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Affiliation
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1Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 2Leinster Rugby, Dublin, Ireland. |
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Abstract
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PURPOSE: To use match video evidence of tackles in elite level rugby union in order to identify tackler proficiency characteristics, for both Lower Body and Upper Body Tackles, that result in Head Injury Assessments (HIA) for the tackler.
METHODS: A review of international rugby union matches (2013-2016) and Pro 12/ERC Champions Cup matches (2014-2016) from a professional rugby union club was conducted. HIA (n=53) and non-HIA tackles (n=233) were categorised as either front-on or side-on Upper Body or Lower Body Tackles and scored for tackling proficiency characteristics. A Chi-Square test (p<0.05) and Phi and Cramer's V were calculated to compare HIA and non-HIA tackling proficiency characteristics.
RESULTS: In both front- and side-on Upper Body and Lower Body Tackles, "head up and forward/face up" and "head placement on correct side of ball carrier" were identified as having a lower propensity to result in a HIA for the tackler. For both front-on and side-on Upper Body Tackles, "identify/track ball carrier onto shoulder" and "shortening steps" were identified. Additionally, "Straight back, centre of gravity forward of support base" and "Identify/track ball carrier onto shoulder" were identified for front-on and side-on Lower Body Tackles respectively.
CONCLUSION: This study identified tackle characteristics that had a lower propensity to result in a HIA for the tackler in both front-on and side-on Upper Body and Lower Body Tackles.
Language: en |