The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project. VI. A prospective cohort study of risk factors for injury in rugby union football

Objectives-Although the nature of rugby injury has been well documented, li ttle is known about key risk factors. A prospective cohort study was undert aken to examine the association between potential risk factors and injury r isk, measured both as an injury incidence rate and as a proportion of the p laying season missed. The latter measure incorporates a measure of injury s everity. Methods-A cohort of 258 male players (mean (SD) age 20.6 (3.7) years) were followed through a full competitive season. At a preseason assessment, basi c characteristics, health and lifestyle patterns, playing experience, injur y experience, training patterns, and anthropometric characteristics were re corded, and then a battery of fitness tests were carried out. Results-A multiple regression model identified grade and previous injury ex perience as risk factors for in season injury, measured as an injury incide nce rate. A second model identified previous injury experience, hours of st renuous physical activity a week, playing position, cigarette smoking statu s, body mass index, years of rugby participation, stress, aerobic and anaer obic performance, and number of push ups as risk factors for in season inju ry, measured as proportion of season missed. Conclusions-The findings emphasise the importance of previous injury as a p redictor of injury incidence and of missing play. They also show the import ance of considering both the incidence rate and severity of injury when ide ntifying risk factors for injury in sport.