For Research Example number 5 I discovered an article on the library catalog titled “Concussions in Youth Rugby Union and Rugby League.” I researched concussions in rugby because the sport is very similar to football. Just like football, rugby is a contact sport and the objective is to get an almond shaped object from one side of the field to the other. Meanwhile, players on the opposing team are trying to prevent that from happening by tackling the player with the ball. Rugby players do not wear helmets, and for that reason the sport is surprisingly safer.
Concussions are the most common among NFL players, but according to a study conducted by Hinton Bayre et al, concussions are not the most common injury in rugby. Contusions, muscular strains, joint injuries, abrasions, and lacerations are more common injuries in rugby than concussions. Although this was surprising, it makes sense. Because players do not wear helmets defenders are more aware of their tackling form. They are not as tempted to aim high because not only will that hurt their opponent, but also it will severely hurt them. They have adapted to be spot on when it comes to their tackling form. The NFL has taken notice of this and have even talked about the idea of eliminating helmets altogether. New helmets and rule changes over the past 5 years in the NFL has not made a significant impact on reducing injuries, especially concussions. They will continue to make changes in an attempt to make the game safer, but if that does not make a difference many years down the road they might deeply consider eliminating helmets.
This article also talked about the main causes and preventions of concussions in rugby. Tackling, as expected, was identified as the most common cause for concussions. The tackled players are reportedly more at risk of getting a concussion than the player being tackled. Additionally, forwards are at a greater risk of getting a concussion because they have the ball more than defenders. There are more tackles made in rugby per game than football, so it is common for players to occasionally have poor form when making a tackle. Lastly, it was reported than less training resulted in fewer concussions.
Reports of acts and behaviors as well as expert knowledge was used for this report.
Kirkwood, Graham, Nikesh Parekh, Richard Ofori-Asenso, and Allyson M. Pollock. “Concussion in Youth Rugby Union and Rugby League: A Systematic Review.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 49, no. 8 (2015): 506-10. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093774