Exploring the Efficacy of a Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Injury Reduction Strategy in Professional Rugby Union

Objectives: The aim of this study was to implement a complete sequence of prevention (Van Mechelen, et al 1987) to reduce lumbo-pelvic-hip (LPH) injuries in a professional men’s rugby union team and examine its effectiveness. A secondary aim was to examine, on completion of the tailored program, the players’ perceptions of injury reduction programmes. Design: Insider action research using an ecological mixed methods design. Methods: In season 1 baseline injury surveillance data was collected to establish the extent of the LPH injury problem. In season 2 and 3, a preseason screening battery of hip and groin strength measures were administered pre and post the completion of a Yo-Yo IR1 test. Based on the change scores of the strength measures, the players were prescribed a tailored preventative exercise program that was followed during their lower limb strength sessions throughout the season. As part of the end of season 2 review, players were anonymously questioned on injury reduction programmes and their implementation. Injury surveillance data was prospectively recorded throughout. Results: The use of a tailored injury reduction programme aimed at reducing LPH injuries in professional rugby union successfully reduced total severity of injuries (936d v 417d in season 3). Average severity was significantly reduced across the three seasons (78d v 12.6d in season 3). Prevalence also reduced (21% v 13% in season 3) when compared to the baseline season 1. Players reported that they are confident in their ability to engage with injury reduction programmes providing it was individualised, written by the medical team/strength and conditioning staff in conjunction with the players themselves and performed under supervision by the medical team. Conclusions: A tailored LPH injury reduction programme can reduce total severity, average severity and prevalence of LPH injuries. Players’ reported that injury reduction programmes 4 are socially appropriate, important and expected in an elite environment. Insider action research should be considered when looking to implement injury prevention research in the real world setting.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

dprof

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Williams, Kate

• GV Hamdden Adloniant
• RC1200 Meddygaeth Chwaraeon

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:1227