Injury Profile of American Women Rugby-7s

Abstract

There is a lack of data on women’s Rugby-7s (7-player-a-side rugby union) the new Olympic format. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence (per 1000 playing hours), severity (days absence), and cause of time-loss injuries in U.S. women Rugby-7s. METHODS: Prospective study of injuries in women players (3876); from amateur to elite/national candidates (2010-2013); compliant with international consensus statement on rugby union in USA Rugby sanctioned tournaments (USA Rugby Local Area, Territorial Union, National and All-Star Sevens Series, USA Sevens Invitational and Collegiate Rugby Championships). RESULTS: 108 time-loss injuries were encountered (elite, n=40; 37%), over 2590.84 playing hours with an injury rate of 41.7 injuries/1000 ph, while increasing through the levels of competition (CI: 56.3 - 96.1). Higher risk of injury was in elite/national level competitors (86.9/1000 ph) compared to lower levels (31.9/1000 ph; p 0.10). Injury mechanism was contact with opposing players (68%), while phase of play that encountered the most injuries was the tackle (70%). Most common type of injury was ligament sprain (39%); while lower extremity injuries were body region (47%, 18.9/1000 ph), body part was the knee (21%, 8.5/1000 ph). CONCLUSIONS: Elite players had higher rates in time loss injuries, than U.S. lower levels. The head and neck area in our female players was injured at greater rates (16%, 6.56/1000 ph) than international male Rugby-7s (5%). Injury prevention in U.S. women’s Rugby-7s must focus on injuries of the knee, head and neck. Supported by USA Rugby Empire and New England Geographic Union Rugby Football Unions and USA Sevens LLC.Table: No title available.