Abstract
Objective: To scope the relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being. Design: Scoping review. Data sources: Published and unpublished reports of any age, identified by searching electronic databases, platforms and reference lists. Methods: A three-step search strategy identified relevant published primary, secondary studies and grey literature, which were screened using a priori inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardised tool, to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) a thematic summary. Results and discussion: 6658 records were identified, and 198 studies met the inclusion criteria. All forms of rugby union can provide health-enhancing physical activity (PA). â € Non-contact' and wheelchair rugby in particular provide a wide range of physical and mental health and well-being benefits. The evidence is either mixed or unclear in relation to â € contact' rugby union and its effects on a range of physical health domains. Injury and concussion incidence rates are high for contact rugby union relative to other sports. Conclusions: A wide range of stakeholders as well as existing and potential participants can use this information to make a more informed decision about participating in and promoting rugby union as a health-enhancing activity. Industry and policy-makers can use this review to inform policies and strategies that look to increase participation rates and use rugby union as a vehicle to contribute positively to population health. Further research understanding rugby union's contribution to PA as well as to muscle-strengthening and balance is indicated, as well as research examining more health and well-being outcomes across more diverse cohorts.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 102085 |
Journal | British Journal of Sports Medicine |
Early online date | 28 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 28 Oct 2020 |
Keywords
- health promotion
- injuries
- physical activity
- rugby
- well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation