Nearly 90% of head impacts in rugby are the same as or less than those experienced in other forms of exercise such as running, jumping or skipping, a Dunedin-led study has found.
The Otago community head impact detection study (Orchid) is a joint project between World Rugby, New Zealand Rugby (NZR), Otago Rugby, the University of Otago and Prevent Biometrics.
It is the largest-ever study into the forces experienced by community rugby players.
It comes after it was announced in April a number of former players from rugby union, rugby league and football were taking legal action against sports governing bodies on claims they suffered brain injuries during their careers.
In 2020, it was reported ACC had spent almost $100 million for the treatment of sports-related concussion injuries over the past five years, rugby by far the biggest contributor to the cost.
Using Prevent Biometrics instrumented mouthguards, the study measured more than 17,000 head acceleration events (HAEs) from 328 male community rugby players involved in under-13s through to premier grades.
The mouthguards measure the g-forces (G) on the head which are experienced by players in both training and games.
Acceleration events under 10G are the equivalent to riding on a roller-coaster or landing from a lineout in rugby.
Forces ranging between 10G and 20G are similar to jumping on a trampoline and events between 21G and 35G akin to heavy braking in a car.
The Orchid paper, released last night, shows that in the men’s community game, 86% of forces measured are the same as or less than those experienced in running, jumping or skipping and 94% of forces are lower than those previously measured on people jumping on a trampoline.
Most events resulting in the highest measured forces are caused by poor technique in the tackle and at the breakdown.
NZR concussion research scientist and PhD candidate Janelle Romanchuk, who led the study alongside University of Otago Associate Prof Melanie Bussey, said the data supported rugby’s focus on the tackle and breakdown.
"This marks a positive beginning in developing a comprehensive understanding of head impacts in rugby, especially those leading to higher magnitude events," Ms Romanchuk said.
"With this data we can delve deeper into areas of the game where we can reduce or minimise risks, such as lowering the tackle height or prioritising good technique for both the ball carrier and tackler.
Ms Romanchuk said researchers would further examine data from the under-19 cohort, which had identified a higher prevalence of acceleration events over 30G.
"We aim to identify specific factors that can potentially be addressed in the future."
A study on the women’s community game was complete and the peer reviewed paper was set to be published in the coming months.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont lauded the results as a significant step forward in ensuring player welfare.
"Using the latest research and technology is at the heart of our six-point plan to make rugby the most progressive sport in the world on player welfare," he said.
"These studies are concrete proof that World Rugby is putting our time, energy, and efforts into backing up our words and the insights gained are already helping us make evidence-led moves to make the sport even safer, we will never stand still on player welfare."
— Staff reporter
