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1- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
2- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa , naidoor3@ukzn.ac.za
2- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa , naidoor3@ukzn.ac.za
Abstract: (900 Views)
Background. Rugby is a high-intensity sport that involves strength, power, agility, and speed. The shoulder has been reported as the second-most-injured site in rugby union players. Muscle strength imbalances have been reported to increase the injury risk to the shoulder.
Objectives. This study aimed to measure and evaluate the isometric strength differences by arm dominance and differences in isometric shoulder strength measurements, and the incidence of previous injuries in amateur rugby union players.
Methods. This descriptive, cross-sectional design examines Sharks Academy rugby players in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Sixty-one players between the ages of 18 and 23 participated in the study. All participants completed an injury-prevalence questionnaire and anthropometric (height and weight) and selected isometric shoulder strength tests. These specific tests were performed using the Pressure Air Biofeedback (PAB®) device. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Results. The mean age of participants was 19.1 years. The only significant difference was found between the maximum shoulder flexion strength in the non-dominant arm and the dominant arm strength (p=0.024). No significant differences between the mean isometric strength values and player position, either a back or a forward, were found. More than one-third of the participants had sustained a previous shoulder injury within the past six months. No significant differences between the mean isometric strength values and previous shoulder injury were found.
Conclusions. Structured pre-season upper-body strength testing and subsequent conditioning programs are recommended to help minimize shoulder injuries in amateur rugby union players.
Objectives. This study aimed to measure and evaluate the isometric strength differences by arm dominance and differences in isometric shoulder strength measurements, and the incidence of previous injuries in amateur rugby union players.
Methods. This descriptive, cross-sectional design examines Sharks Academy rugby players in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Sixty-one players between the ages of 18 and 23 participated in the study. All participants completed an injury-prevalence questionnaire and anthropometric (height and weight) and selected isometric shoulder strength tests. These specific tests were performed using the Pressure Air Biofeedback (PAB®) device. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Results. The mean age of participants was 19.1 years. The only significant difference was found between the maximum shoulder flexion strength in the non-dominant arm and the dominant arm strength (p=0.024). No significant differences between the mean isometric strength values and player position, either a back or a forward, were found. More than one-third of the participants had sustained a previous shoulder injury within the past six months. No significant differences between the mean isometric strength values and previous shoulder injury were found.
Conclusions. Structured pre-season upper-body strength testing and subsequent conditioning programs are recommended to help minimize shoulder injuries in amateur rugby union players.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Musculoskeletal
Received: 2022/03/12 | Accepted: 2022/03/21
Received: 2022/03/12 | Accepted: 2022/03/21
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