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NZ-RugbyHealth Study: Current Postural Control Ability of Former Rugby Union and Non-contact Sport Players
Patria A Hume1,2,3,4, Gwyn N Lewis5, Scott R Brown6,7
1Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. patria.hume@aut.ac.nz.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 20, 2023
Summary
Retired rugby players did not show impaired balance compared to non-contact athletes. However, repeated concussions in sports were linked to poorer postural control in difficult balance tests.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Contact sports players frequently sustain mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions).
- While acute head trauma impacts balance, the long-term effects of sport-related concussions on postural control remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural control in retired rugby players versus retired non-contact sport athletes.
- To investigate the association between self-reported concussion history and postural control.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 75 retired athletes (rugby and non-contact sports).
- Utilized the SMART EquiTest® Balance Master to assess sensory integration for balance.
- Quantified postural sway via center of pressure (COP) path length.
- Mixed regression models analyzed relationships, controlling for age and BMI.
Main Results:
- No significant balance differences were observed between sports groups.
- A significant interaction showed increased COP path length with higher concussion history in challenging balance conditions (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests a link between recurrent concussions and reduced postural stability under challenging conditions.
- No evidence indicated impaired balance in retired rugby players compared to non-contact sport athletes.
