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Concussion in Rugby: The Hidden Epidemic
Stephen W. Marshall1, Richard J. Spencer
1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
Journal of Athletic Training
|August 26, 2003
Summary
High school rugby players experience a high incidence of concussion, with concussions comprising 25% of all injuries. This study suggests rugby concussion rates are likely underestimated in prior research.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Concussion is a significant injury in contact sports.
- Previous studies on rugby concussion incidence may be limited by reporting biases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of concussion in high school rugby.
- To compare these findings with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection over 3 years in a US high school rugby program.
- Tracking injury rates, severity (Cantu grading), and time lost from competition.
Main Results:
- 17 concussions were recorded, representing 25% of all injuries.
- Concussion incidence was 3.8 per 1000 athlete-exposures or 11.3 per 100 player-seasons.
- Most concussions were mild (14 grade 1), but accounted for 25% of all injury-related days missed.
Conclusions:
- The observed concussion incidence in high school rugby is higher than previously reported.
- Underreporting in prior studies may be due to methodological issues and mandatory suspensions.
- The actual incidence of concussion in rugby is likely substantially higher than currently suggested.