RR-PL-2019

Sunday 10:40, Fira Palace Hotel, Rubi

A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN FIRST DIVISION RUGBY PLAYERS IN THE PROVINCE OF KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA.  N Naidoo, T Chetty, RP Kistan, S Ramkishwar, N Ebrahim; Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Durban-Westvile, Durban, South Africa PURPOSE:  Rugby is a biomechanically demanding sport involving high energy movements which require high impact loading on the tibio-femoral joints. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of ACL injuries in first division rugby players to determine and profile predisposing risk factors to the player sustaining ACL injury with regards to biomechanical, neuromuscular and environmental factors.  RELEVANCE:  Potential risk facors which predispose players to ACL injury may be detremined. This may be used to profile rugby players and therefore manage them with a view to prevention of ACL injuries.  SUBJECTS:  Fifteen teams with a total number of 150 players were included in the study. Players had to play at first division level.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty three first division rugby players completed questionnaires relating to their training preparation, position of play, activity required and the physical environment. Additionally, players were required to reveal previous ACL injury and the management, including return to play and follow up.  ANALYSIS: Results were analysed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS).  RESULTS: Predisposing factors were found to be most prominent in four positions, namely, centres, hookers, props and flanks. Biomechanical factors relating to activities, neuromuscular factors relating to hamstring spasm and tightness, environmental factors relating to the number of cleats on the forefoot of the shoe and moist versus dry ground conditions are highlighted. Age and weight of the players were also found to be significant in sustaining ACL injury.  CONCLUSION: Biomechanical, neuromuscular, and environmental factors predispose to ACL injury in rugby players. Additionally, age, weight and specific positions of play of the players place added risk of injury on the ACL.