2021/22 Rugby Europe Injury Surveillance Report: SuperCup, Under-20, and Under-18 Championship.

We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the incidence rate and characterization of the injuries sustained by players during the 2021/22 season of the Rugby Europe SuperCup, Under-20, and Under-18 championships. Team medics reported the injuries, using an online platform. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The overall incidence of injuries ranged from 33.33 (95% CI: 18.97-54.60) in the under-18s to 83.33 (95% CI: 60.34-112.40) in the under-20s, while in the SuperCup it was 41.35 (95% CI: 30.30-55.18) injuries per 1000 player-match-hours. Injury severity (mean days) was higher in the SuperCup (38.33) and lower in the Under-18 tournament (28.50). Lower limb and soft tissue were the most common type of injuries. Tackles caused almost two-thirds of all injuries. Concussion accounted for 10.0% to 25.6% of all injuries. Our data are consistent with previous reports for similar levels of competition and age grades. The injury incidence was higher in the senior competitions (Under-20s and SuperCup). However, for the under-20s, injury rates were higher than in the SuperCup. This might be related to the competition format; however, more studies need to be conducted in the future. Concussion is a common injury and the protocols used at this level seems to be effective to identify it.

Knowledge and Risk Behaviors Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission among Portuguese Healthcare Students.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the agent responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, remains a worldwide public health problem. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Portuguese healthcare students' knowledge of HIV, identify risk behaviors for HIV transmission, and assess the frequency of HIV testing and its dissemination by general practitioners. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire published online. The questionnaire was administered to Portuguese healthcare students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study after clarifying its objectives and procedures. RESULTS: Most students were aware of the three main HIV transmission routes; however, 66.3% were unaware of the level A recommendation for HIV screening in adolescents and adults. In addition, 59.6% of the students were never informed by their general practitioner about HIV screening tests or risk behaviors for HIV transmission. Of the sample, 78.9% had never been tested for HIV infection. Of the 74.6% of sexually active students, 82.0% had or had already had unprotected sex (without a condom). Men showed riskier sexual behaviors than women. None of the inquiries reported intravenous drug use, and most students (69.9%) never shared personal objects. CONCLUSION: General practitioners and awareness campaigns need to alert and disseminate HIV screening tests. Sexual health and risk behaviors should be addressed more frequently in schools to educate this population because prevention is the best strategy against HIV transmission/contraction.

Craniofacial Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia Initially Diagnosed in a Primary Care Unit.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a non-malignant bone tumor that typically behaves as a slow and indolent growing mass lesion. We report the case of a female patient presenting with headache and facial deformity and later diagnosed with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD). A 29-year-old woman visited Mealhada Primary Health Care Unit complaining of headache, nasal congestion, and hyposmia for several weeks. She also presented with facial deformity and painful swelling of the upper left orbit. X-ray imaging revealed a suspicious opacity in the left frontal sinus and a right shift of the nasal septum. Computed tomography and bone scintigraphy later confirmed a tumor involving the ethmoid and frontal bone. The patient was referred to the neurosurgery and otorhinolaryngology departments of a central hospital and the suspected diagnosis of PFD was confirmed. A watchful waiting approach with regular imaging screenings was proposed and accepted by the patient, who is now free of symptoms and more acceptant of the benign condition of her tumor. With this case, we aim to make family physicians more aware of this rare but relevant condition that can be difficult to diagnose. FD is a rare but benign tumor that occurs mainly in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms depend on the location and type of the tumor and include facial deformity, vision changes, nasal congestion, and headache. No clear guidelines exist for its treatment, and options include monitoring the progression of the tumor, in addition to medical or surgical approaches.

Epidemiology of Time-Loss Injuries in Senior and under-18 Portuguese Male Rugby Players.

Rugby union has one of the highest injury incidence rates in team sports, however, most of the available data focus on the epidemiology of injuries in countries where rugby is popular. We aimed to report the incidence rate and relevant epidemiological aspects of injuries occurred in a group of Portuguese male rugby players. A prospective cohort study was conducted with a group of 45 senior and 32 under-18 male players (total of 77 players). Outcome measures included injury incidence, position, type, location and severity of injuries. The match injury incidence for all players was 55.84 per 1000 player match-hours (66.66 for seniors, 42.85 for under-18), while mean time-loss for injury was 20.79 days. No statistical differences were found between groups. Lower limb injuries accounted for 60.5% of all injuries, while joint/ligament injuries were the most prevalent type. Contact events were responsible for 65.1% of injuries. Despite the limitations, the obtained data are consistent with the literature. Time-loss injuries seem highly prevalent in rugby union and the incidence rates found in this Portuguese-based study were lower than the reported for international and senior men's professional rugby union, but higher than those occurring in community rugby in tier-1 countries. The authors believe these data reinforce the need to develop and implement effective injury surveillance and prevention programs.

Epidemiology of injuries in Portuguese senior male rugby union sevens: a cohort prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence, type and location of injuries sustained during the Portuguese rugby union sevens circuit. To investigate the influence of players' training loads on injury risk. METHODS: A prospective cohort study recording time-loss injuries was conducted with all teams competing in the Portuguese national rugby sevens circuit (eight from the top-tier and seven from the second-tier). Main outcome measures included: incidence rate, anatomical location, type, injury incident and severity. Data were also collected regarding players' training loads. Fisher's exact test was used to estimate the relative risk of suffering an injury during the sevens season and training sevens during the fifteens season. RESULTS: A total of 27 injuries were recorded corresponding to an incidence rate of 133.9 injuries per 1000 player match-hours. The average severity was 22.22 days. Contact events preceded 81.5% of injuries. Most injuries occurred in the lower limb (66.7%) and were joint/ligament or muscle/tendon injuries (85.1%). The association between injuries and lower volume of training during the sevens season was identified for the second-tier (p = 0.021). For the same level, an inverse relation between training hours and injury severity was also found (p = 0.008). Top-tier players training sevens and fifteens simultaneously during the year presented a significant increase of injury risk (relative risk = 3.2; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Injury incidence in our study is similar to that reported for international sevens, although severity is lower. An association between training loads and the occurrence of injuries was found for both tiers, although with differential results, thus reinforcing the need to customize players' preparation. Further studies at non-elite competitions are needed to gather significant data to accurately formulate future injury prevention protocols or recommend modifications to game laws or competition formats, aiming at players' welfare.

Epidemiology of injuries in senior male rugby union sevens: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: In 2016 the Rugby Union variant of sevens will enter the official Olympic Programme. Until now, most of injury surveillance studies in Rugby Union focus on elite 15-a-side cohorts, with reported injury incidence rates reaching 96 per 1000 player-match-hours, and mean severity set at 20 days. Sparse data is available regarding rugby sevens. The aim of this study was to systematically review available data regarding the epidemiology of injuries in senior male rugby sevens. METHODS: Electronic databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Scielo and IndexRMP) were searched in September 2015, complemented by manual searches of bibliographies and relevant "grey literature". RESULTS: Seven prospective cohort original articles addressing injuries in senior male rugby sevens players were included in this review. Overall injury incidence rates in elite rugby sevens tournaments ranged 101.5 to 119.8 per 1000 player-match-hours. Mean severity was greater than 34.1 days. Lower limb and joint/ligament injuries were the most frequent in elite players. The only study on amateur players revealed a lower injury incidence rate (74.7 per 1000 player-match-hours), and a higher proportion of muscle/tendon (37.5 %) injuries. CONCLUSION: Injury incidence rates in rugby sevens are higher than those reported for the 15-a-side variant, at the same level of competition. Injuries are also more severe, resulting in longer absence periods. This might result from the fact that rugby sevens is played with greater speed, leading to an increase in energy transfers during tackles, more running and turning manoeuvers, that can possibly cause more severe injuries.

Perfil antropométrico e fisiológico dos jogadores de rugby portugueses - Parte I: comparação entre atletas de diferentes grupos posicionais / Anthropometric and physiological profile of Portuguese rugby players - Part I: comparison between athletes of different position groups

INTRODUÇÃO: No rugby, cada posição apresenta exigências muito específicas e distintas, tanto em nível antropométrico como fisiológico. Os diferentes estudos publicados revelam a existência de diferenças significativas em nível das características antropométricas e fisiológicas dos atletas de rugby das diferentes posições. Apesar de comuns em países onde a modalidade é mais popular, nenhum estudo procurando caracterizar o atleta de rugby português foi, até agora, publicado. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses, procurando identificar eventuais diferenças entre atletas de grupos posicionais distintos. Comparar os resultados obtidos com os demais trabalhos já publicados. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos 46 jogadores de rugby de duas equipes a disputarem competições nacionais seniores masculinas. Os atletas foram agrupados, em função das suas posições em campo, em avançados (n = 24) e recuados (n = 22). Todos os atletas foram submetidos a uma avaliação antropométrica com determinação de estatura, massa corporal e nove pregas cutâneas. Quarenta submeteram-se, igualmente, a uma avaliação das suas capacidades físicas que consistiu na determinação da velocidade, aceleração e capacidade aeróbia máxima. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao software IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19, tendo sido considerado um valor de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os avançados apresentaram um peso corporal médio de 96,02 kg (± 13,44) e 1,80 m (± 0,06) de estatura, contra os 76,84 kg (± 7,28) de peso médio e 1,73 m (± 0,06) de estatura dos recuados. Quanto à avaliação fisiológica, os recuados apresentaram globalmente melhores resultados. No teste dos 10m demoraram apenas 1,97 s (± 0,20) contra os 2,10 s (± 0,27) dos avançados. No teste de velocidade, os recuados demoraram, em média, 4,50 s (± 0,32), menos 0,36s que os avançados. A capacidade aeróbia máxima em função do peso verificada para os recuados (52,33 mlO2/min/kg ± 5,41) foi, igualmente, superior à dos avançados (46,60 mlO2/min/kg ± 5,64). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Os avançados eram significativamente mais altos, mais pesados e apresentavam uma maior percentagem de gordura corporal que os recuados. Eram, também, mais lentos, e tinham uma menor capacidade aeróbia máxima em função das suas massas corporais. No entanto, apresentavam uma maior capacidade aeróbia máxima em valor absoluto e produziam um maior momento linear. As diferenças entre avançados e recuados foram ao encontro às da literatura e estão relacionadas com os distintos papéis desempenhados pelos atletas durante o jogo. Apesar das limitações inerentes a este estudo, acreditamos que este é pertinente e irá estimular o aprofundamento dos conhecimentos nesta área. Estudos semelhantes mas de maiores dimensões deverão ser realizados, no futuro, de forma a podermos avaliar e caracterizar mais fielmente o atleta de rugby português.

INTRODUCTION: In rugby, each position has very specific and unique requirements, both anthropometric and physiological. Several studies have documented the significant differences in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of athletes in the different playing positions. However, despite being common in countries where rugby is more popular, no studies seeking to investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of the Portuguese rugby players have been published yet. OBJECTIVES: To anthropometrically and physiologically characterize Portuguese rugby players, attempting to identify any differences between athletes of different positions and to compare the recorded results with similar studies. METHODS: 46 rugby players from two teams competing in the senior male national championships were assessed. Athletes were grouped according to their positions on the field, as forwards (n = 24) and backs (n = 22). All athletes underwent anthropometric assessment with determination of height, body mass and nine skin folds. Out of these, forty also underwent physical abilities assessment which consisted in determination of speed, acceleration and maximal aerobic capacity. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19 and significance level of 5% was considered. RESULTS: Forwards presented average body weight of 96.02 kg (+/-13.44) and 1.80 m (+/-0.06) of height, compared to 76.84 kg (+/-7.28) and 1.73 m (+/-0.06) height of backs. As for the physiological assessment, backs recorded better results. In the 10m test they only took 1.97 s (+/-0.20), while forwards spent 2.10s (+/-0.27). In the speed test, backs also spent 0.36 s less than forwards. Maximal aerobic capacities, weight dependent, recorded by backs (52.33+/-5.41 mlO2/min/kg) were also better than those determined for forwards (46.60+/-5.64mlO2/min/kg). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In the present study forwards were significantly taller, heavier and had higher percentage of body fat than backs. They were also slower and had lower maximal aerobic capacity concerning their body mass. However, they had higher maximal aerobic capacity in absolute value and produced greater momentum. Differences between forwards and backs were consistent with the literature and related to the different roles in the game. Despite its intrinsic limitations, we believe this study is relevant and will promote further investigations about this issue. Similar but larger studies should be conducted in the future so that we can more accurately assess and characterize the Portuguese rugby players.

Perfil antropométrico e fisiológico dos jogadores de rugby portugueses - Parte II: comparação entre atletas de diferentes níveis competitivos / Anthropometric and physiological profile of Portuguese rugby players - Part II: comparison between athletes with different competitive levels

INTRODUÇÃO: Desde a introdução, em 1995, do profissionalismo, que os estudos publicados têm vindo a apontar para uma maior diferenciação dos atletas, em todos os níveis, para cada uma das posições. Todavia, apesar de serem comuns em países onde o rugby é mais popular, nenhum estudo procurando caracterizar do ponto de vista antropométrico e fisiológico o atleta de rugby português foi, até agora, publicado. Procuramos avaliar e caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses de diferentes níveis competitivos, estudando as seguintes variáveis: idade, massa corporal, estatura, composição corporal, capacidade aeróbia máxima, aceleração, velocidade e agilidade. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses, procurando identificar eventuais diferenças entre atletas de patamares competitivos distintos. Comparar os resultados obtidos com os demais trabalhos já publicados. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos 46 jogadores de rugby de duas equipes a disputarem competições nacionais seniores masculinas em escalões distintos. Dos 46 atletas avaliados, 24 pertenciam a uma equipe semiprofissional e 22 a uma equipe amadora. Os atletas foram submetidos a uma avaliação antropométrica através da determinação das suas estaturas, massas corporais e pregas cutâneas. Do total de atletas avaliados, 40 submeteram-se, também, a uma avaliação das suas capacidades físicas que consistiu na determinação da velocidade e capacidade de aceleração, através dos testes de corrida de 30 e dez metros, respectivamente. Determinou-se, igualmente, as suas capacidades aeróbias máximas, através da realização do teste de Luc Léger. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao software IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19, tendo sido considerado um valor de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Verificamos que os semiprofissionais eram, em média, 3cm mais altos que os recuados e apresentavam uma percentagem de massa gorda média de apenas 15,09% (± 6,03) contra os 22,39% (± 6,54) dos recuados. Os amadores eram igualmente quatro anos mais velhos e apresentavam um índice de massa corporal superior aos semiprofissionais. Nos testes físicos os resultados obtidos foram semelhantes para ambos os grupos de atletas. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Não se verificaram, no presente estudo, as esperadas diferenças entre atletas de diferentes patamares competitivos. Efetivamente, no que diz respeito à composição corporal e à estatura dos atletas, verificamos uma vantagem dos atletas semiprofissionais, quando comparados com os amadores. No entanto, a homogeneidade verificada parece indicar que o rugby português ainda não terá dado o salto qualitativo que o profissionalismo trouxe aos países com maior tradição na modalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Since it became professional in 1995, several studies have reported greater differentiation of athletes at all levels for each position. However, despite being common in countries where rugby is more popular, no studies seeking to investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Portuguese rugby players have been published yet. We sought to evaluate the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of the Portuguese rugby athletes playing in different competitive levels by studying the following variables: age, body mass, stature, body composition, maximal aerobic capacity, acceleration, speed and agility. OBJECTIVES: To anthropometrically and physiologically characterize Portuguese rugby players, attempting to identify any differences between athletes of different competitive levels and to compare the recorded results with similar studies. METHODS: We assessed 46 rugby players from two teams competing in different divisions of the men senior national championships. Out of the 46 athletes evaluated, 24 belonged to a semiprofessional team and 22 to an amateur team. The 46 athletes underwent anthropometric assessment, where stature, body mass and skin folds were determined. Out of these, 40 also underwent physical capabilities assessment which consisted in determining speed and acceleration capability, through 30 and 10 meter- running tests, respectively. Additionally, their maximum aerobic capacity was determined through the Luc Léger field test. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19 and a significance level of 5% was considered. RESULTS: It was found that semiprofessionals were on average 3cm taller than backs and presented average body fat percentage of only 15.09% (+ / -6.03) compared to the 22.39% (+/-6.54) of backs. Amateurs were also four years older and presented higher average Body Mass Index than semiprofessionals. Concerning the physical tests, results were similar between groups. Discussion and CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the expected differences between athletes from different competitive levels were not identified. In fact, regarding body composition and height, we have found an advantage of the semiprofessional athletes. However, the homogeneity observed seems to indicate that Portuguese rugby has not given the qualitative leap yet that professionalism brought up to the countries with greater tradition in this sport.