Neck strength deficit is a risk factor for concussion in high school rugby union and rugby league players.

Objectives: Primary prevention of concussions is a priority in contact sports, with growing interest in the role of neck strength in mitigating the risks of concussion. The aim of this study was to determine if neck function was associated with in-season concussions in adolescent rugby union and league athletes, and to establish clinical values to identify players with increased risk of sustaining a concussion.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Decreased isometric neck strength is a risk factor for head, neck and face injuries in professional rugby league players.

Head, neck and face injuries are a concern in contact sports. This exploratory study aimed to establish 1) injury risk factors for head, neck and face injuries and 2) clinical cut-off values related to strength, endurance and proprioception of the cervical spine in a team of professional rugby league players. Pre-season assessments of isometric strength of the flexor, extensor and lateral flexor muscles, endurance of the flexor muscles and joint position error were conducted.

The association between size and symmetry of the lumbar multifidus muscle, and injuries in adolescent rugby union players.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between size and symmetry of the lumbar multifidus muscle, and season injuries in adolescent rugby union players.

Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Setting: Pre-season assessment of the size (cross-sectional area) of the lumbar multifidus (L2-5) muscles using ultrasound imaging.

Evaluation of the vestibular/ocular motor screening assessment in active combat sport athletes: an exploratory study.

Objective: The first aim of this study was to compare the results of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) in combat sport athletes with a healthy control population. Second, to explore differences between athletes with and without a concussion history. Third, to examine the relationship between VOMS and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) in combat sport athletes.

Vestibular and oculomotor function in male combat sport athletes.

Objectives: To investigate for differences in vestibulo-ocular function between active male combat sport athletes and a healthy control group. In addition, to explore the relationship between symptom-based outcome measures with vestibulo-ocular function.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Sensorimotor system changes in adolescent rugby players post-concussion: A prospective investigation from the subacute period through to return-to-sport.

Background: The pathophysiology of concussion is complex. Altered sensorimotor function post-concussion may contribute to the wide range of symptoms and impairments reported. There is currently limited evidence documenting changes in sensorimotor function during the recovery period.

Trunk muscle size and function in volleyball players with and without injuries to the head, neck and upper limb.

Objective: To investigate trunk muscle size and function in elite and community volleyball players with and without a history of head, neck or upper limb injury.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting: Volleyball training camp or training sessions.

The prevalence and burden of recurrent headache in Australian adolescents: findings from the longitudinal study of Australian children.

Background: Headache disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, but not well investigated in adolescents. Few studies have included representative nationwide samples. This study aimed to present the prevalence and burden of recurrent headache in Australian adolescents.

The association of concussion history and symptom presentation in combat sport athletes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the concussion-related symptoms reported among combat sport athletes with and without a history of concussion, and a history of neck injury.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Data were collected using an online survey instrument.

Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in adolescent rugby union players with and without a history of concussion.

Objectives: Sport-related concussions are common in adolescent contact sports. Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction has been reported in athletes post-concussion. There is a lack of research on vestibulo-ocular function in sporting adolescents, and the influence of previous concussions on the vestibular system in this population.

Epidemiology of injuries in Australian school level rugby union.

Objectives: There is a high incidence of injuries in rugby union due to the physical nature of the game. There is a lack of large-scale injury surveillance data reported for school level rugby players of different ages. Our study aimed to investigate the frequency and nature of injuries being sustained during an Australian school level rugby union season.

Injuries in Australian school-level rugby union.

There is a high incidence of injuries in rugby union due to the physical nature of the game. In youth rugby union, there are large variations in injury rates reported. Our study investigated the rates of injuries in school-level rugby union players in Australia using the consensus statement for rugby union injuries.

The relationship between the piriformis muscle, low back pain, lower limb injuries and motor control training among elite football players.

Objectives: Australian Football League (AFL) players have a high incidence of back injuries. Motor control training to increase lumbopelvic neuromuscular control has been effective in reducing low back pain (LBP) and lower limb injuries in elite athletes. Control of pelvic and femoral alignment during functional activity involves the piriformis muscle.