Incidence, severity, aetiology and type of neck injury in men's amateur rugby union: a prospective cohort study

Swain, M. V.; Pollard, Henry; Bonello, Rod

doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-18

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…A prospective cohort study of neck injuries (not all spine injuries) in two Australian amateur-level rugby clubs was carried out over two seasons (2006 and 2007) 68. Neck injury incidence was 6/1000 player match hours and 0.7/1000 player training hours.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Injury and biomechanical perspectives on the rugby scrum: a review of the literature

et al. 2014

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As a collision sport, rugby union has a relatively high overall injury incidence, with most injuries being associated with contact events. Historically, the set scrum has been a focus of the sports medicine community due to the perceived risk of catastrophic spinal injury during scrummaging. The contemporary rugby union scrum is a highly dynamic activity but to this point has not been well characterised mechanically. In this review, we synthesise the available research literature relating to the medical and biomechanical aspects of the rugby union scrum, in order to (1) review the injury epidemiology of rugby scrummaging; (2) consider the evidence for specific injury mechanisms existing to cause serious scrum injuries and (3) synthesise the information available on the biomechanics of scrummaging, primarily with respect to force production. The review highlights that the incidence of acute injury associated with scrummaging is moderate but the risk per event is high. The review also suggests an emerging acknowledgement of the potential for scrummaging to lead to premature chronic degeneration injuries of the cervical spine and summarises the mechanisms by which these chronic injuries are thought to occur. More recent biomechanical studies of rugby scrummaging confirm that scrum engagement forces are high and multiplanar, but can be altered through modifications to the scrum engagement process which control the engagement velocity. As the set scrum is a relatively 'controlled' contact situation within rugby union, it remains an important area for intervention with a long-term goal of injury reduction.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Injury and biomechanical perspectives on the rugby scrum: a review of the literature

et al. 2014

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“…Although these methods provide valid and reliable cervical strength measures, they may have questionable relevance for collision sports like rugby, where the majority of neck injuries occur during contact events when players are running or tackling in the horizontal plane (14,32,36). Given this horizontal position of loading, one of the principle objectives in the design of the apparatus was to simulate a posture that would be functionally relevant for collision-based sports, such as rugby.…”

Section: Experimental Approach To the Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reliability of Repeated Isometric Neck Strength and Endurance Testing in a Simulated Contact Posture

Salmon¹,

Handcock²,

Sullivan³

et al. 2015

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of repeated isometric measurements of neck strength and endurance in a simulated rugby contact posture. Data were collected from healthy active university students (n = 20) over 3 sessions. Each session consisted of a single maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance trial for extension and flexion. The endurance trials were analyzed to determine the area under the force curve (%AUC) and the time to fatigue (TTF). Reliability was calculated using the SEM and minimal detectable change (MDC). The results revealed that the MVC values for extension were nonsignificant for session (p = 0.21), whereas some session differences were seen for flexion (p = 0.01), where session 1, 115.3 N was less than session 3, 126.4 N (p = 0.03). For %AUC, flexion values (%AUC 86.0) were greater than extension (%AUC 59.4) (p = 0.02). A similar effect was observed for TTF with flexion (125.0 seconds) having significantly greater TTF than extension (86.1 seconds). For peak force, the greatest SEM and MDC were achieved for extension (15.3 and 42.3 N), while flexion produced lower values (11.3 and 31.2 N). In contrast, for the endurance trials, SEM and MDC were greater in flexion than in extension. The findings from this study indicate that the neck musculature can be reliably assessed in a simulated contact posture. For peak force, extension provided more consistent measures across time as there seems to be a learning effect for flexion. Additionally, the SEM and MDC scores provide a useful tool for future assessment of neck strength and endurance.

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“…[7] Common injuries incurred include cervical facet joint sprain, neck muscle strain and neuropathy. [8] Many studies have addressed the incidence and severity of neck injuries in rugby union, [7,8] but few have addressed the potential lasting effects, or prevalence of neck pain in these players. It is also common for rugby union to cause pathological changes to the cervical spine; but these changes do not always manifest clinically.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[7] In amateur rugby union players, 69% of neck injuries are minor, 17% mild and 7% moderate to severe. [8] These injuries may result in neck symptoms, [9] reduced playing time, and associated healthcare costs. Furthermore, the cumulative consequences of these injuries have resulted in premature and advanced degenerative changes in the cervical spine in rugby union players.…”

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confidence: 99%

The prevalence of self-reported neck pain in rugby union players in Gauteng Province

2014

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Background. Rugby is a highly demanding sport that carries a high risk of injury, specifically to the neck region. Repetitive loading of the neck during the scrum or tackle phase may increase neck symptoms and pain. Objectives. The objective of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported neck pain in rugby union players in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods. One hundred rugby union players of a mean ± standard deviation age of 22.1±2.4 years, height 1.84±0.07 m and weight 95.3±15.2 kg, completed the four-part questionnaire. Results. We found a 12% prevalence of current neck pain, and 52% of the players reported experiencing previous neck pain. Neck pain was more frequently reported in forwards, with the tackle being the most commonly stated cause. Eighteen players reported mild to moderate disability as a result of neck pain. The players reported that neck strengthening, on-field treatment and coaching could be improved to prevent neck pain. Conclusion. Current and previous neck pain is prevalent in rugby union players. Neck pain may be a sign of underlying pathology; therefore, players presenting with chronic or acute neck pain should be assessed thoroughly by a sports physician. Neck conditioning and strengthening should be encouraged in all players to prevent the deleterious effects that rugby union may have on the cervical spine.

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Incidence, severity, aetiology and type of neck injury in men's amateur rugby union: a prospective cohort study

Cited by 12 publications

References 42 publications

Injury and biomechanical perspectives on the rugby scrum: a review of the literature

Injury and biomechanical perspectives on the rugby scrum: a review of the literature

Reliability of Repeated Isometric Neck Strength and Endurance Testing in a Simulated Contact Posture

The prevalence of self-reported neck pain in rugby union players in Gauteng Province

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