Jaco, Ras M.Puckree, Threethambal2015-02-202015-02-202014-08-23Jac, R.M. and Puckree, T. 2014. Injury incidence and balance in Rugby players. Pakistan Journal of Medical Science. 30(6) :1682024X1681715Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10321/1237Objective: This study determined and correlated injury incidence and balance in rugby players. Methods: A prospective survey with balance testing was conducted on first year rugby academy players (N=114). Injury incidence, static and dynamic balance were tested pre and post-season using a Biosway portable balance system. The data was analysed using paired and independent samples t-tests at p<0.05, Odds ratios, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: 75.50% participated, 71.40% were 18 years old, and 71.40% were White. Injury was sustained by 83% of players with the knee (25%) most commonly injured. Injury incidence was 1.52 per player with an injury rate of 5.95 injuries per 1000 match playing hours. The Stability Index increased significantly (p=0.03) by 15% in the medial/lateral direction post-season compared to pre-season. Significant differences in post-test anterior posterior and overall static and front and front right dynamic stability between injured and uninjured players were noted. Risk factors for injury included the scrum-half (14.80%) playing position, injuries in the 2nd half of the match (57%), and during contact (67%). Conclusion: Injury incidence was related to static and dynamic balance in forward right direction only.5 penRugby injury incidenceStability indexLimits of stabilityArticlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.306.5648