Shoulder Injuries in English Community Rugby Union

Singh, V. R.; Singh, Vincent; Trewartha, G.; Roberts, S. P.; England, M.; Stokes, K. A.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, severity and type of shoulder injuries resulting from match play in adult community rugby union between 2009-2013. A total of 254 time-loss shoulder injuries were reported, an overall incidence of 2.2 per 1 000 h (95% CI: 1.9 to 2.4), and a mean injury severity of 9.5 weeks missed (95% CI: 8.2 to 10.8). The semi-professional group had an incidence of 2.8 injuries per 1 000 h (95% CI: 2.2 to 3.5), which was higher than the recreational group at 1.8 injuries per 1 000 h (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.2, p=0.004). The incidence of acromioclavicular joint injury for semi-professional players was 1.2 per 1 000 h (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.6); which was significantly higher than the incidence of this injury type in recreational players (0.5 per 1 000 h 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.7, p=0.002). Overall, back row players sustained the highest incidence of all shoulder injuries for a given playing position, 2.9 injuries per 1 000 h (95% CI: 2.2 to 3.6). The tackle was the main event associated with injury. Injury prevention programs and coaching strategies that consider tackle technique and physical conditioning of the shoulder region are therefore considered important.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 24, 2016
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2016
• Journal: International Journal of Sports Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0172-4622
• Electronic ISSN: 1439-3964
• Publisher: Thieme Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 659-664
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-104414
• Keywords: acromioclavicular, injury epidemiology, sport, tackle, time-loss
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/923290
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-104414
• Contract Date: May 16, 2016