Tackle-injury epidemiology in koshuis rugby players at Stellenbosch University
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Sports Medicine Association
Abstract
Background. The tackle is an important component of rugby union. The tackle situation carries the highest risk for injury for both the ball
carrier and tackler. Little is known about the epidemiology of tackle injuries in koshuis rugby players.
Objectives. To (i) calculate the tackle-related injury rate, (ii) determine if the tackler or ball carrier is more susceptible to injury, and (iii)
determine the most common location and type of injury during tackles.
Methods. Data were collected by means of injury report forms from the medical centre during koshuis matches of 2012 and 2013. All
data collected were captured into an online database. Only data related to tackle injuries were evaluated for this retrospective, descriptive
epidemiological study.
Results. The tackle led to 61% of all injuries (11.4 injuries/1 000 playing hours). The tackler sustained 23% more injuries than the ball carrier.
Injuries to the face (3.1 injuries/1 000 playing hours, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 - 3.3) were most prevalent. The most common type
of injury was lacerations (3.4 injuries/1 000 playing hours, 95% CI 3.2 - 3.7).
Conclusion. The tackle contributed to 61% of all injuries, making it the most dangerous phase of play. The tackler is more at risk than the
ball carrier, especially for injuries to the face, with lacerations having the highest prevalence. For the ball carrier the location of the most
injuries was the head, although joint sprains were the most common type of injury for the ball carrier.
Description
CITATION: Mathewson, E. & Grobbelaar, R. 2015. Tackle-injury epidemiology in koshuis rugby players at Stellenbosch University. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(3):72-75, doi:10.7196/SAJSM.8091.
The original publication is available at http://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajsm
The original publication is available at http://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajsm
Keywords
Rugby football injuries -- Epidemiology, Tackling (football) -- Risk assessment, Rugby football injuries -- Stellenbosch University
Citation
Mathewson, E. & Grobbelaar, R. 2015. Tackle-injury epidemiology in koshuis rugby players at Stellenbosch University. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(3):72-75, doi:10.7196/SAJSM.8091.