A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Concussion in Rugby Union

@article{Gardner2014ASR,
  title={A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Concussion in Rugby Union},
  author={Andrew J. Gardner and Grant L. Iverson and W Huw Williams and Stephanie Baker and Peter Stanwell},
  journal={Sports Medicine},
  year={2014},
  volume={44},
  pages={1717-1731}
}
BackgroundRugby Union, a popular full-contact sport played throughout the world, has one of the highest rates of concussion of all full-contact sports.ObjectiveThe aim of the current review was to systematically evaluate the available evidence on concussion in Rugby Union and to conduct a meta-analysis of findings regarding the incidence of concussion.MethodsArticles were retrieved via a number of online databases. The current review examined all articles published in English up to May 2014… 
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110 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
13
Background Citations
43
Methods Citations
1
Results Citations
3

110 Citations

Citation Type

Citation Type

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There is a significant risk of concussion in children and adolescents playing rugby union and rugby league evident from the studies included in this systematic review.
High Concussion Rate in Student Community Rugby Union Players During the 2018 Season: Implications for Future Research Directions
TLDR
Concussion was the most common injury in this population, at a rate that was six times higher than the most comparable study from the UK, which had far more exposure time over six seasons and wider range of player ability, from recreational to semi-professional.
The changing nature of concussion in rugby union: Looking back to look forward
TLDR
The incidence rate of concussion during the 1980s appears to be appreciably lower compared to the present-day game, the likely outcome of improvements in the clinical understanding of concussion, data collection tools, reporting methods and clinical management of concussive injuries, including changes to both player and game.
A systematic review of education programmes to prevent concussion in rugby union
TLDR
There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of concussion education and prevention programmes in rugby union and there is scant evidence to suggest that education and rule changes may have the benefit of changing athlete behaviours resulting in a reduction in catastrophic injury.
Concussion incidence and time-loss in Australian football: A systematic review.
On average, a professional rugby union player is more likely than not to sustain a concussion after 25 matches
TLDR
Playing more than 25 matches in the 2015/2016 season meant that sustaining concussion was more likely than not sustaining concussion, and the 38% greater injury risk after concussive injury (compared with non-concussed injury) suggests return to play protocols warrant investigation.
Poor cervical proprioception as a risk factor for concussion in professional male rugby union players
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