viernes, 28 de enero de 2011

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN RUGBY



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN RUGBY
LITERATURE REVIEW
Dr. Miriam R Sinclair B.Cur (Ed et Adm), Ph.D.

The sport of rugby union has changed considerably over the last few years, becoming a faster and more physical game. Due to the popularity of the game, the number of players actively participating has increased over a broad spectrum of skill and fitness levels.

Players start playing rugby on a more formalised basis at a much younger age, women and girls are now also involved in playing the game and the level of competitiveness at schools has increased dramatically.
At a semi-professional and professional level, monetary and other incentives has made the game more competitive. These changes in the game have resulted in a greater risk of injury.

To this end, several commercial companies have become involved in the design and production of protective equipment and clothing specific to the sport of rugby, with the overall goal of reducing the risk of injury.
Protective equipment now encompasses a broad spectrum of items that are widely available, though not necessarily affordable to all. A study by Marshall et al. [27] (327 male and female rugby players) showed that less than 15% of the players used protective devices (i.e. support sleeves, headgear, head tape and grease), other than mouth guards and taping of joints.
Link: BokSmart.

(c) BokSmart, Sarugby.co.za

No hay comentarios: