11.35 Effectiveness of a lowering in legal tackle height to reduce sport-related concussion in amateur adult male rugby

Abstract

<h3>Objective</h3> Rugby union (‘rugby’) is popular globally, with the majority of its participants being amateur. Concern regarding sport-related concussion (SRC) sustained during rugby is increasing. SRC occurs most frequently in the tackle, yet few interventions have aimed to mitigate this risk factor. This study investigated the influence of a lowered legal tackle height on SRC incidence in amateur rugby. <h3>Design</h3> Prospective cohort: 2018 (control – standard tackle height condition) – 2019 (intervention – lowered legal tackle height condition) seasons. <h3>Setting</h3> South African collegiate student rugby competition. <h3>Participants</h3> Between 800–900 male amateur student players in each year. <h3>Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)</h3> Legal tackle height lowered from line of the shoulder on the ball carrier to the line of the armpit. <h3>Outcome Measures</h3> number of injuries, head injuries, and SRCs in 2018 and 2019 (dependent variables); player match hours in 2018 and 2019, events associated with injury incidents (independent variables). <h3>Main Results</h3> There was no statistically significant change in incidence of time-loss 1) injuries (IRR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.6–1.1; p=0.13), 2) head injuries (IRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.5–1.3; p=0.42), and 3) SRC (IRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4–1.2; p=0.20). In 2018 and 2019, the majority of time-loss head injuries (57%, n=43) and SRCs (55%, n=26) occurred during the tackle. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Despite a trend towards reducing injuries, head injuries, and SRC, lowering legal tackle height did not change SRC incidence in this amateur male rugby cohort. Most time-loss head injuries and SRCs occurred during the tackle. Further tackle-related interventions to reduce SRC require investigation.