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150 A risk factor analysis for head, neck, and face injuries between US men and women rugby-7s players by age-groups
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  1. Christian Victoria1,2,
  2. Danielle C Ompad2,
  3. Shen-Ying Richard Ma1,3,4,
  4. Meryle G Weinstein1,5,
  5. Robert C Cantu6,7,8,9,10,
  6. Answorth A Allen11,12,13,
  7. Victor Lopez1,3,14,15
  1. 1Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
  2. 2New York University, College of Global Public Health, Urban Epidemiology Lab, New York, USA
  3. 3Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
  4. 4University of Missouri, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Columbia, USA
  5. 5New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York, USA
  6. 6Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
  7. 7Department of Neurosurgery and Sports Medicine, Emerson Hospital, Concord, USA
  8. 8Sports Neurology and Concussion Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA
  9. 9Concussion Legacy Foundation, Waltham, USA
  10. 10World Rugby, Independent Concussion Group, Dublin, Ireland
  11. 11Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
  12. 12National Basketball Association, New York Knickerbockers, New York, USA
  13. 13USA Basketball, Colorado Springs, USA
  14. 14USA Rugby Empire and New England Geographic Union Rugby Football Unions, New York/Boston, USA
  15. 15Northeast Rugby Academy, USA Rugby Development Program and USOC-Community Olympic Development Program, New York/Boston, USA

Abstract

Background Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence of head, neck, and face (HNF) injuries among male and female rugby-15s players; however, differences in risk-factors between sexes and age have not yet been examined in Rugby-7s.

Objective To identify risk factors of HNF injuries and sex risk differences among Rugby-7 players by age-groups.

Design Logistic regression analysis.

Setting USA Rugby tournaments/series and championships (U-19 to Elite; 2010–2016).

Participants 1,307 (68%=men, 31%=women) head neck and face injured U.S. Rugby-7s tournamnent players.

Assessment of Risk Factors A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the RISERugby Injury Registry. Anthropometric data, injury mechanism, and other factors were tabulated by HNF injuries and sex. Logistic regression determined the relationship between sex and HNF injuries. A final multivariable model was used to calculate the probability of HNF injuries and differences between sex and age-groups.

Results From 2010–2016, 1,679 match injuries were seen (68%=men, 32%=women) injuries. A total of 474 (28%) HNF injuries were documented. The most commonly injured body part was the head (48%) with concussions (40%). Final model revealed sex, age, position during contact, contact surface, and play legality were significantly associated with HNF injuries. Controlling for play legality and position during contact, U18-men injured during contact with an opposing player had the highest probability of HNF injuries (51%) and a higher probability than U18 women (P=0.004). Meanwhile, women 18–24 (P=0.019) and over 30 (P=0.042) who were injured during contact with the ground had a higher probability of HNF injuries than men.

Conclusions Under-18 male players involved in contact with players were most at risk for HNF injuries. Meanwhile, adult women 18–24 and 30-years old had a higher probability of sustaining a HNF injury when injured during contact with the ground. Tackle techniques, break falls, and other interactions employed by developing women and men players, including tackles or collisions, should be reviewed in detail for injury reduction.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-IOC.139

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