Citation

McIntosh AS, Savage TN, McCrory P, Fréchède BO, Wolfe R. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2010; 42(5): 977-984.

Affiliation

School of Risk and Safety Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c07b5b

PMID

19997009

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: The tackle is the game event in rugby union most associated with injury. This study's main aims were to measure tackle characteristics from video using a qualitative protocol, assess whether the characteristics differed by level of play, and, measure the associations between tackle characteristics and injury. METHODS:: A cohort study was undertaken. The cohort comprised male rugby players in the following levels: under 15, 18 years and 20 years, grade and elite (Super 12 and Wallabies). All tackle events and technique characteristics were coded in 77 game halves using a standardised qualitative protocol. Game injuries and missed game injuries were identified and correlated with tackle events. RESULTS:: A total of 6618 tackle events, including 81 resulting in a game injury, were observed and coded in the 77 game halves fully analysed (145 tackle events per hour). An increase in the proportion of active shoulder tackles was observed from under 15 years (13%) to elite (31%). Younger players engaged in more passive tackles and tended to stay on their feet than experienced players. Under 15 year rugby players had a significantly lower risk of tackle game injury compared to elite. No specific tackle technique was observed to be associated with a significantly increased risk of game injury. There was a greater risk of game injury associated with two or more tacklers involved in the tackle event and the greatest risk was associated with simultaneous contact by tacklers, after adjusting for level of play. CONCLUSION:: Tackle characteristics differed between levels of play. The number of tacklers and the sequence of tackler contact with the ball carrier require consideration from an injury prevention perspective.

Language: en