High School Rugby Research Articles

Spot Allocation Design in the National High School Rugby Tournament based on Quantitative Strength Evaluation Method

Spot Allocation Design in the National High School Rugby Tournament based on Quantitative Strength Evaluation Method

Strength and conditioning practices of high school rugby coaches: A South African context

Although rugby union as a sport is well established, the strength and conditioning practices of high school level players are not well known. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine the current strength and conditioning practices that coaches implement at South African high school level rugby. A secondary purpose was to compare practices between high schools of different socio-economic status in South Africa. An online survey or in person interview (depending on the school) was conducted and 43 responses were received: from 28 coaches at schools among the top 100 rugby schools in South Africa for 2016 and from 15 coaches at no-fee public schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Most coaches (72%) performed some form of physical testing, with the most common parameter tested being ‘speed’. The most common strength and conditioning practices utilised included flexibility (stretching), speed (free sprinting), agility (cone drills), plyometric (box drills) and resistance (weight lifting) training. Unlike the no-fee schools, the top 100 rugby schools implemented conditioning practices similar to best-known international practices. Furthermore, no-fee school coaches did not have the qualifications necessary to administer the correct training techniques. Education and upskilling on the best strength and conditioning practices for school level coaches need to be improved, particularly in less privileged schools. Such improvement is crucial to the transformation goals set out by the South African Rugby Union, which would benefit from player development in lower socio-economic schools.
 Significance:
 
 The top 100 rugby playing schools in the country implement similar strength and conditioning practices to the best known international practices.
 Education of coaches is key to the implementation of correct strength and conditioning practices, specifically at underprivileged schools.

THE ASSOCIATION OF HISTORY OF CONCUSSION WITH BASELINE SCORES ON THE SPORT CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT TOOL (SCAT5) IN HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY PLAYERS

Background: The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) is a standardized instrument designed to assist with the clinical and sideline assessment of concussion. Following the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport in 2016, the SCAT5 was released. Compared to the previous version (SCAT3), the SCAT5 includes more detailed instructions regarding the symptom checklist and a 10-word list in the immediate memory section to diminish ceiling effects. This study aims to examine the association between having a previous history of concussion and SCAT5 scores in high school rugby players. A second objective is to provide reference values for healthy rugby players for the SCAT5, including typical scores on immediate memory using the 10-word list. Methods: High school rugby players (ages 15-18) from Calgary, Alberta participating in the 2018 high school rugby season (n=388, male=212, female=176) were recruited to a cohort study and asked to complete a baseline SCAT5 assessment administered by trained research assistants at the beginning of the playing season. Outcome measures included baseline symptom evaluation (/22 symptoms)], self-reported rating of percentage of normal (100% perfectly normal) felt at time of testing, immediate memory score using a 10-word list [/30)], digits backward (/4), delayed word memory (/10), and modified Balance Error Scoring System [BESS (/30)]. Players also completed a preseason demographic questionnaire, which assessed their history of concussion. Results: A total of 237/388 (61.08%) rugby players reported no history of concussion (NC) and 151/388 (38.92%) reported at least 1 previous concussion (PC). Ninety of the 212 males (42.45%) and 61 of the 176 females (34.66%) reported a history of previous concussion. Median SCAT5 symptom score was 6 (range; 0-21) for NC and 7 (0-22) for PC groups. At the time of baseline testing, only 30.51% of NC players and 21.85% of PC players reported feeling 100% of normal. Median total scores on the immediate memory score (/30) were 21 (range; 9-28) for NC and 21 (range; 9-29) for PC. Median total score on digits backward (/4) was 3 (range; 0-4) and the delayed memory score (/10) was 7 (range; 0-20), for both NC and PC groups. Median total errors made on the BESS were 4 (range; 0-20) for NC players and 5 (range; 0-17) for PC players. Conclusions: Players with and without a previous history of concussion obtained similar scores on all components of the SCAT5 at baseline. Many high school rugby players did not report feeling 100% of normal during typical baseline testing sessions. The addition of the 10-word list option in the immediate and delayed memory section reduces the likelihood of a ceiling effect. This study informs the use and interpretation of the SCAT5 in high school rugby players.

Unravelling the interaction between the DRD2 and DRD4 genes, personality traits and concussion risk

BackgroundConcussion occurs when biomechanical forces transmitted to the head result in neurological deficits. Personality may affect the balance between safe and dangerous play potentially influencing concussion risk. Dopamine receptor D2...

Toxic tau: The TAU gene polymorphisms associate with concussion history in rugby union players

ObjectivesConcussion is a brain injury that occurs when biomechanical forces are transmitted to the head region resulting in neurological deficits. The accumulation of tau protein in autopsies of athletes with multiple concussions implicates tau in concussion-associated neurodegeneration. The TAU rs2435211 (C>T) and rs2435200 (G>A) polymorphisms are involved in pathological tau expression and neurodegenerative disease risk. The aims of this study were to investigate the associations of TAU (rs2435211, rs2435200) polymorphisms with concussion history and sustaining multiple concussions in rugby. DesignIn total, 140 non-concussed controls and 163 previously concussed participants (all cases group, N=163; clinically diagnosed, N=140; multiple concussed, N=87) were recruited from high school (N=135, junior), club and professional rugby teams (N=166, senior). MethodsParticipants were genotyped for TAU rs2435211 and rs2435200 polymorphisms. ResultsIn seniors, the rs2435200 AA genotype was significantly over-represented in the control group compared to the multiple concussed subgroup (P=0.033, control: 25%, N=16, multiple concussed: 11%, N=6; OR: 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.96). While the AG genotype was significantly under-represented in the control compared to multiple concussed (P=0.024, control: 45%, N=29, multiple concussed: 63%, N=36; OR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.11–4.95). The inferred TAU (rs2435211 C>T–rs2435200 G>A) T-G haplotype was significantly under-represented in the control (19%, N=12) compared to the all cases group (30%, N=28, P=0.031). ConclusionsThe TAU-associated neurodegenerative pathway was implicated as a potential pathophysiological mechanism underlying concussion in seniors. In future, the identification of TAU polymorphisms associated with concussion risk may assist clinical management and reduce risk of severe complications.

Longitudinal Observation Of Cardiac Adaptation In Junior Rugby Players Using Echocardiography

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to conduct a 3-year longitudinal study of cardiac adaptation in junior and senior high school athletes who play rugby with echocardiography in an effort to examine how continuous practice of rugby during the growth period affects ventricular volume expansion and ventricular septum thickening. METHODS: Subjects were 34 male junior high and 79 senior high school rugby players with top-level game power. Subjects engaged in rugby-related training approximately 3 hours a day, 6 days a week continuously for 3 years. We measured height, body weight, blood pressure and took electrocardiogram and echocardiography measurements once a year for 3 consecutive years in these subjects. Echocardiography measurements were taken by portable ultrasonic measurement apparatus on B mode to measure left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVDd) and posterior left ventricle wall thickness (PWT). As a substitute for the control group, we estimated predicted values for each subject based on their height to make a cross-sectional comparison with the actual measured values. RESULTS: A cross-sectional comparison of LVDd and PWT measured in junior high schoolers exhibited a significant increase between the 1st and 2nd grade (equivalent of American 7th and 8th grades, respectively) (p<0.01). A cross-sectional comparison of the predicted and actual LVDd values for each year of junior high school revealed a significant difference in 2nd year students (p<0.01). In contrast, there was a significant difference between predicted and actual PWT values in the 2nd and 3rd (equivalent of American 9th) grade students (p<0.05). In senior high schoolers, LVDd increased significantly between the 1st and 2nd grade as well as between the 2nd and 3rd grade, and PWT increased significantly between the 1st and 2nd grade (p<0.01). In senior high school, there was a significant difference between actual and predicted values of LVDd and PWT in all three grades (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous practice of rugby in junior and senior high school was associated with marked expansion of left ventricular volume and thickening of the left ventricular septum.

Neurobehavioural profile following cumulative mild traumatic brain injury in adolescent rugby players in South Africa

The study investigated the neurobehavioural components of executive dysfunction following sport-related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) in Grade 12 adolescent rugby players over a rugby season. In a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design, a rugby group (n = 90) were compared with demographically equivalent noncontact sport controls (n = 59). The Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functions – Self Report (BRIEF-SR) was employed to assess the neurobehavioural component of executive functions. Independent and dependent t-test analyses were conducted to compare the groups at baseline and end-of-season intervals. The overall findings suggest more pronounced deleterious effects on executive functioning from exposure to the concussive and sub-concussive events among the rugby group. High school rugby players experience adverse neurobehavioural effects in executive dysfunction from contact rugby sport injuries.

Injury incidence and characteristics in South African school first team rugby: A case study

Background: Despite its apparent popularity, participation in the sport of rugby union is accompanied by a significant risk of injury. Concerned parties have recently questioned whether this risk is acceptable within school populations. This is difficult to assess within the South African schools’ population as no recent longitudinal injury studies exist.Objectives: To determine the training habits, rugby-related exposure and injury risk within a population of South African high school first team rugby players.Methods: Training and match exposure in both school and provincial competition were examined and the resultant injuries were longitudinally observed for the duration of a South African high school rugby season.Results: Match (79, 95%CI 52-105 injuries/1 000 h) and training (7, 95%CI 3-11 injuries /1000h) injury incidences were demonstrated to be greater than previously reported incidences in similar populations in England and Ireland. Weeks where players were exposed to both school and provincial competition (34, 95%CI 19-49 injuries /1 000 h) had significantly (p&lt;0.05) greater injury incidences than during school competition alone (19, 95%CI 12-26 injuries /1 000 h).Conclusion: The injury risk demonstrated was greater than expected and represents reasons for concern. Possible reasons for the high injury incidence recorded may be the frequency of games played within the season, and the overlap of school and provincial competitions. It should be noted that these results were taken from one school over one season and might not be representative of the incidence of school rugby injuries overall. However, this research demonstrates the need for a multischool longitudinal study within South African schools rugby to determine the overall risk.

Traumatic vertebral artery dissection in high school rugby players: A report of two cases

Traumatic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) has been reported in various types of sports and recreation. However, there have been no reports of VAD in rugby players, except for those with cervical spine injuries. We experienced two cases of VAD without cervical spine injuries in high school rugby players. Attention should be paid to protect youth rugby players from VAD.

An association between polymorphisms within the APOE gene and concussion aetiology in rugby union players

ObjectivesConcussion refers to changes in neurological function due to biomechanical forces transmitted to the head. The APOE ε4 allele is associated with brain injury severity. The objective was to determine if APOE gene variants are associated with concussion history and severity in rugby players. DesignIn total, 128 non-concussed controls and 160 previously concussed participants (all cases N=160; diagnosed N=139) were recruited from high school (junior, N=121), club (N=116) and professional rugby teams (N=51). MethodsParticipants were genotyped for rs405509 (G>T), rs429358 (T>C) and rs7412 (C>T) APOE variants. Statistical analyses were performed using the R environment. ResultsThe rs405509 TT genotype was over-represented in controls compared to all cases (P=0.043; control: 29%, all cases: 18%; odds ratio: 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.98). The APOE-ε isoform frequencies were not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). Additionally, the inferred APOE (rs405509-ε2/ε3/ε4) T-ε3 haplotype was over-represented in controls (41%) compared to diagnosed (32%, P=0.042). The G-ε3 haplotype was under-represented in controls (36%) compared to all cases (44%, P=0.019) and diagnosed (44%, P=0.021). The TT genotype was significantly associated with rapid recovery (P=0.048, <1 week: 51%, N=70, ≥1 week: 36%, N=29; odds ratio: 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.30–1.01). ConclusionsThese findings support the further elucidation of the APOE gene or closely-related genes in concussion aetiology. Although similar preliminary results were found when juniors were separately analysed, the under-powered sample size for junior subgroup requires future investigation in larger cohorts of junior-level athletes.

Crystallization and hardening of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) mouthguards during routine use

Mouthguards (MGs) made from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) are widely used in contact sports to prevent injuries such as breaking teeth and lip lacerations and to reduce brain concussion. However, the changes in morphology and the molecular mobility of EVA, which can affect its physical properties during practical usage, have not been precisely examined. Therefore, we attempted to determine the main factors which lead to changes in MG performance after one season of practical use by high school rugby players. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and pulse NMR measurements showed the hardening of MGs, which was associated with an increased crystallinity of the EVA resulting from prolonged usage. Furthermore, our data indicated that the increase in the relative amount of the crystalline phase may be primarily attributed to temperature fluctuations and repeated changes in pressure, which could cause the hardening of EVA and eventually diminish the protective ability of MGs.

CONCUSSIONS IN JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY PLAYERS: RESEARCH ON INJURIES, SYMPTOMS, AND SIGNS

BackgroundIn Japan, sports-related concussions have been a subject of active research in recent years. Among sports played in Japan, concussions occur most frequently in rugby football.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study...

Effects of Behavioral Coaching on the Place-Kicking Skills of High School Rugby Players

Effects of Behavioral Coaching on the Place-Kicking Skills of High School Rugby Players

Injury incidence and characteristics in South African school first team rugby: A case study

Background: Despite its apparent popularity, participation in the sport of rugby union is accompanied by a significant risk of injury. Concerned parties have recently questioned whether this risk is acceptable within school populations. This is difficult to assess within the South African schools’ population as no recent longitudinal injury studies exist.Objectives: To determine the training habits, rugby-related exposure and injury risk within a population of South African high school first team rugby players.Methods: Training and match exposure in both school and provincial competition were examined and the resultant injuries were longitudinally observed for the duration of a South African high school rugby season.Results: Match (79, 95%CI 52-105 injuries/1 000 h) and training (7, 95%CI 3-11 injuries /1000h) injury incidences were demonstrated to be greater than previously reported incidences in similar populations in England and Ireland. Weeks where players were exposed to both school and provincial competition (34, 95%CI 19-49 injuries /1 000 h) had significantly (p<0.05) greater injury incidences than during school competition alone (19, 95%CI 12-26 injuries /1 000 h).Conclusion: The injury risk demonstrated was greater than expected and represents reasons for concern. Possible reasons for the high injury incidence recorded may be the frequency of games played within the season, and the overlap of school and provincial competitions. It should be noted that these results were taken from one school over one season and might not be representative of the incidence of school rugby injuries overall. However, this research demonstrates the need for a multischool longitudinal study within South African schools rugby to determine the overall risk.

Injuries at Johannesburg high school rugby festivals

Background. Injuries occurring at the popular schoolboy rugby festivals in South Africa have not previously been evaluated. A rugby festivalis a unique event with multiple matches occurring over a 5-day period and a potentially increased risk of injury compared with adult games.Objectives. To analyse the prevalence and type of injuries over 2 years of a Johannesburg High School rugby festival, to compare the injuriesbetween the 2 years and to compare the injuries between the 3 days of the festivals.Methods. The study design was a retrospective, descriptive and observational study. The study population were participating rugby playersat the two rugby festivals in 2010 and 2011 who came to the medical tent provided. A standardised medical form was used to capture data.Results. A total of 626 players participated with 100 injury data sets analysed over the 2 years. The injury rate per player was 17% in year 1and 15% in year 2. There was no statistical difference (p=0.65) in the injury numbers between the 2 years. The injury profiles between therespective days and between the 2 years were not statistically different. Most injuries were to the head/face (30%), with the majority beingconcussion related (6%). Tackles were the most common mechanism of injury. Overall 24% of injuries were deemed severe enough to stopthe players from continuing play. Few injuries required referral for investigations or specialist physician care (19% and 2%, respectively)and most were managed with simple first aid at the primary care level.Conclusion. The number, nature and mechanisms of rugby injuries at this rugby festival were similar to numerous local and internationalstudies of schoolboy rugby players. Adequate standardised record keeping is recommended to increase knowledge and monitor trends.

Comparison of knee laxity and isokinetic muscle strength in patients with a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare knee laxity and isokinetic muscle strength in patients with an isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty high school rugby players with a previous posterior cruciate ligament injury and abnormal findings higher than surgical grade I were included. Laxity with 132 N of pressure was measured using Kneelax 3 to assess the stability of the posterior cruciate ligament, and flexor and extensor torques were measured at 60°/sec, 180°/sec, and 240°/sec to measure the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee joint. The average and standard deviation values were extracted from all data to assess the measured data. [Results] Regarding the ipsilateral and contralateral laxity, the deviation value at the peak force and maximum manual drawer was statistically significant. The peak torque and peak torque per body weight in isokinetic measurements were significantly different only for knee extensor torque at 60°/sec, 180°/sec, and 240°/sec. [Conclusion] Return to normal activities post injury is important. Thus base data gathered by comparing patients’ ipsilateral and contralateral sides will serve as essential criteria for structuring future rehabilitation programs to facilitate functional improvements.

The Physical Activity Intensity of the Referee in High School Rugby Training Match

The Physical Activity Intensity of the Referee in High School Rugby Training Match

Profile of Rugby Injuries in High School Zimbabwean Adolescents

Background: Rugby is a popular sport played in many countries worldwide. There has been recent growing interest for the sport in Zimbabwe especially among adolescents. However, no study has been done to documentthe profile of rugby-related injuries among Zimbabwean adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The goal of the present study is to describe the injuries sustained by adolescent males during the 2014 high school rugby season. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 275 male adolescents’ rugby players who competed in the Super Eight School Rugby League in Harare, Zimbabwe. Results: The mean age of the sample was 16 years (SD = 1.4). 58.2% of participants sustained at least one rugby-related injury. There were 561 injuries reported in total, of which 63.3% (n = 355) were new injuries and the remainder were recurrent cases. 7.7% (n = 43) of the injuries were graded as severe with participants missing rugby activities for more than 28 days. Of the 561 injuries that occurred, 59.4% (n = 333) occurred during competitive matches in the second half (59.5%). Injuries due to tackles were the most frequent accounting for 48.3% (n = 271) of all injuries sustained. The lower limbs were the most frequent body region affected (38.6%, n = 217). When comparing position of play, flankers sustained the most injuries (14.1%) and there were no differences in incidence of injury between forward and backline players. Conclusion: Our findings on the profile of rugby injuries among male Zimbabwean adolescents were similar to those of other studies in certain aspects but differed in others. Most injuries occurred in competition during the second half of the game mainly from tackles. Both junior and senior players were equally affected. The lower limbs were frequently injured especially the knee region.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite and high school rugby players: a 11-year review

Objectives: Over a 11-year period, we investigated the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts in two homogenous cohorts of rugby players. Methods: Two teams, including those in elite (94 players) and high school (290 players) clubs, were followed. Results: Isolated ACL injuries occurred in 28 players (12 elite, 16 high school). The incidence during match play was 1.26 per 1000 player-hours (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.48–2.05) among elite players and 0.97 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI: 0.30–1.64) among high school players. After ACL reconstruction, 26 players (12 elite, 14 high school) were successfully contacted for follow-up at a mean of 71.9 months. None (0%) of the elite and 4 (29%) of the high school players experienced graft ruptures. Seven (58%) elite and 10 (91%) high school players were fearful of reinjury; the mean time to overcome this fear was 6.1 ± 4.9 months among elite players and 17.5 ± 26.0 months among high school players. Conclusion: In conclusion, young rugby players experienced inferior outcomes after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts compared with their older counterparts.

Injuries at Johannesburg high school rugby festivals

Background. Injuries occurring at the popular schoolboy rugby festivals in South Africa have not previously been evaluated. A rugby festival is a unique event with multiple matches occurring over a 5-day period and a potentially increased risk of injury compared with adult games. Objectives. To analyse the prevalence and type of injuries over 2 years of a Johannesburg High School rugby festival, to compare the injuries between the 2 years and to compare the injuries between the 3 days of the festivals. Methods. The study design was a retrospective, descriptive and observational study. The study population were participating rugby players at the two rugby festivals in 2010 and 2011 who came to the medical tent provided. A standardised medical form was used to capture data. Results. A total of 626 players participated with 100 injury data sets analysed over the 2 years. The injury rate per player was 17% in year 1 and 15% in year 2. There was no statistical difference (p=0.65) in the injury numbers between the 2 years. The injury profiles between the respective days and between the 2 years were not statistically different. Most injuries were to the head/face (30%), with the majority being concussion related (6%). Tackles were the most common mechanism of injury. Overall 24% of injuries were deemed severe enough to stop the players from continuing play. Few injuries required referral for investigations or specialist physician care (19% and 2%, respectively) and most were managed with simple first aid at the primary care level. Conclusion. The number, nature and mechanisms of rugby injuries at this rugby festival were similar to numerous local and international studies of schoolboy rugby players. Adequate standardised record keeping is recommended to increase knowledge and monitor trends.