Abstract
Methods A case–control video-analysis study was used to examine the association between a priori tackle characteristics (eg, type, height, head position) and suspected concussion. For every concussive tackle event, six non-concussive tackle events were matched for game and team. Penalised logistic regression was used to estimate ORs with 95% CIs for concussion given tackle characteristics.
Results 33 concussive tackle events, including 38 concussions, were identified. 20 were ball carrier concussions (53%). 261 (228 non-concussive, 33 concussive) tackle events, including 632 individual tackler and ball carrier instances, were coded. All ball carrier head contact intensity types were associated with concussion compared with no head contact. A trip tackle type (OR: 4.41, 95% CI 1.25 to 15.61), illegal tackle type (OR: 4.41, 95% CI 2.67 to 7.29), deceleration (OR: 14.03, 95% CI 4.65 to 42.30) and no change of speed (OR: 18.81, 95% CI 10.04 to 35.24) increased concussion odds for ball carriers. A tap (OR: 10.64, 95% CI 2.00 to 56.62) and trip tackle type (OR: 5.91, 95% CI 3.18 to 10.99), two (OR: 3.38, 95% CI 1.13 to 10.07) or three (OR: 13.91, 95% CI 1.74 to 111.53) tacklers within the event, and a head-down position (OR: 40.54, 95% CI 27.78 to 59.18) increased concussion odds for tacklers. Higher tackler contact on ball carrier (tackle height) increased concussion odds for ball carrier (reference: knee-to-upper-leg; waist-to-sternum OR: 2.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.80; sternum-to-armpit OR: 5.65, 95% CI 1.40 to 22.87) and tacklers (sternum-to-armpit OR: 4.20, 95% CI 1.26 to 14.03).
Conclusion Numerous tackle characteristics were associated with ball carrier and tackler concussion. This is the first study to identify tackle height on ball carrier as a risk factor for concussion in girls’ rugby. Future directions should consider tackle training programmes and lower tackle height as potential concussion prevention solutions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e002573 |
| Journal | BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 10 Sept 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Sept 2025 |
Data Availability Statement
No data are available.Funding
This work was supported by funds available from a Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) Foundation Research Grant (CE PI: grant 375089) and the National Football League, Scientific Advisory Board, Play Smart Play Safe Programme. IS was funded through the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Joan Snyder and a Vanier Canadian Studentship, and holds a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship. CE holds a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Concussion. The Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre is one of the International Research Centres for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health supported by the International Olympic Committee. We acknowledge the funding from the National Football League, Scientific Advisory Board, Play Smart Play Safe Programme, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Alberta Innovates, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and Joan Snyder. We would like to acknowledge the research coordinators, research assistants, school districts and all of the teachers, coaches and students involved for their time and support in completing this project.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Canadian Institute for Health Research | |
| Hotchkiss Brain Institute | |
| Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation | |
| Canada Research Chairs | |
| National Football League | |
| Canadian Institutes of Health Research | 375089 |
Keywords
- Concussion
- Female
- Rugby
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation