Risk Factors for Shoulder Injury in Collegiate Rugby Union Players

Abstract

This prospective cohort study examined the associations of shoulder dislocations, instability or rotator cuŠ injuries in collegiate rugby union players with potential risk factors recognized in preseason medical screening examinations. The study subjects were 69 elite rugby players from one university rugby club. Basic demographics, injury experience and current physicalˆndings were assessed, and shoulder injuries sustained during two playing seasons were recorded. Risk factors for shoulder injuries were determined using a logistic regression model. Fifteen players sustained shoulder injuries during the two seasons. A history of injury (OR, 6.56; 95%CI, 2.04-20.98; p＝0.00), a positive result in the load and shift (LAS) test (OR, 2.55; 95%CI, 0.92-7.06; p＝0.07) and the internal/external rotational (IR/ER) muscle strength ratio (OR, 1.39; 95%CI, 1.08-1.77; p＝0.00) were associated with shoulder injuries. A history of injury, a positive LAS test result, and the IR/ER muscle strength ratio are important risk factors for injury in collegiate rugby players.

Reducing musculoskeletal injury and concussion risk in schoolboy rugby players with a pre-activity movement control exercise programme: a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…Little is known about the underlying risk factors and mechanisms for upper limb injuries, and examples of evidence-based upper limb injury prevention are scarce 41. Reduced glenohumeral rotation and rotator cuff muscle strength imbalances may be modifiable risk factors for shoulder injuries in rugby players 42. The intervention programme may have improved joint kinematics and force-handling capabilities within the upper limb as a result of incorporating resistance and plyometric training of upper body regions,43 44 thus implying that reducing upper limb injury risk across youth contact sports is possible through improving upper limb strength, stability and mobility.…”

Descriptive epidemiology of injuries in Japanese male collegiate rugby union players

“…To prevent ankle sprain/ligament injuries, rugby teams should undergo preseason medical screening. A history of ankle sprain, muscle weakness, strength asymmetries, and reduced range of motion has been shown to increase ankle injury risk [46][47][48] . At-risk athletes may benefit from trauma-specific preventive interventions.…”

“…However, the majority of these studies involved professional players [2][3][4]8,10,12,13,[23][24][25][26] . Although research on top competitionlevel players is important, younger players may take longer to recover from concussion symptoms 33,34) , and the recurrence injury risk may increase in those with a history of knee ligament injury or shoulder dislocation 11,35) . Considering these factors, it may be necessary to implement counter plans to prevent injury in players who have less competition experience than professional players.…”

Incidence, Severity, and Burden of Ankle Sprain in Male Collegiate Rugby Union

“…It is necessary to identify athletes with risk factors to prevent ankle sprains and recurrence of sprains. Important risk factors include a history of ankle sprains, reduced muscle strength around the ankle joint, and limited range of motion (Fousekis et al, 2012;Ogaki et al, 2013;Willems et al, 2005). A history of ankle sprain is an uncorrectable risk factor; thus, it is essential to check the muscle strength and range of motion of the ankle joint during the preseason, and make improvements if muscle weakness or restricted range of motion are discovered.…”