Female Rugby Research Articles

Tackle characteristics associated with suspected concussion in female varsity rugby union: a case-control video analysis study

ABSTRACT The tackle is the most frequent and injurious event in rugby union. Tackle-related risk factors for concussion are identified in elite men, but may differ for women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between tackle characteristics and suspected concussion-related vs. non-injurious tackle events in Canadian female varsity rugby. Nacsport software was used to code 325 tackle events (46 suspected-concussion, 279 non-concussion). A penalised logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)]. Ball-carrier concussion was associated with a head contact intensity of 2/4 (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.3–31.6) and 3–4/4 (OR 48.5, 95% CI 12.1–193.7), illegal tackle (OR = 13.4, 95% CI 2.9–61.0), tap tackle (OR = 6.2, 95% CI 2.0–19.7), and down pre-contact head position (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.1–14.8). Tackler concussion was associated with 3 tacklers in the event (OR = 7.0, 95% CI 1.4–36.1), tap tackle (OR = 15.0, 95% CI 1.6–138.3), head contact intensity of 3–4/4 (OR = 30.6, 95% CI 5.6–168.1), and away pre-contact head position (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–7.8). Interventions aiming to reduce head impacts are needed in female rugby. Future directions should evaluate sex-related tackle characteristic differences.

The awareness, knowledge, and experience of female rugby players of contact breast injuries and exercise induced breast pain – An international survey

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the existing knowledge, awareness, and experience among female Rugby Union players of contact breast injuries (CBI) and exercise induced breast pain (EIBP) internationally.Methods: A cross sectional survey on CBI and EIBP, targeting active, adult female Rugby Union players, was developed and internationally disseminated. Responses were collected using Qualtrics and analysed using Microsoft PowerBI.Results: Responses from 483 female Rugby players (age 27.1±6.4 years, height 167.4±9.8 cm, mass 75.0±15.6 kg) from 29 different countries were collected. The overall awareness of CBI or EIBP and their potential future complications was poor, with 55.4% and 64.0% of responses respectively being either unaware or very unaware of same. Only 24.7% of respondents were likely or very likely to report either CBI or EIBP to team personnel. Main reasons for unwillingness to report included a lack of awareness of potential future complications or treatment modalities, and a perception that the breast pain or injury incurred was not severe enough. Of those who had suffered from either CBI, EIBP or both (51.8%), between 22.2% and 23.7% chose not to report the pain or injury. Less than 10% of those who did report, received treatment.Conclusion: The study identified a noteworthy occurrence of CBI and EIBP but reluctance and barriers to report same. Knowledge of potential future complications and treatment options for CBI and EIBP was poor. Future education pieces should address these shortfalls. The study further uncovers the need for structured prospective recording of CBI and EIBP.

Evaluating The Current Classification Points Addition On Performance In Female Wheelchair Rugby Players

Evaluating The Current Classification Points Addition On Performance In Female Wheelchair Rugby Players

Epidemiology of craniofacial and spinal injuries in French Rugby union: A report including medical, social, and professional consequences

ObjectivesFirst, to investigate the medico-socio-professional repercussions of non-fatal cranioencephalic and spinal injuries occurring across all levels of play in male and female Rugby Union in France. Second, to determine whether an association existed between the severity of injuries and the circumstances of their occurrence and/or the profiles of the injured players. Third, to gather new epidemiological data regarding the severity and long-term consequences of these injuries in the sport. DesignNational retrospective observational open cohort study conducted using medical expertise files on all injuries registered by the insurer affiliated to the French Rugby Federation. MethodsWe analysed the medical reports of spinal, craniofacial or radicular trauma occurred from 26/08/2011 to 31/01/2018. Data relating to the severity and the circumstances of the injury, and its medical and socio-professional consequences (e.g., ability of players to continue playing rugby and/or professional/scholastic activity, receiving or not financial compensation) were extracted. Results199 cases were identified. The overall incidence rate of injuries was 10.57/100,000 person-years. The median PMI value after consolidation was 6 %. Five cases had a PMI value equivalent or higher than 50 %. 85 % of players were able to return to work/studies whilst 47 % returned to rugby overall. Injury severity did not differ between age groups, genders, performance levels, training/match-play or according to the game situation. ConclusionsAlthough rare, craniofacial and spinal injuries in rugby can leave sequelae with substantial repercussions on personal, professional/scholastic and sporting life. Further research into their potential causes and targeted prevention strategies is warranted.

Concussion Reporting and Knowledge of Australian Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players

Concussion Reporting and Knowledge of Australian Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players

A Silent Injury - Breast Pain And Injury Among Female Rugby Union Players

A Silent Injury - Breast Pain And Injury Among Female Rugby Union Players

Pelvic floor symptoms in elite female rugby players: prevalence and impact on performance

Pelvic floor symptoms in elite female rugby players: prevalence and impact on performance

The Impact of Pressure Training on the Performance of Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pressure training on the performance of semi-professional female rugby league athletes. Using a within-subjects design, 16 female athletes (19.9 ± 3.4 years) performed a passing accuracy task under three conditions; (1) a control condition; (2) a physiological fatigue condition; and (3) a threat of consequence condition. Passing performance, perceived pressure, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-confidence were assessed. A significant main effect of conditions was found for rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.001), self-confidence (p < 0.028), and perceived pressure (p = 0.011). There was no main effect of condition on passing performance. Post hoc comparisons revealed that RPE was significantly higher in the physiological fatigue condition when compared to the control (p = 0.009) and threat of consequence conditions (p < 0.001). Perceived pressure was significantly higher in the threat of consequence condition compared to the control condition (p = 0.037). The main findings of this study are that (1) passing performance was not impacted by pressure training conditions, and (2) threats of consequences are an effective manipulation to generate pressure in female semi-professional rugby league players. These results offer nuanced insights into the impact of pressure generation in training environments for female semi-professional rugby league athletes.

Perceptions of menstrual cycle tracking among elite rugby players

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to understand female rugby players’ perceptions of menstrual cycle (MC) tracking and identify the impact of MC tracking for the players. Interpretive descriptive methodology was adopted. Interviews were conducted with 12 elite female rugby players (age 25.2 ± 4.3 years), who were all naturally menstruating. Data were analysed following the four stages recommended within Interpretive Description. Results identified that athletes obtain personal benefits from MC tracking by; enhancing understanding of their MC and symptoms, and responding to their MC and symptoms. Athletes also reported that the process of tracking their MC enhanced relationships by; improving communication and interactions with coaches and support staff, and by facilitating team support. Specifically, using tracking increased the opportunities for open conversations with coaches, support staff and teammates regarding their MC. Overall, the findings highlight benefits of menstrual cycle tracking within this group of naturally menstruating rugby players, particularly in helping players and coaches understand the individual nature of the MC, engage in conversations, and establish support from teammates.

Hang up your cleats and hope for the best? A cross-sectional study of five health domains in retired elite female rugby players

ObjectivesTo investigate retired elite female rugby players’ health outcomes (and their relationships) in five key areas (musculoskeletal, cognitive, mental, reproductive/endocrinological and cardiovascular) and how those compare with the general population.MethodsFemale...

Instrumented mouthguards in elite-level men’s and women’s rugby union: characterising tackle-based head acceleration events

ObjectivesTo examine the propensity of tackle height and the number of tacklers that result in head acceleration events (HAEs) in elite-level male and female rugby tackles.MethodsInstrumented mouthguard data were collected...

Minimal influence of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptives on performance in female rugby league athletes.

We examined performance across one menstrual cycle (MC) and 3weeks of hormonal contraceptives (HC) use to identify whether known fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone/progestin are associated with functional performance changes. National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy athletes [n=11 naturally menstruating (NM), n=13 using HC] completed performance tests [countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, 20m sprint, power pass and Stroop test] during three phases of a MC or three weeks of HC usage, confirmed through ovulation tests alongside serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations. MC phase or HC use did not influence jump height, peak force, sprint time, distance thrown or Stroop effect. However, there were small variations in kinetic and kinematic CMJ/SJ outputs. NM athletes produced greater mean concentric power in MC phase four than one [+0.41W·kg-1 (+16.8%), p=0.021] during the CMJ, alongside greater impulse at 50ms at phase one than four [+1.7N·s (+4.7%), p=0.031] during the SJ, without differences between tests for HC users. Among NM athletes, estradiol negatively correlated with mean velocity and power (r=-0.44 to -0.50, p<0.047), progesterone positively correlated with contraction time (r=0.45, p=0.045), and both negatively correlated with the rate of force development and impulse (r=-0.45 to -0.64, p<0.043) during the SJ. During the CMJ, estradiol positively correlated to 200ms impulse (r=0.45, p=0.049) and progesterone to mean power (r=0.51, p=0.021). Evidence of changes in testing performance across a MC, or during active HC use, is insufficient to justify "phase-based testing"; however, kinetic or kinematic outputs may be altered in NM athletes.

“Male athletes play well to feel good, and female athletes feel good to play well”: Attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to perceived sex-related differences in communication and interpersonal approach of strength and conditioning coaches in international women’s rugby union

ABSTRACT Effective communication and rapport building with athletes are key tenets of coaching. As the majority of empirical evidence to date has adopted an androcentric view of strength and conditioning, a potential knowledge gap exists regarding sex-related differences in physical preparation and coaching approaches. Therefore, this study explored the attitudes, beliefs and practices of strength and conditioning coaches (n = 8; M/F, 6/2) in elite level (international) women’s rugby union using semi-structured interviews (mean ±standard deviation duration 59 ± 15 min). The interviews explored differences in coaching practices for elite female rugby players compared to males, with a specific focus on the interpersonal aspects of the athlete-coach relationship. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate a rich qualitative dataset. The analysis resulted in the identification of higher order themes: athlete engagement, and interpersonal approach. The coaches in this study consistently perceived important differences between male and female players in factors related to engagement and interpersonal approach. Coaches adopted differing coaching practices for male and female athletes. This study provides important contextual evidence for the understanding of differences in the interpersonal relationships of female rugby players compared to male athletes from the perspective of elite-level strength coaches.

Energy expenditure of international female rugby union players during a major international tournament: a doubly labelled water study.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the total energy expenditure (TEE) of international female rugby union players. Fifteen players were assessed over 14 days throughout an international multi-game tournament, which represented two consecutive one-match microcycles. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and TEE were assessed by indirect calorimetry and doubly labelled water, respectively. Physical activity level (PAL) was estimated (TEE:RMR). Mean RMR, TEE, and PAL were 6.60±0.93MJ·day-1 (1578 ± 223kcal·day-1), 13.51±2.28MJ·day-1 (3229 ± 545kcal·day-1), and 2.0±0.3 AU, respectively. There was no difference in TEE (13.74±2.31 (3284 ± 554kcal·day-1) vs. 13.92±2.10MJ·day-1 (3327 ± 502kcal·day-1); p=0.754), or PAL (2.06±0.26 AU vs. 2.09±0.23 AU; p=0.735) across microcycles, despite substantial decreases in training load (total distance: -8088m, collisions: -20 n, training duration: -252min). After correcting for body composition, there was no difference in TEE (13.80±1.74 (3298±416 adj. kcal·day-1) vs. 13.16±1.97 (3145±471 adj. kcal·day-1) adj. MJ·day-1, p=0.190), RMR (6.49±0.81 (1551±194 adj. kcal·day-1) vs. 6.73±0.83 (1609±198 adj. kcal·day-1) adj. MJ·day-1, p=0.633) or PAL (2.15±0.14vs. 1.87±0.26 AU, p=0.090) between forwards and backs. For an injured participant (n=1), TEE reduced by 1.7MJ·day-1 (-401kcal·day-1) from pre-injury. For participants with illness (n=3), TEE was similar to pre-illness (+0.49MJ·day-1 (+117kcal·day-1)). The energy requirements of international female rugby players were consistent across one-match microcycles. Forwards and backs had similar adjusted energy requirements. These findings are critical to inform the dietary guidance provided to female rugby players.

Omega-3 Status Evaluation in Australian Female Rugby League Athletes: Ad Libitum Fish Oil Provision Results in a Varied Omega-3 Index.

Optimal omega-3 status, influenced by increased intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is vital for physiological health. This study investigated the impact of ad libitum fish oil supplementation on the omega-3 status of female athletes in a professional rugby league team during a competitive season. Twenty-four (n = 24) athletes participated, and their omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA ratio through finger-prick blood samples taken at the start and end of the season. They were given access to a fish oil supplement (PILLAR Performance, Australia) with a recommended daily dose of four capsules per day (2,160mg EPA and 1,440mg docosahexaenoic acid). At the beginning of the season, the group mean O3I was 4.77% (95% confidence interval [CI: 4.50, 5.04]) and the AA to EPA ratio was 14.89 (95% CI [13.22, 16.55]). None of the athletes had an O3I exceeding 8%. By the season's end, the O3I was a significantly increased to 7.28% (95% CI [6.64, 7.93], p < .0001) and AA to EPA ratio significantly decreased to a mean of 6.67 (95% CI [5.02, 8.31], p < .0001), driven primarily by the significant increase in EPA of +1.14% (95% CI [0.77, 1.51], p < .0001). However, these changes were varied between the athletes and most likely due to compliance. This study has demonstrated that using the objective O3I feedback scale is possible with elite female rugby athletes, but individual strategies will be required to achieve daily intake targets of EPA + DHA.

Time to level the playing field between men and women — Given similar injury incidence: A two-season analysis of match injuries in elite men and women's (Super League) rugby league

ObjectivesTo compare match injury incidence, severity and burden in men's and women's elite rugby league. DesignA prospective cohort epidemiological study. MethodsTime loss match injury data were collected from all men's (11,301 exposure hours) and women's (5,244 exposure hours) Super League clubs. ResultsInjury incidence and burden were not different between men and women (mean [95 % CI]; 54 [45 to 65] vs. 60 [49 to 74] per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.39, and 2332 [1844 to 2951] vs. 1951 [1560 to 2440] days lost per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.26). However, injury severity was greater for men than women (42 [35–50] vs. 35 [29 to 42]; p = 0.01). Lower limbs accounted for 54 % and 52 % of injuries for men and women, with the head/face the most frequently injured location due to concussion (12 [10 to 15] and 10 [8 to 14] per 1000 match-hours for men and women). Injuries to the knee had the greatest burden for men and women (708 [268–1868] and 863 [320–2328] days lost per 1000 match-hours). Being tackled was the most common injury mechanism for men and women (28 % and 38 %) with greater burden (p < 0.01) than other injury mechanisms. ConclusionsMale and female rugby league players have similar injury incidence and burden; however, injury severity was higher in men. Head/face injuries have the highest injury incidence and knee injuries have the highest burden. These injuries should be the focus for prevention initiatives at a league (via laws), player, and coach level, with equal and specific focus for both men's and women's rugby league players.

Between 2008 and 2022, Lower-Extremity Injuries Declined in Male Rugby Players, Whereas Noncontact Knee Injuries Showed No Decline in Female Rugby Players

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the distribution and mechanisms of lower extremity injuries among high school and college age rugby players presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs) from 2008 to 2022. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for lower extremity rugby injuries (ages 14-23) from January 2008 to December 2022. Patient demographics, injury location, diagnosis, and disposition were extracted for each case. Linear regression analysis assessed differences over time. Injury distribution for males versus females was evaluated using Pearson’s chi-square analysis. ResultsAn estimated 31,318 (845 NEISS cases) high school and college-age rugby players presented to US EDs with a lower extremity injury during the study period. Males accounted for 66.9% of the injuries. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in annual frequency of lower extremity injuries presenting to US EDs from 2008 to 2022 (p=0.001). The most common injury mechanism was overwhelmingly a non-contact twisting motion (11,108, 35.5%) followed by a hit/collision (5,298, 16.9%). Strains/sprains were the most common diagnosis (17,243, 55.1%). Injuries most commonly occurred at the ankle (12,659, 40.4%) and knee (11,016, 35.2%). In a sex-specific linear regression analysis, there was a significant decrease in lower extremity injuries sustained by male players (p=0.001), but no significant decrease among female players (p=0.112). Furthermore, chi-squared analysis revealed that females sustained a significantly higher proportion of knee injuries secondary to twists (15.9% for females vs. 9.0% for males, p=0.01). ConclusionLower extremity injuries are declining among high school and college-age male rugby players. However, there has not been a corresponding decrease among female rugby players. Furthermore, females are disproportionately affected by non-contact twisting knee injuries.

Validity, reliability, and the contributing physical characteristics of a modified 15m prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 test in elite female rugby league players.

This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the prone Yo-YoIRL1 in elite female rugby league players (part one) and determine the anthropometric and physical characteristics contributing to 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 performance (part two). Part one, 21 subjects completed one Yo-YoIRL1, one 20m and two 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 tests over four sessions, with 7-14 days in-between. Part two, ten subjects completed a testing battery, including body mass, height, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, isometric mid-thigh pull, isometric bench-press, 10m and 20m sprints and an incremental treadmill test ([Formula: see text]). The 15m prone YoYoIRL1 demonstrated poor reliability with a typical error of 68m (21%) and a smallest worthwhile change of 54m (9%). Validity analysis found the prone versions of the YoYoIRL1 were not sensitive measures of intermittent running performance. Both prone YoYoIRL1 test distances demonstrated large mean bias (76% and -37% respectively) and typical error of the estimate (19% and 21%, respectively) in comparison to the YoYoIRL1. Body mass (r = -0.89), lean mass (r = -0.64), body fat % (r = -0.68), [Formula: see text] (l∙min-1) (r = -0.64), IMTP (r = -0.69), IBP (r = -0.15), 10m (r = -0.77) and 20m (r = -0.72) momentum displayed large negative relationships with 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 performance. Due to the poor validity of the 20m prone YoYoIRL1, the poor validity and reliability of the 15m prone YoYoIRL1, and the anthropometric and physical characteristics which negatively impact performance, practitioners should reconsider the use of the prone YoYoIRL1 test to monitor high intensity intermittent running performance.

Team trust as a predictor of collective efficacy in female rugby players

According to Bandura’s (1997) social cognitive theory, “the higher the sense of collective efficacy, the better the team performance”. Bandura also states that collective efficacy is greater than the sum of its individual self-efficacies due to it being influenced by other cognitive factors, including trust (1986, 1997, J Cog Psychother, 13, 158-166). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of team trust on the construct of collective efficacy within a sport context. It is proposed that team trust is an important cognitive factor that may precede the relationship between collective efficacy and group performance. With institute ethical approval (BREO:33249-A-Nov/2023-47988-1), 21 female college rugby players voluntarily completed the four factor Team Trust Scale (Costa &amp; Anderson, 2011. Eur J Work Org Psych, 20, 119-154) and the five factor Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Sport (Short, Sullivan. &amp; Feltz, 2005, Meas Phys Ed Ex Sci, 9, 181-202) to measure the correlation between levels of team trust and collective efficacy and determine if team trust is indeed a valid predictor of collective efficacy. Linear regression analyses were conducted and correlation coefficients calculated using Pearson’s correlation. It was predicted that a positive correlation would be shown between the two constructs and that team trust is a significant predictor of collective efficacy. Assuming a positive hypothesis, the study recommends that rugby teams and interdependent sport teams, generally, should develop a high-quality environment of trust both on and off the pitch, given its relationship with collective efficacy and subsequent impact on performance. Relatively little research has been carried out into the effect of intrateam trust within sport and, therefore, this study serves to widen the exploration of this construct and its impact on other social constructs such as collective efficacy and their impact on team performance.

Effect of high intensity, intermittent exercise on EyeGuide Focus smooth pursuit assessments in amateur female rugby union athletes

Ocular assessment tools provide insights into neurological functioning when diagnosing sport-related concussions (SRCs). Emerging technologies such as EyeGuide Focus have attempted to improve on pre-existing clinical tools however the reliability of the tool is currently uncertain and it is unclear if physical exertion may affect the validity of the device as seen with similar ocular assessments. The aim of this study was to determine if EyeGuide Focus accuracy is affected by high-intensity, intermittent exercise. Seven amateur female rugby union athletes were recruited (Mean age [± SD] = 23 ± 5 years; stature = 172 ± 4 cm, mass = 87 ± 20 kg). Athletes completed baseline testing on the unit which included two to four familiarisation trials and three official tests on the unit measured in arbitrary units (AUs). Testing was completed in a dark room free from distraction, and participants wore noise-cancelling headphones (BOSE QC45) during assessment. The athlete then performed a brief warmup before beginning the exercise protocol by Whyte et al. (2022, Phys Therapy Sport, 58, 126-133) which involves repeated circuits of acceleration, deceleration, backpedalling, change of direction, jumping, and side shuffling. This protocol has previously displayed significant effects on Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening testing. Athletes repeated circuits until they reported 17-18/20 on the Borg Scale with 30s between each circuit. Athletes then completed three more trials at five- and 10-mins post-exercise cessation. Data were exported to Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for analysis. Athletes completed an average of 03:15 ± 23 s total work in circuits. Significant differences existed between athlete’s heart rate at rest and post-warmup, post individual circuits, and five mins post-test (P &lt; 0.05) but not 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.05). Mean EyeGuide Focus scores were 23443.29 ± 8082.18, 35684.04 ± 13279.40, and 22927.64 ± 6377.61 AUs at baseline, 5 mins post-test, and 10 mins post-test respectively. Scores were significantly different between baseline and 5 mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), and between 5- and 10-mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), but not baseline and 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.848). Three mins of high-intensity, intermittent exercise was sufficient to induce significant changes in amateur female athletes’ EyeGuide Focus scores, returning to baseline after 10 mins of rest. The findings indicate that physical activity can impact on EyeGuide Focus scores and thus sufficient rest is required when assessing athletes for SRCs. Future research should investigate if sport-related contact or collisions also impact scoring on this device.