Edward Langdon1, Suzanne J Snodgrass2, Jodi L Young1, Andrew Miller3, Robin Callister4. 1. Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. 2. Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. Electronic address: Suzanne.Snodgrass@newcastle.edu.au. 3. School of Education, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. 4. School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify posture deviations in rugby league players, and to observe relationships between posture and the incidence of non-contact lower limb injury. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Laboratory and on-field. PARTICIPANTS: Junior representative, semi-professional and professional rugby league players (n = 207). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Static posture scores from photographs (Watson and MacDonncha tool) in pre-season; non-contact lower limb injury surveillance and exposure data. METHODS: Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to observe relationships between postural components and the incidence of non-contact lower limb injury. RESULTS: 8.7% of players sustained a quadriceps injury; 7.2% sustained a calf injury. Semi-professional and professional players had the highest injury rates. The most common posture deviations were having a forward shoulder position (46.9%), a forward head position (33.3%), a varus knee interspace (32.9%) or a lumbar lordosis (30.9%). A moderate C-scoliosis deviation was associated with a decrease in injury risk (OR 1.57 95% CI 1.00-2.46 p = 0.052). Included in the model was player weight, which was associated with an increased risk of injury (OR 1.04 95% CI 1.01-1.07 p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Although postural deviations are common in rugby league players, given the lack of association with injury, they may not warrant intervention.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify posture deviations in rugby league players, and to observe relationships between posture and the incidence of non-contact lower limb injury. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Laboratory and on-field. PARTICIPANTS: Junior representative, semi-professional and professional rugby league players (n = 207). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Static posture scores from photographs (Watson and MacDonncha tool) in pre-season; non-contact lower limb injury surveillance and exposure data. METHODS: Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to observe relationships between postural components and the incidence of non-contact lower limb injury. RESULTS: 8.7% of players sustained a quadriceps injury; 7.2% sustained a calf injury. Semi-professional and professional players had the highest injury rates. The most common posture deviations were having a forward shoulder position (46.9%), a forward head position (33.3%), a varus knee interspace (32.9%) or a lumbar lordosis (30.9%). A moderate C-scoliosis deviation was associated with a decrease in injury risk (OR 1.57 95% CI 1.00-2.46 p = 0.052). Included in the model was player weight, which was associated with an increased risk of injury (OR 1.04 95% CI 1.01-1.07 p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Although postural deviations are common in rugby league players, given the lack of association with injury, they may not warrant intervention.