Usefulness of Video Review of Possible Concussions in National Youth Rugby League

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine 2017-01, Vol.38 (1), p.71-75
• Main Authors: Gardner, A. J., Kohler, R. M. N., Levi, C. R., Iverson, G. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletic Injuries - diagnosis; Brain Concussion - diagnosis; Clinical Sciences; Football - injuries; Humans; Return to Sport
• ISSN: 0172-4622; 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-116072

Abstract A new concussion interchange rule (CIR) was introduced in 2014 for the National Rugby League and National Youth Competition (NYC). The CIR allows a player suspected of having sustained a concussion to be removed from play and assessed without an interchange being tallied against the player’s team. Participants included all NYC players who used the CIR during the 2014 season. 2 raters completed video analysis of 131 (of a total of 156 reported) uses of the CIR, describing injury characteristics, situational factors, and concussion signs. The incidence rate was 44.9 (95% CI: 38.5–52.3) uses of the CIR per 1 000 NYC player match hours, or approximately one CIR use every 1.3 games. Apparent loss of consciousness/unresponsiveness was observed in 13% of cases, clutching the head in 65%, unsteadiness of gait in 60%, and a vacant stare in 23%. Most incidences occurred from a hit-up (82%). There appeared to be some instances of video evidence of injury but the athlete was cleared to return to play in the same game. Video review appears to be a useful adjunct for identifying players suffering possible concussion. Further research is required on the usefulness of video review for identifying signs of concussive injury.