The changing nature of concussion in rugby union: Looking back to look forward

摘要

Introduction Concussion is regularly observed in rugby union and has generated a growing public health concern, yet remains one of the least understood injuries facing the sports medicine community. Evidence suggests that multiple concussions may increase susceptibility to long-term neurological complications that present decades after the initial injury for reasons that remain unclear. We aimed to determine the incidence rate and risk factors for concussion amongst community-level rugby union-15s players active during the 1980s given that it may help to better understand the risks and mechanisms of injury. Methods Injury data were collected from clubs by the coach at the time of injury in players using a 15-item questionnaire (1982–1984). Results Seventy games were recorded throughout 1982–1983 and 1983–1984 rugby union seasons. Forty-two documented concussions accounted for ～6% of injuries corresponding to an incidence rate of 0.64 per 1000 playing hours, more than a third lower than the ‘modern-day’ equivalent. Tackling (relative risk 1.60, p?