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009 A comparison of injuries between male and female amateur rugby union players
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  1. Caithriona Yeomans1,2,
  2. Thomas M Comyns1,2,
  3. Roisin Cahalan2,3,
  4. Giles D Warrington1,2,
  5. Andrew J Harrison1,2,
  6. Helen Purtill4,
  7. Mark Lyons1,
  8. Mark J Campbell1,5,
  9. Liam G Glynn2,3,
  10. Ian C Kenny1,2
  1. 1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
  2. 2Health Research Institute, University of Limerick,, Limerick, Ireland
  3. 3School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
  4. 4Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
  5. 5Lero, The Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Abstract

Background Rugby participation rates are rising, particularly in the female game where a 60% increase in player numbers was observed from 2013 to 2017. Despite the recent growth, the female amateur game is lacking comprehensive long-term injury surveillance.

Objective To compare injuries in male and female amateur Rugby Union.

Design Prospective cohort study.

Setting Irish amateur clubs, during seasons 2017/18 (n=15 male clubs, 4 female) and 2018/19 (n=25 male clubs, 7 female).

Participants Male (n=958) and female (n=234) amateur players.

Independent Variables Match exposure.

Main Outcome Measurements Match injury incidence and severity.

Results Overall incidence rates were 47.7 and 35.4/1,000 player hours for males and females respectively. Similarities existed between males and females regarding common diagnoses and injury occurrence, with 58% of injuries occurring during the tackle. Concussion and ankle lateral ligament injuries were the most common diagnoses for both males (5.5 and 4.1/1,000 player hours) and females (5.5 and 3.9/1,000 player hours). However differences showed females suffering more injuries in the ruck compared to males (6.1 vs 3.8/1,000 player hours) while males sustained more non-contact injuries compared to females (4.7 vs 1.4/1,000 player hours). Females showed an earlier injury occurrence in the 2nd quarter (9.4/1,000 player hours) plateauing into the 3rd and 4th quarters, whereas males had a 3rd quarter injury peak (15.2/1,000 player hours). Concussion had the highest injury burden in males (190days/1,000 player hours), while anterior cruciate ligament injuries had the highest burden (307days/1,000 player hours) in females.

Conclusions Long-term prospective injury surveillance is vital to inform targeted prevention strategies. The earlier occurrence of injury in females should be investigated further to determine whether player substitution strategies may decrease injuries. Prevention strategies incorporating neuromuscular training should be considered, given the high rate of ankle ligament injuries in both males and females, and the burden of knee ligament injuries in females.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-IOC.8

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