Does a higher training age attenuate injury risk in junior elite rugby league players?. Issue 6 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Booth, Mark; Cobley, Stephen; Orr, Rhonda
• Is Part Of: International journal of sports science & coaching. Volume 14:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 779
• Page End: 785
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Epidemiology of sports injuries -- rugby football -- youth sport; Coaching (Athletics) -- Periodicals; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Coaching (Athletics); Sports sciences; Periodicals; 796.077
• DOI: 10.1177/1747954119883620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-9541

Abstract

Our aim was to determine the relationships between three different training ages – TA domains (Rugby League specific – RLTA; Resistance training – RTA; Cardiovascular training – CVTA) on injury risk in junior elite rugby league players. Participants were 147 developmental rugby league players (mean age = 15.8 ± 1.1 years) playing for one rugby league club. Logistic regression with RLTA, CVTA and RTA as independent predictors was modelled on injured/uninjured outcomes. Relationships between TA and injury characteristics were examined using linear regression. CVTA was positively associated with absolute injury risk (odds ratio – OR 1.65, p = 0.02) and injury characteristics (muscle strain OR 1.12, p = 0.05) and ankle injuries (OR 1.24, p = 0.05). A positive association was demonstrated between RTA and high-intensity running injuries (OR 1.31, p = 0.01), and hamstring injuries (OR 1.66, p = 0.01). Our results suggest that a higher pre-study CVTA and RTA was associated with increased injury risk in an elite development rugby league team.