IRB study of sports injuries
AUT’s Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) are joining forces with other experts from around the world in an effort to better understand the long-term physical and psychological effects of rugby injuries.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has commissioned the AUT-led study which was officially launched at a stakeholder event by AUT, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the IRB Thursday 2 August at AUT Millennium.
Chief medical officer for the IRB Dr Martin Rafferty, who was in New Zealand to finalise details of the study, told the audience that the team for the study involves people who experts in their respective fields.
AUT to lead the study
Professor Patria Hume, who will be the lead researcher, says AUT was delighted to be involved in such an important study. “This is a perfect example of the kind of research we are focussed on. We are analysing high performance athletes with the findings to benefit elite sportspeople and the wider community.”
The project will involve measurements of 600 players, including 400 rugby players and 200 ex international players such as cricketers as a comparison. There is a combination of web-based data collection (500 players) and laboratory based data collection (100 players).
Players’ health outcomes will be compared for professional rugby players, community rugby players and non-contact elite sports players. The potential impact of head injuries and long term health outcomes will be one focus of the study.
Computerised neuropsychological testing, active balance testing and physical and mental health and competency measurements will be undertaken at the SPRINZ laboratory at AUT Millennium.
Researchers will be seeking for subjects to be involved in the study.
New concussion protocol to be trialled
At the same stakeholder event, the NZRU announced the trialling of the Pitch Side Control Assessment protocol for the upcoming ITM Cup. The protocol will require all concussed players to be replaced for five minutes while the extent of the injury is assessed.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the safety of rugby players at all levels of the game was critical. "The PSCA trial complements our compulsory coaching and refereeing safety programme, RugbySmart, which focuses on ensuring safe technique across the game.
The mix of medical, sport science and epidemiology experts involved in the project is to ensure that the long term health of elite rugby players can be analysed accurately and comprehensively.
The team for the IRB study includes former AUT student Dr Ken Quarrie (SPRINZ and NZ Rugby Union), Professor Patria Hume, Dr Matthew Brughelli, Dr Alice Theadom and Dr Doug King (AUT), Dr Stephen Marshall (SPRINZ and University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, USA), Bronwen McNoe and Dr Melissa Purnell (both University of Otago) and Dr Martin Raftery (Chief Medical Officer, International Rugby Board).
More information about SPRINZ.