Head injury assessment in Italian Rugby Union: a two-seasons prospective analysis

• DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.22.13349-9
• Publication Date: 2022-02-03T14:14:40Z
• Authors: Veronica BAIOCCATO; Daniel NEUNHAEUSERER; Niccolò GORI; Claudia FAVERO; Giulia FOCCARDI; Giulia QUINTO; Marco VECCHIATO; Vincenzo M. IERAC...; Andrea ERMOLAO
• Keywords: Male; Incidence; Football; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Athletic Injuries; Craniocerebral Trauma; Humans; Prospective Studies; Rugby; Seasons; Brain Concussion

BACKGROUND: In Italy, to the best of our knowledge, there is no literature relating injury and concussion epidemiology in rugby union. Therefore, primary aim this study describe incidence sport-related Italian union associated management Head Injury Assessment (HIA).METHODS: This an observational prospective study, analyzing elite championship (Top 12 Coppa Italia) for two seasons (2018/2019 2019/2020). Twelve male teams were included. The diagnosis traumatic brain was provided by a team doctor with HIA, while match day or video analysis available. A expert Rugby Federation reviewed all HIAs. outcome interest were: incidence, playing situation mechanism responsible injury.RESULTS: period, 47 HIAs performed during matches (45.3/1000 player-match-hours) 7 concussions diagnosed doctors (6.75/1000 player-match-hours). After HIAs' review, thirty-three percent 16 diagnoses made later, follow-up, based on clinical suspicion. Most symptoms complained about players neck pain headache, 14.6% 13.4% respectively. Concussions predominately result tackling (46.5%) tackler (90.9%).CONCLUSIONS: appears be low compared that outside which likely due learning curve HIA absence competitions. implementation educational projects may fundamental promoting process.