Fuller, C.W., Fuller, G.W., Kemp, S.P.T. et al. (1 more author) (2017) Evaluation of World Rugby's concussion management process: results from Rugby World Cup 2015. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (1). pp. 64-69. ISSN 0306-3674
Abstract
Objective To evaluate World Rugby's concussion management process during Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015.
Design A prospective, whole population study.
Population 639 international rugby players representing 20 countries.
Method The concussion management process consisted of 3 time-based, multifaceted stages: an initial on-pitch and/or pitch-side assessment of the injury, a follow-up assessment within 3 hours and an assessment at 36–48 hours. The initial on-pitch assessment targeted obvious signs of concussion, which, if identified, lead to a ‘permanent removal from play’ decision and a diagnosis of concussion. If the on-pitch diagnosis was unclear, a 10-min off-pitch assessment was undertaken for signs and symptoms of concussion leading to a ‘suspected concussion with permanent removal from play’ or a ‘no indication of concussion with return to play’ decision. Evaluations at 3 and 36–48 hours postmatch lead to diagnoses of ‘confirmed concussion’ or ‘no concussion’. Medical staff's decision-making was supported during each stage by real-time video review of events. Players diagnosed with confirmed concussion followed a 5-stage graduated-return-to-play protocol before being allowed to return to training and/or competition.
Results Players were evaluated for concussion on 49 occasions, of which 24 resulted in diagnoses of concussion. Fourteen players showing on-pitch signs of concussion were permanently removed from play: 4 of the 5 players removed from play following off-pitch medical room evaluation were later diagnosed with a confirmed concussion. Five players not exhibiting in-match signs or symptoms of concussion were later diagnosed with concussion. The overall incidence of concussion during RWC 2015 was 12.5 concussions/1000 player-match-hours.
Conclusions This study supports the implementation of a multimodal, multitime-based concussion evaluation process to ensure that immediate and late developing concussions are captured.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2017 Authors. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in British Journal of Sports Medicine. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research The University of Sheffield > Sheffield Teaching Hospitals |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 30 May 2017 10:23 |
Last Modified: | 21 Mar 2018 00:29 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096461 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096461 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:116972 |