Overall Incidence Of Injuries Research Articles

Relations between sagittal spino-pelvic balance with EOS imaging system and pelvi-femoral musculotendinous injuries among professional footballers

Musculo-tendinous injuries are a recurrent problem presented by professional athletes, especially by footballers. However, understanding of their risk factors is currently limited. At the same time, our knowledge of spino-pelvic sagittal balance has developed considerably in recent years through the use of new radiographic studies such as EOS system. This sagittal balance has never, as far as we know, been related to the traumatology of athletes. The goal of our study was to find a link between the spino-pelvic sagittal balance in EOS and the incidence of acute and micro-traumatic musculo-tendinous injuries. Footballers of a league 1 team have been included for 5 consecutive seasons. All players completed an EOS radiograph. The acute and micro-traumatic injuries of the hamstrings, psoas, quadriceps, adductors, obturators and pubic symphysis were prospectively recorded during the 5 seasons. The incidence of injury was calculated and then correlated with the EOS parameters with a 95% CI. Sixty one players were included in the study. The average age was 24.5 years. The mean BMI was 23 kg/m 2 . A total of 148 injuries were recorded. The overall incidence of injuries was 32 injuries/1000 hours of play. We found a statistically significant relationship between the overall incidence of pelvic-femoral musculo-tendon injuries and the pelvic tilt (PT) ( P = 0.022), a high PT being associated with a lower incidence of injury. A significant relationship was found between the pelvic tilt and the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries. Pelvic retroversion therefore associated with a lower incidence of injuries. These results could open up new preventive methods for these musculo-tendinous injuries, by proposing a suitable postural rehabilitation.

Injuries in male and female semi-professional football (soccer) players in Nigeria: prospective study of a National Tournament

BackgroundResearch on the epidemiology of football injuries in Africa is very sparse despite its importance for injury prevention planning in a continent with limited sports medicine resources. The vast majority of studies available in literature were conducted in Europe and only a very few studies have prospectively reported the pattern of football injury in Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and pattern of injuries in a cohort of male and female semi-professional football players in Nigeria.MethodsA prospective cohort design was conducted, in which a total of 756 players with an age range of 18–32 years (356 males and 300 females) from 22 different teams (12 male and 10 female teams), were prospectively followed in a National Football Tournament. Physiotherapists recorded team exposure and injuries. Injuries were documented using the consensus protocol for data collection in studies relating to football injury surveillance.ResultsAn overall incidence of 113.4 injuries/1000 h (95% CI 93.7–136.0) equivalent to 3.7 injuries/match and time-loss incidence of 15.6 injuries/1000 h were recorded for male players and 65.9 injuries/1000 h (95% CI 48.9–86.8) equivalent to 2.2 injuries/match and time-loss incidence of 7.9 injuries/1000 h were recorded for female players. Male players had a significantly higher risk of injuries [IRR = 1.72 (95% CI 1.23–2.45)]. Injuries mostly affected the lower extremity for both genders (n = 81, 70% and n = 31, 62% for males and females respectively). Lower leg contusion (n = 22, 19%) and knee sprain (n = 9, 18%) were the most common specific injury types for male and female players respectively. Most of the injuries were as a result of contact with another player (n = 102, 88%—males; n = 48, 96%—females). Time-loss injuries were mostly estimated as minimal (n = 11, 69%) for male players and severe (n = 4, 66%) for female players.ConclusionThe overall incidence of injuries among Nigerian semi-professional football players is high but most of the injuries do not result in time-loss. Pattern of injuries is mostly consistent with previous studies. More prospective studies are needed to establish injury prevention initiatives among African players.

Injuries and training variables in Filipino judo athletes

Summary Study aim: The aim of this study was twofold: first, to compare the incidence of injuries between male and female athletes in the junior and youth divisions during competition, as well as to identify body parts commonly injured and the types of injury frequently incurred; second, to assess overall incidence of injuries in relation to the frequency and duration of training as well as supplemental training. Material and methods: Subjects were Filipino judokas (n = 192) competing in 4 major divisions at a national competition in Manila in 2009. Injury rates are expressed per 1,000 athlete-exposures, and the confidence intervals around the rates were computed. Results: There was no difference in injury rate between boys (84.03/1,000 athlete-exposures (A-E), 95% CI: 47.20–120.86) and girls (37.04/1,000 A-E, 95% CI: –14.29–88.37). Although the boys were at a higher risk than the girls, the difference was not significant (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 0.62–15.76). The junior women were at a higher risk than the girls (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 1.26–31.66). Neither training frequencies of ≤2, 3, and ≥4 sessions per week nor training durations of ≤2 and >2 hours were significant predictors of injury. Supplemental training was not found to be related to the occurrence of injuries. Conclusion: Judo is a relatively safe physical activity for young adults and children. Training variables, such as frequency and duration, and supplemental training do not influence the occurence of injury.

Injury profile among elite male youth soccer players in a Swedish first league.

This study investigated the injury profile among elite male youth soccer players in a Swedish first league during two seasons. The present cohort study is based on data collected during the 2013–2014 seasons. In total, 43 young elite male soccer players, aged 15 to 19 yr, were prospectively followed regarding injuries, time of exposure, injury location, type of injury, and injury severity. The overall incidence of injury in the present study was estimated to 6.8 injuries per 1,000 exposure hours and 15.5 and 5.6 injuries per 1,000 hr for matches and training, respectively. The single most common injury subtype was muscle strain (53%). The hip and groin were the most common locations for injuries. Thirty-one percent of the injuries were classified as severe injury and caused >28 days absence from training and match play. Both the injury incidence and the number of serious injury seems to be relatively high in youth elite players according to this study. Although the injury incidence seems to be slightly lower than in adult elite players the injuries seem to be more traumatic in youth elite players.

Association between sleep disorders and injury: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe evidence is insufficient for the association between the exposure of sleep disorders and the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to examine the association between patients...

The Association Between Pitch Conditions and the Incidence of Injury in Rugby

Background: Environmental conditions have been shown to influence incidence of rugby injuries. Harsh weather conditions and detrimental effect on poor Kenyan rugby pitches create a unique environment for injury exposure. We conducted a whole population prospective cohort study to determine the association of pitch conditions with injury incidence and severity. Methods: The study was conducted on 364 registered Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) players throughout the 2010 15-aside season. The injury incidence was calculated as injuries per 1000 match player hours (mph). Pitches were categorized into good and suboptimal based on quality indicators of ground characteristics. Injuries were defined and recorded according to the Rugby International Consensus Group (RICG) protocol and compared between the pitches. Results: One hundred and two injuries were recorded in 60 league games (2400 mph). Twenty nine of the 60 league games were played in the category B (suboptimal condition) pitches. The overall incidence of injuries was 42.50/1000mph. Good pitches had an injury of 29.0 injuries/1000mph (95% CI 0.81- 1.61) compared to 56.9 injuries/1000mph (95% CI 1.76- 2.90) for suboptimal pitches. Conclusion: Although the overall Kenyan injury rate is comparable to the amateur level incidence from other studies, the higher rate associated with suboptimal pitches suggests interventions that can target pitch optimization. Keywords: Injury rate, Ground conditions, Rugby, Kenya.

Epidemiology of Exercise- and Sports-Related Injuries in a Population of Young, Physically Active Adults

Background: Numerous studies document the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle, but relatively few document the hazards of physical activity. Because of the requirement for physical fitness to complete their mission, the United States military services have a vested interest in understanding the benefits and risks of physical activity including exercise and sports. One of these risks is injury. Rates and proportion of injuries caused by exercise- and sports-related (ESR) activities have not been reported previously across the services. Purpose: The purposes of this population survey were to (1) document the rates and proportion of all injuries caused by ESR activities among military personnel, (2) compare rates across the military services, and (3) describe the causes and types of ESR injuries as well as associated days of limited activity. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The Defense Manpower Data Center administered the web-based 2008 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Service Members to a random sample of active-duty personnel. In all, 10,692 servicemembers completed the survey, which included questions about injuries from any cause and from exercise and sports during the previous year. Responses were weighted to produce population estimates for injury rates (any injury and ESR injury). Percentage distributions were used to describe activities, injury types, days of limited activity, and contributing factors for ESR injuries. Results: There were 49% of servicemembers who sustained an injury from any cause in the previous year; 25% had an ESR injury. Thus, 52% of all injuries were ESR injuries. ESR injury rates ranged from 20% for the Navy to 33% for the Marine Corps. Running accounted for 45% of ESR injuries. Forty percent of ESR injuries were sprains and strains. As an indicator of injury severity, 35% of ESR injuries required more than 2 weeks of limited activity. Conclusion: This study quantified the overall incidence of injuries and the large proportion that are caused by exercise and sports among military personnel, a population of healthy, physically active adults. Prevention strategies should focus on running, weight training, basketball, and football. Recommendations include adherence to evidence-based practices to reduce the occurrence of ESR injuries.

Incidence and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injury in Ballet: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundMost published studies on injuries in the ballet dancer focus on the lower extremity. The rigors of this activity require special training and care. By understanding prevalence and injury pattern to the musculoskeletal system, targeted prevention and treatment for this population can be developed.PurposeTo determine the incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in ballet.Study DesignSystematic review; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsA systematic review registered with PROSPERO was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Level 1 through 4 evidence studies reporting incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in male and female ballet dancers were included, with the numbers and types of injuries extracted from each. Injury rates were recorded and calculated based on professional status, sex, and nature of injury. Incidence was defined as number of injuries sustained over a specific time. Prevalence was defined as proportion of subjects with an injury at a given point in time.ResultsThe studies analyzed reported injury incidence or prevalence in more than 1365 amateur and 900 professional dancers. The mean age was 16.2 years among amateur and 27.0 years among professional dancers. The incidence of injury among amateur dancers was 0.99 and 1.09 injuries per 1000 dance hours in males and females, respectively; 75% of injuries were overuse, with similar rates among males and females. In professional dancers, the incidence of injury was 1.06 and 1.46 injuries per 1000 dance hours in males and females, respectively, and 64% of female injuries were overuse, compared with 50% in males (P < .001). Only 3 studies provided prevalence data, including 62% prevalence of lumbosacral pain, 58% painful snapping hip, and 29% patellofemoral pain. Lower extremity injuries comprised 66% to 91% of all injuries, with the foot and ankle accounting for 14% to 57%.ConclusionThe overall incidence of injury among amateur and professional ballet dancers is 0.97 and 1.24 injuries per 1000 dance hours, respectively. The majority are overuse in both amateur and professional dancers, with amateur ballet dancers showing a higher proportion of overuse injuries than professionals (P < .001). Male professional dancers show a higher proportion of traumatic injuries, accounting for half of their injuries (P < .001).

Football injuries during the 2014 FIFA World Cup

BackgroundFIFA has surveyed match injuries in its tournaments since 1998.AimTo analyse the incidence and characteristics of match injuries incurred during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in comparison to previous FIFA...

Oral, jaw, and neck injury in infants and children: from abusive trauma or intubation?

The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of oral, jaw, and neck injury secondary to endotracheal intubation in young children. This prospective observational study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit at a level 1 trauma center. From October 1998 to January 1999 and November 2007 to April 2008, all intubated patients younger than 3 years with no prior oral procedures were examined within 24 hours of intubation. A standardized form was used to record injuries. Separately, medical records were reviewed for prior injuries. Chi-square/Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis. Of 105 patients included in the study, 12 had oral, jaw, or neck injury. One patient had a hard palate injury from a pen cap in his mouth during a seizure. Another broke a tooth biting the laryngoscope blade (the only injury directly attributable to intubation). The remaining 10 patients were determined to be those who experienced abusive trauma. The overall incidence of injury directly from intubation was 0.9%. Oral, jaw, and neck injuries were all significantly associated with abusive trauma (P < 0.001). Eleven patients had difficult intubations: 9 had no injuries, 1 experienced abusive trauma and the second was the patient who broke his tooth during intubation. Oral, jaw, or neck injury in young children is rarely caused by endotracheal intubation, regardless of difficulty during the procedure.

A Meta-Analysis of Injuries in Senior Men’s Professional Rugby Union

Rugby Union has one of the highest reported incidences of match injuries amongst all professional team sports. The majority of research within this field has focused on elite male cohorts; in this study we present the first meta-analytic review of these data. The aim of this study was to summarise the incidence and severity of injuries in senior men's professional Rugby Union, and determine the overall effects of level of play, new versus recurrent injuries, playing position, type of injuries, location of injuries, severity of injuries, period of match, and injury incident. Electronic databases were searched using keywords 'Rugby Union' and 'inj*'. Fifteen papers addressing injuries in senior men's professional Rugby Union (from 1995 through September 2012) were included in the review. A maximum of ten of these papers provided incidence data that could be modelled via a Poisson mixed-effects generalised linear model, while up to nine studies provided severity data that could be modelled via a general linear mixed model. Magnitude based inferences were used to assess differences between factors. A descriptive analysis was provided for studies that could not be included in the pooled analysis due to incongruent injury definitions. The overall incidence of injuries in senior men's professional Rugby Union matches was 81 per 1,000 playerhours (95% CI 63-105), and 3 per 1,000 playerhours (95% CI 2-4) during training. Estimated mean severity for match injuries was 20days (95% CI 14-27), and 22days (95% CI 19-24) for training injuries. A higher level of play was associated with a greater incidence of injuries in matches, with no clear difference in severity. New injuries occurred substantially more often than recurrent injuries, while the severity of recurrent injuries was, on average, 10days (95% CI 4-17) greater than new injuries. Trivial differences were found in injury incidence and severity between forwards and backs. Muscle/tendon and joint (non-bone)/ligament injuries were the two most prevalent injury groups, whereas fractures and bone stress injuries had the highest average severity. The lower limb was the body region with the highest injury incidence, while upper limb injuries were most severe. The third quarter (40-60min) of matches had the highest injury rate, and injuries most commonly occurred as a result of being tackled. This meta-analysis confirms match injury incidence rates in professional Rugby Union can be considered high in comparison with other team sports, but similar to other collision sports. In order to markedly reduce overall injury burden, efforts should target lower-limb injury prevention strategies and technique during contact, as these may render the largest effect.

Population-based incidences of non-fatal injuries - results of the German-wide telephone survey 2004

BackgroundTo plan preventive measures against accident-related injuries, it is important to have detailed epidemiological data on this topic. The aim of this report was to present population-based incidence estimates of injuries due to non-fatal accidents in relation to age, gender and educational level.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional telephone survey from 2003 to 2004 of the resident adult population of Germany, which included 7,341 subjects (response rate: 32.6 to 39.4%). The interview included 13 questions about injuries caused by accidents that happened in the 12 months preceding the interview. We estimated one-year cumulative incidences of injuries by gender, age and educational level.ResultsOverall, 10.3% of the subjects reported an unintentional injury requiring medical treatment in the previous 12 months. The age-standardised incidence of injuries was higher among men than women (men: 11.3%, women: 8.9%). Generally, accidents at home were the most frequently reported (27.4%). Men and women aged 18 to 29 years suffered accident-related injuries (and also repeated injuries) the most often during the preceding 12 months.Although the overall incidence of injuries caused by accidents did not differ by educational level, the incidences of accidents at different places differed by educational level. The incidence of work-related injuries was higher among people with a low educational level.ConclusionsOur age- and gender-specific results provide detailed insight into specific patterns of accident-related injuries in Germany. Young men are especially at high risk of injuries. This information is valuable because a nationwide comprehensive recording of injuries caused by accidents does not exist. The data highlight the target groups for injury prevention measures.

The Frequency and Causes of Occupational Injuries Among Nursing Students in Turkey

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the number and causes of occupational incidents that occurred in nursing students. This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study performed at a military nursing school in Turkey in June 2009 with 218 nursing students as subjects. A data collection form for identifying the characteristics of the students and their exposure to incidents was used. The frequency of incidents increased with the increase in the number of years enrolled in the nursing program. It was determined that needlesticks (47.3%) and broken ampules during medication preparation (37.8%) were the 2 most common reasons for injuries. This study showed that although nursing students had high percentage of penetrating injuries, the overall incidence of injury was low. For prevention of occupational incidents, information about occupational incidents, risks, and prevention methods must be included in the nursing curriculum.

Injuries in Portuguese Youth Soccer Players During Training and Match Play

Epidemiologic information on the incidence of youth soccer injuries in southern Europe is limited. To compare the incidence, type, location, and severity of injuries sustained by male subelite youth soccer players over the 2008-2009 season. Descriptive epidemiology study. Twenty-eight Portuguese male youth soccer teams. A total of 674 youth male subelite soccer players in 4 age groups: 179 U-13 (age range, 11-12 years), 169 U-15 (age range, 13-14 years), 165 U-17 (age range, 15-16 years), and 161 U-19 (age range, 17-18 years). Injuries that led to participation time missed from training and match play prospectively reported by medical or coaching staff of the clubs. In total, 199 injuries reported in 191 players accounted for 14.6 ± 13.0 days of absence from practice. The incidence was 1.2 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure to soccer (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8, 1.6), with a 4.2-fold higher incidence during match play (4.7 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 3.0, 6.5) than during training (0.9 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 0.6, 1.3) (F₁,₆₇₃ = 17.592, P < .001). The overall incidence of injury did not increase with age (F₁,₆₇₃ = 1.299,P = .30), and the incidence of injury during matches (F₁,₆₇₃ = 2.037, P = .14) and training (F₁,₆₇₃ = 0.927, P = .44) did not differ among age groups. Collisions accounted for 57% (n = 113) of all injuries, but participation time missed due to traumatic injury did not differ among age groups (F₃,₁₁₀ = 1.044, P = .38). Most injuries (86%, n = 172) involved the lower extremity. The thigh was the most affected region (30%, n = 60) in all age groups. Muscle strains were the most common injuries among the U-19 (34%, n = 26), U-17 (30%, n = 17), and U-15 (34%, n = 14) age groups, whereas contusions and tendon injuries were the most common injuries in U-13 players (both 32%, n = 8). The relative risk of injury slightly increased with the age of the competitors. The higher incidence of injury during matches than training highlights the need for education and prevention programs in youth soccer. These programs should focus on coach education aimed at improving skills, techniques, and fair play during competitions with the goal of reducing injuries.

Injuries before and after deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq

To examine outpatient injuries before and after deployments of elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Afghanistan (n = 505 men) and the 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq (n = 3242 men). Observational. The military units provided a list of deployed soldiers, and soldiers' outpatient medical encounters were obtained from the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Cumulative injury incidence was examined for two consecutive 90-day periods before the deployments (Periods 1-2) and two consecutive 90-day periods after the deployments (Periods 3-4). Both groups showed post-deployment increases in the overall incidence of injury (Afghanistan group = 14.1%, 14.1%, 16.4, 23.4%; Iraq Group = 15.1%, 12.4%, 35.4%, 43.4%; Periods 1-4, respectively). Soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were 1.4-3.0 times more likely to experience post-deployment injuries. This study found a post-deployment increase in the incidence of outpatient injury. Also, soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were more likely to experience post-deployment injuries.

Community based estimation of extent and determinants of cost of injuries in a north Indian city

Very few community based studies on the economic impact of injuries are available from India. Being based on secondary data sources these underestimate the true burden. Current study aimed to ascertain the incidence and economic impact of injuries in an Indian city. Details of injury events during the reference period were elicited in the study population through a community based survey in 2008. The severity of injury was categorized on the basis of need and duration of hospitalization. Direct and productivity costs were assessed for each event of injury. Out of 230 households contacted 212 participated in the study. Overall, 985 people were interviewed. The overall incidence of injury was 48.73/1000 population, Road traffic injuries (RTIs) were the leading cause (35%) of injury, followed by the falls (17%), contact with hot substances (13%), inanimate mechanical force (13%), animate mechanical force (8%), assault (8%) and others (6%). The ratio of fatal: severe non-fatal: mild injuries were 1:14:33. The total direct cost (DC) incurred was Rs. 310,951.67, contributed by medical (44%), surgical (21%), legal (15%), cost of informal care (10%). The total productivity cost of injuries was Rs. 416,700, contributed by mortality cost of Rs. 336,000 (81%) and morbidity cost of Rs. 807,00 (19%). For every case of fatal injury, there were 14 cases of severe hospitalized injuries and 33 cases of mild injuries. RTIs were the commonest. Injuries had sizeable direct and indirect cost on the society.

Intrinsic risk factors for sport injuries in female volleyball

Background/objectiveTo investigate the incidence and injury mechanism as well as intrinsic risk factors for acute sports injuries in female volleyball.DesignProspective epidemiological study.Setting and participants174 female volleyball players from Slovenian Divisions...

Injury risk on artificial turf and grass in youth tournament football

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the risk of acute injuries among youth male and female footballers playing on third-generation artificial turf compared with grass. Over 60,000 players 13-19 years of age were followed in four consecutive Norway Cup tournaments from 2005 to 2008. Injuries were recorded prospectively by the team coaches throughout each tournament. The overall incidence of injuries was 39.2 (SD: 0.8) per 1000 match hours; 34.2 (SD: 2.4) on artificial turf and 39.7 (SD: 0.8) on grass. After adjusting for the potential confounders age and gender, there was no difference in the overall risk of injury [odds ratio (OR): 0.93 (0.77-1.12), P=0.44] or in the risk of time loss injury [OR: 1.05 (0.68-1.61), P=0.82] between artificial turf and grass. However, there was a lower risk of ankle injuries [OR: 0.59 (0.40-0.88), P=0.008], and a higher risk of back and spine [OR: 1.92 (1.10-3.36), P=0.021] and shoulder and collarbone injuries [OR: 2.32 (1.01-5.31), P=0.049], on artificial turf compared with on grass. In conclusion, there was no difference in the overall risk of acute injury in youth footballers playing on third-generation artificial turf compared with grass.

Training Loads and Incidence of Injury During the Preseason in Professional Rugby League Players

Research into rugby league has found a significant, positive relationship between training load and injury rates. However, there has been limited research investigating this relationship in the preseason period, and the relationship between training load, and injury among professional rugby league players is yet to be examined. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between training load, various psychological data, and the incidence of injury during preseason training at a professional rugby league club. Thirty-six male professional rugby league players undertook a 14-week training program. Each player's training time, intensity rating, and injury status were recorded after each training session. In addition, players rated their sleep, food, energy, mood, and stress on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being extremely poor and 10 being excellent) biweekly. Over the entire preseason period, a total of 2,877.9 training hours were recorded for the players, with an overall incidence of injury of 6.9 per 1,000 training hours. Higher training loads during the first half of the preseason corresponded to a higher injury rate in comparison to the second half of the preseason. No significant relationship was found between the preseason weekly injury rate and the weekly load, nor was there a relationship between injury and psychological data. These findings suggest no relationship between training load, psychological data, and injury incidence during the preseason training period in professional rugby league players. However, results suggest that players may have an increased risk of injury during the early preseason period. The findings of this study may be particularly useful in professional rugby league teams to determine when a player is at increased risk of injury, using their training loads and psychological data.

Training Injuries in Professional Rugby League

This study investigated the incidence of training injuries in professional rugby league players and identified the training activities that were associated with the highest rates of injury in these athletes. The incidence of training injuries was prospectively studied in 35 professional rugby league players (mean +/- SD age 23.7 +/- 3.8 years) over an entire season. Injury data were collected from 216 training sessions, which included all strength, conditioning, and game-based training sessions. During the season, a total of 126 training injuries were recorded, giving an overall incidence of injury of 20.7 per 1,000 training hours. The thigh was the most common site of injury, with twice as many posterior thigh injuries (19.8%) as anterior thigh injuries (9.5%). Hematomas (31.8%) and muscular strains (22.2%) were the most common types of injury. The majority of injuries (35.7%) were sustained in traditional conditioning activities that involved no skill component (i.e., running without the ball). In contrast, the incidence of injuries sustained while participating in strength (7.1%) and game-based training activities (14.3%) was low. Of the injuries that resulted in lost training time, one-third were sustained in traditional conditioning activities. Given the low incidence of injury in game-based activities, and the added skill and physical benefits associated with this form of training, strength and conditioning coaches should consider using appropriately designed game-based training activities as a physical conditioning tool in professional rugby league players.