A preliminary video analysis of concussion in the National Rugby League

Andrew J. GardnerCentre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia, Correspondence[email protected]

Grant L. IversonDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, ;Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, ;MGHfC Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, USA, ;Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, Boston, MA, USA,

Tanya N. QuinnDepartment of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,

Michael MakdissiFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Austin Campus, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia, ;Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention, Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia,

Christopher R. LeviCentre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,

Sandy R. ShultzDepartment of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,

David K. WrightDepartment of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, and

Peter StanwellCentre for Translational Neuroscience & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia

show all

Abstract

Primary objective: To conduct the first video analysis of concussion in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and describe player and injury characteristics, situational factors and time to return to play.

Research design: Descriptive, observational case series.

Methods and procedures: Video analysis of 20 medically diagnosed concussions for three consenting clubs during the 2013 NRL season.

Main outcome and results: Most concussions (83%) occurred during a high tackle, and all injured ball carriers were hit high. Loss of consciousness was observed in 30% of cases. Common observable signs of injury included clutching of the head, balance problems or wobbly legs and a blank or vacant state. There were no post-concussive seizures. All players with loss of consciousness were removed from play. However, only half of the total sample was removed from play and one athlete who was removed returned to play in the same match. Of the players who were removed from play, the large majority returned the following week. Illegal play accounted for 25% of all concussions.

Conclusions: Video analysis may be a useful method to study the incidence, mechanism and management of concussion in sports such as Rugby League. Future studies may include larger numbers to validate this preliminary data and may also investigate other levels of play and age ranges.

Keywords

Declaration of interest

Andrew J. Gardner, Peter Stanwell and Christopher R. Levi have been funded to conduct research into concussion in rugby league through a New South Wales Sporting Injuries Committee–Sports Research & Injury Prevention Scheme Grant, and a Brain Foundation, Australia–Brain Injury Award. Andrew J. Gardner acknowledges sport concussion research fellowship funding from Jennie Thomas, Life Governor of the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Grant L. Iverson acknowledges sport concussion research funding from the Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Order Reprints Request Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

Request Academic Permissions

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.

A preliminary video analysis of concussion in the National Rugby League

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

A preliminary video analysis of concussion in the National Rugby League

Abstract

Declaration of interest

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Related research

To cite this article:

Download citation

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Keep up to date

Your download is now in progress and you may close this window

Login or register to access this feature