The relationship between vestibulo-ocular function and sports injuries in adolescent rugby union players

Deficits in vestibulo-ocular function have been reported in athletes following concussion and in healthy developing adolescent athletes. There is a known increase in injury risk in athletes returning to sport following concussion; however, the relationship between vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in adolescents and injury risk is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine i) the prevalence of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction and ii) the relationship between vestibulo-ocular dysfunction and playing season injuries in adolescent rugby union players.

Cross-sectional.

Seventy-one male adolescent rugby union players were recruited from four schools in Queensland, Australia. In the preseason, clinical assessments of oculomotor and vestibular function were conducted. 'Time-loss' injuries were recorded during the season. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson's chi-square test with significance set at p < 0.05.

In preseason assessment, 40 players (57 %) had one or more, and of these, 18 players (25.7 %) had two or more positive vestibular and oculomotor findings indicating vestibulo-ocular dysfunction. There were 39 injuries sustained by 33 players during the season. No between group differences for vestibulo-ocular function were found between players who did and did not sustain an in-season injury (p = 0.55).

Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction is common in male adolescent rugby union players and positive findings should include comparison with baseline function or symptom profile. The wider impact of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction on sporting performance in adolescents is unknown.