Video analysis of breast impact events in Australian semi-professional women's rugby union.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency, characteristics and incidence rate of breast impact events (BIEs) during semi-professional women's rugby union matches using video analysis.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional video analysis.

METHODS

Video footage of 22 matches were analysed to identify BIEs (i.e., direct, forceful contact of a player's breast with another player, equipment or playing surface). Descriptive statistics (means, 95% CI) reported the frequency and characteristics under three categories: (i) BIE match situation; (ii) ball-carrier/tackler characteristics; and (iii) BIE outcome. Incidence rate (IR) was reported per 1000 match hours.

RESULTS

The total number of BIEs was 786 (mean 35.7 per match; IR 1176/1000 h), with an average of five players sustaining multiple BIEs per match. The most common BIE match situation was tackle-related (88%, n = 688), with tackle taken to ground the most common activity (47%, n = 370). For ball-carrier/tackler characteristics, the ball-carriers more commonly sustained BIEs (72%, n = 569) and tacklers inflicted the most BIEs (69%, n = 471). Two-thirds of BIEs (64%, n = 502) resulted from contact with the ball and 32% from direct impact with another player (n = 248), mostly with their shoulder (44%, n = 110) and forearm (48%, n = 116). The most common BIE outcome was players continuing to play after impact.

CONCLUSIONS

BIEs occur frequently in women's rugby union matches, commonly during tackle-related activities, with the breast commonly impacting with the ball. Further research is recommended to investigate the magnitude of force involved with BIEs and the effects of accumulated BIEs on breast tissue trauma and pain.