos Olímpicos do Rio de Janeiro em 2016. Em Portugal não existem estudos publicados sobre o panorama do Sevens. O Campeonato Universitário Português de Sevens é um torneio amador que ocorre todos os anos. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter um conjunto de dados relevantes sobre o tipo de atleta que participa nesta competição e sobre as suas lesões, e compará-lo com a informação disponível na literatura internacional. Métodos: Numa primeira fase, foi efetuado um estudo observacional a todos os atletas do torneio, avaliando a caracterização antropométrica, experiência individual, hábitos de treino e aquecimento. Foi feita a seleção de atletas que sofreram algum tipo de lesão e preenchidas fichas com base no documento “Consensus Statement on Injury definitions and data colection procedures for studies in rugby union”, de modo a obter dados relevantes para cada situação de lesão identificada. Numa segunda fase, foi efetuado um estudo coorte prospetivo aos atletas que sofreram uma lesão, obtendo o tempo de recuperação de cada um.Resultados: O torneio contou com o total de 87 atletas e 8 equipas. Os atletas, em média, tinham as seguintes medidas: 178.6 cm de altura (± 6.65) e 83.34 kg de massa (± 11.22). A exposição total dos atletas foi 53.67 horas jogador-jogo e a incidência de lesões foi 186.32 lesões por 1000 horas jogador-jogo (94.7-332.4, IC 95%). O número total de lesões “Time-Loss” identificadas foi 10. A recuperação dos atletas lesionados, em média, demorou 26.6 dias (± 6.23). A maioria das lesões ocorreu na segunda parte (n=6), após contacto com outro jogador (n=8), nos membros inferiores (n=6) e de tipo articular/ligamentar (n=7). Discussão: A incidência de lesões revela-se superior a qualquer um dos torneios já descritos na literatura internacional. Os maus hábitos de treino e aquecimento dos atletas lesionados reforçam a ideia de que estes são elementos-chave na prevenção de lesões. A amostra pequena de lesões condiciona a significância estatística dos resultados. Estudos semelhantes e de maior dimensão deverão ser conduzidos no futuro para uma melhor caracterização do atleta e da lesão.
Introduction: Rugby Sevens is one of the fastest growing sports in the world regarding the number of athletes, since its integration in the Rio Olympics 2016. In Portugal there aren't any published articles about Sevens. The Portuguese Universitary Sevens Championship is an amateur tournament that takes place every year. The objective of the present study is to gather a set of relevant data about the type of athlete that participates in this competition and its injuries, and then compare it with the available information in international literature.Methods: On a first phase, an observational study was conducted to every athlete participating in the tournament, evaluating their anthropometry, individual experience, training habits and warm-up. Athletes involved in any kind of injury were selected and forms based on the document "Consensus Statement on Injury definitions and data collection procedures for studies in rugby union" were given to them, in order to obtain relevant information for each identified injury. On a second phase, a prospective study was performed to the injured athletes, obtaining their recovery time.Results: The tournament had a total of 87 athletes and 8 teams. The athletes measured, on average, 178.6 cm in height (± 6.65) and 83.34 kg in weight (± 11.22). The total match exposure was 53.67 player match-hours and the injury incidence rate was 186.2 per 1000 player match-hours (94.7-332.4, CI 95%). The number of "time-loss" injuries was 10. The average recovery time was 26.6 days (± 6.23). The majority of the injuries occurred in the second half (n=6), following contact with other player (n=8), in the lower limbs (n=6) and joint/ligament was the most frequent type (n=7).Discussion: The overall injury incidence rate was higher than any reported tournament in international literature. Insufficient training and warm-up habits of the injured players strengthens the idea that these are key elements in injury prevention. The small injury sample conditions the results' statistical significance. Similar but larger studies must be conducted in the future for a better athlete and injury characterization.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Doyle, Martin. "What's your bag? :." 1996. http://arrow.unisa.edu.au:8081/1959.8/84981.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rugby football injuries'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles