Mike Ian Lambert

University of Cape Town | UCT · Division of Exercise Science & Sports Medicine (ESSM), Department of Human Biology

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

Background The tackle is the leading cause of injury in Rugby Union. Although proficient technique, for both the tackler and ball-carrier, has been shown to lower the risk of injury in the tackle, little is known about the interaction between a tackler’s and ball-carrier’s technique in the same tackle event. Objective This study aims to describe t...

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

The aims of this study were 3-fold: (1) to compare technical proficiency scores between training and matches for tackling, ball-carrying, and rucking outcomes; (2) to determine the relationship between technique in training and technique in matches for tackling, ball carrying, and rucking; and (3) to determine how contact technique (in training and...

Purpose: To test the effects of mental fatigue (MF) on tackling technique on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in rugby union. Methods: Twenty male amateur rugby union players and a total of 953 tackles were analyzed. A randomized crossover counterbalanced design was used across a non-MF (control) and an MF condition. During each condition,...

Objective To determine the relationship between player and coach rating of perceived challenge (RPC) for different training sessions over a competitive rugby union season. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between player RPC and player session rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods We used an observational longitudinal study des...

This study quantified and compared the collision and non-collision match characteristics across age categories (i.e. U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior) for both amateur and elite playing standards from Tier 1 rugby union nations (i.e. England, South Africa, New Zealand). Two-hundred and one male matches (5911 min ball-in-play) were coded using computerise...

Video-based technical feedback can improve tackling technique in both dominant and non-dominant shoulders.Video-based technical feedback group continued to improve following a retention interval of one week.The video-based technical feedback group showed a significant (with a moderate effect size) improvement from baseline for two techniques - name...

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

Falls are a common mechanism of injury in mountain biking and may be related to a loss of control of the bicycle. Traditionally the components of bicycle control (balance and agility) are measured in standing and running, which may not reflect the skills required in mountain biking. In this paper we present the validity of both traditional standing...

“Sport medicine” is a broad and complex field of healthcare. It comprises various medical, paramedical, complementary/alternative and research-oriented occupational groups[1], and it encompasses physical activity and injury rehabilitation and prevention [1]. In broad terms it can be seen as the study of the health implications of human movement and...

The ruck area is responsible for the second-highest number of rugby union injuries, therefore it is necessary to investigate and understand the ruck better for improved player safety. The study aimed to investigate and compare incidents of legal and illegal ruck cleanouts in non-professional youth rugby. Using Nacpsort Scout Plus software, 118 Sout...

In collision sports, the tackle has the highest injury incidence, and is key to a successful performance. Although the contact load of players has been measured using microtechnology, this has not been related to tackle technique. The aim of this study was to explore how PlayerLoad™ changes between different levels of tackling technique during a si...

Musculoskeletal assessment and skill screening tests are regularly used in sports and exercise science to determine performance levels or injury risk in athletes. Many of these tests are used without having undergone clinimetric evaluation. The steps to develop these screening tests and assessment tools should include a structured process according...

This study investigated the relationship between physical qualities and contact technique proficiency in rugby union players. Thirty-eight (n = 38) male academy rugby union players participated in the study. Physical measures of anthropometry, functional mobility, strength endurance, strength, power, speed, agility, and anaerobic and aerobic endura...

Background Collisions in rugby union and sevens have a high injury incidence and burden, and are also associated with player and team performance. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these collisions is therefore important for coaches and practitioners to adequately prepare players for competition. The aim of this review is to synthesise t...

Background Cycling is a popular global sport and method of transportation and a significant contributor to admissions to hospital emergency units following an injury. Mountain biking events present additional challenges with remote venues and isolated courses, for which on-site medical care is often provided, for both injury and illness occurring d...

Background In rugby union and sevens, the tackle is the most frequently occurring contact event and carries the greatest risk of causing injury. Proper tackle technique has been shown to reduce the risk of injury during the tackle and increase likelihood of success. As such, national rugby injury prevention programmes aim to provide coaches, traine...

As part of the South African Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP), the annual SARU Youth Week tournaments’ injury data are recorded and investigated by SA Rugby. The BokSmart National Rugby Safety Programme has been collecting and analysing these data annually since 2011 for the SARU Boy’s Youth Week tournaments....

Swimrun was established in Sweden in 2006. In competition athletes alternate between running and swimming multiple times. It has grown from only being hosted in Sweden to now being a global sport. The swimrun race exposes athletes to environments that require a unique set of skills. For example, participants have to negotiate ocean currents and wav...

Background: Many international sporting organizations have recommended practices to reduce the risk of injury. These practices include screening for injury, having appropriate emergency medical care, and protocols for managing injury before return-to-play. The extent of the uptake of these practices in a developing country such as Uganda, is unkno...

As part of the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP), the Carling Currie Cup 2020/21 Premiership Division Competition (the ‘Carling Currie Cup’) injury data were recorded throughout the tournament by the medical doctors and medical support staff of the respective teams. All seven teams were required to record ev...

Objective To analyse tackler and ball-carrier technical proficiency during moderate and severe contact injuries (≥8 days lost) in professional rugby union, and compare it with injury-free event-matched controls from the same player and from the same team. Methods Technical proficiency for 74 (n=74) (moderate and severe; ≥8 days lost) tackler and b...

Capostagno, B, Lambert, MI, and Lamberts, RP. Analysis of a submaximal cycle test to monitor adaptations to training: Implications for optimizing training prescription. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) was developed to monitor training adaptation to optimize the training prescription of...

This study investigated the physical characteristics, match demands and their relationships in elite-level male field hockey players (n = 23; 24 ± 3 years). Testing data were collected to investigate the physiological profiles of the players, while match demands were quantified with GPS data over 26 matches. There were significant differences (p =...

Objectives Effective tackle technique is associated with reduced injury risks and improved performance in contact. Injury prevention programmes aim to provide players with knowledge of effective technique. However, little is known of the impact of this knowledge on a player’s technique in the tackle. This study aimed to determine the association be...

Background: Rugby carries a risk for serious injuries, including acute spinal cord injuries. The lifetime health consequences of these injuries may be far-reaching. Purpose: In this study, we aimed to describe barriers and facilitators to healthcare and rehabilitation, in individuals with rugby-related spinal cord injuries in South Africa. Methods:...

The aim of this review was to consolidate and synthesise rugby union (RU) and rugby league (RL) studies on tackle and RU studies on ruck technique for rugby stakeholders. Forty-nine studies were identified (20 in RL and 29 in RU). RL studies primarily focussed on identifying factors that impact tackling ability. Leaner, fitter players, with greater...

Purpose In this study we measured neural activation (EMG) in four trunk stabilizer muscles and vastus lateralis (VL) in trained and novice participants during a set of squat repetitions to volitional fatigue at 85% 1RM. Methods Forty males were recruited into two groups, novice (NG: n = 21) and experienced (EG: n = 19), according to relative squat...

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

Background/aim BokSmart is a nationwide injury prevention programme that aims to reduce players’ injury risk mainly through education of coaches and referees in mandatory biennial education courses. These courses are held throughout each rugby season. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether these courses were associated wi...

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

Objectives To determine (1) the prevalence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) among former professional football and rugby players, (2) assess the association between ankle injuries or ankle surgeries with ankle OA, and (3) compare the mental and physical quality of life (QoL) between former professional football and rugby players with and without OA. M...

Regular monitoring of players in a team can be a challenge because it is time consuming, expensive and impractical. The Fatigue and Fitness Test for Teams (FFITT) was developed to satisfy the demands of a practical monitoring protocol for frequent use in team sports. This study aimed to quantify the sensitivity of the FFITT and assess the practical...

The study investigated whether countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics and subjective responses to a readiness-to-train questionnaire (RTT-Q) tracked simulated match-induced acute fatigue. This was a randomized cross-over repeated measures study. Participants were assigned into one of two groups; CONTROL or LIST. The LIST group performed the Loughboroug...

Objectives To measure the change in tackling technique of rugby union players following an acute bout of physically fatiguing exercise. Design Randomised cross-over study design with a physical fatigue condition and no-physical fatigue condition (control). Methods Nineteen male amateur club rugby union players (n = 19) and a total of 887 tackles...

Objectives The purpose of this review was to synthesise both injury prevention and performance tackle-related research to provide rugby stakeholders with information on tackle injury epidemiology, including tackle injury risk factors and performance determinants, and to discuss potential preventative measures. Design Systematic review and narrativ...

Background Cycling is a popular sport and method of transportation globally but is a significant contributor to sports injury admissions in hospital emergency units. Mountain biking events present additional challenges with remote venues, and isolated courses. Most mountain biking events will provide on-site medical care for both injury and illness...

The start of 2020 provides an opportunity to reflect on 2019 to determine how the South African Journal of Sports Medicine developed. This should be aligned to the journal’s goal to promote research associated with sport and exercise medicine, in particular, research which addresses questions relevant to sport, exercise, nutrition and health in Sou...

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of various global positioning system (GPS) sport watches in measuring distance throughout a 56 km running race. Methods The measured distance between timing mats was compared to the reported distance of GPS devices at the 2017 Two Oceans Marathon. Runners (n = 255) were divided into eight...

Background Cycling is a popular sport and method of transportation globally but is a significant contributor to sports injury admissions in hospital emergency units. Mountain biking events present additional challenges with remote venues, and isolated courses. Most mountain biking events will provide on-site medical care for both injury and illness...

Objective This study explored the association between concussion or musculoskeletal injuries, and the onset of mental health symptoms (MHS) in male professional rugby players over a 12-month period. Methods Observational prospective cohort study with three measurements over a follow-up period of 12 months. At baseline, 573 participants provided in...

Introduction: Contemporary theories on players’ intensity distribution in team sports suggest they regulate their outputs using pacing strategies. There is currently limited information on the effect of bout duration on pacing and movement patterns in rugby union match play. This study investigated the effect of different bout duration types (whole...

Rugby Sevens (‘Sevens’) is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This growth was marked by the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Games in 2016. The most frequently occurring contact events in Sevens are the tackle and ruck. Performing specific techniques during these contact events can reduce the risk of injury and increase the likeli...

Cycling is a sport that has been experiencing an increase in popularity as a mode of transport, recreational activity and professional career. Fifty percent of recreational mountain bikers have reported at least one serious acute injury related to mountain biking. Many of the injuries are a result of falling and are related to collisions, loss of c...

Cycling is a complex task that requires input from multiple bodily processing systems to maintain control and balance on the bicycle. Riders use steering, body leaning and twisting, and knee movements to oppose the lateral forces on a bicycle. Balance on and control of a bicycle are key components in preventing falls and crashes. In mountain biking...

Contemporary theories on players’ intensity distribution in team sports suggest that they regulate their outputs using pacing strategies. There is currently limited information on how movement patterns and pacing strategies of rugby union players in different position groups (forwards and backs) vary when exposed to different bout types (whole game...

This study examined the validity of a tool that assesses tackle and ruck technique in training and established reference data for tackle, ball-carry and ruck technique at different levels of play in rugby union. One hundred and thirty-one amateur rugby union players; 37 senior, 51 first-grade academy and 43 second-grade academy players, participate...

The Currie Cup Premiership Competition Injury Surveillance Report 2014 - 2018

This study measured how back squat strength (1RM) affected trunk muscle activation in performing squats, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Fifty males, completed two test sessions. Squat 1RM was tested first. Participants were assigned to three groups; (i) strong group (SG), (ii) middle group (MG) or (iii) weak group (WG), based on re...

Purpose: To determine how players’ attitudes towards injury prevention and performance in the tackle can be influenced by coaching and learning resources.Methods: A questionnaire assessed (i) the attitudes of rugby players (N=164) towards injury prevention and performance, and (ii) reported tackle coaching behaviours and learning resources.Results:...

We developed the Fatigue and Fitness Test for Teams (FFITT) to address the challenges of monitoring players in a team simultaneously. The test, which takes 8 min for the entire team, incorporates subjective measures of well-being (RTT-Q), and objective measures of the autonomic system (HRR60s) and neuromuscular function (SLJ). The aim of this study...

The South African Rugby Union Youth Weeks Injury Surveillance Report 2018

The South African Rugby Union Youth Weeks Injury Surveillance Report 2018

Head injuries in sports often go unnoticed and untreated with a risk of increasing the severity of neurological difficulties for affected athletes. While there is much research on athletes in developed countries, the data on athletes from developing countries is lacking. Using a descriptive case study approach, this report focuses on concussions fr...

Most contact sports, including rugby union, carry a risk of injury. Although acute spinal cord injuries (ASCIs) in rugby are rare, the consequences of such injuries are far-reaching. Optimal management of these injuries is challenging, and a detailed understanding of the different barriers and facilitators to optimal care is needed. In this study,...

The state of the South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019

Head injuries - let's face the facts

The state of the South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

The content of the report is based on data collected by the SA Rugby Injury and Illness Surveillance and Prevention Project (SARIISPP) steering group.

Introduction There is a high incidence of calf injuries in ultradistance runners. Due to the low load, high volume nature of ultradistance running, the stimulation for adaptation in the gastrocnemius from running alone, may not be sufficient to stimulate adaptation. The purpose of this study was to assess the adaption in the architectural and funct...

The prevention and management of concussion is topical in the developed world and best practice guidelines representing several sports have been developed. Whether these guidelines have been adopted in the developing world is not known. Therefore, identification of the barriers to appropriate health care of a concussed athlete in a developing count...

Background: Core stability training has grown in popularity over 25 years, initially for back pain prevention or therapy. Subsequently, it developed as a mode of exercise training for health, fitness and sport. The scientific basis for traditional core stability exercise has recently been questioned and challenged, especially in relation to dynamic...

Background: Core stability training has grown in popularity over 25 years, initially for back pain prevention or therapy. Subsequently, it developed as a mode of exercise training for health, fitness and sport. The scientific basis for traditional core stability exercise has recently been questioned and challenged, especially in relation to dynami...

Background Though rare, rugby union carries a risk for serious injuries such as acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI), which may result in permanent disability. Various studies have investigated injury mechanisms, prevention programmes and immediate medical management of these injuries. However, relatively scant attention has been placed on the player’...

Background: Video analysis is a common tool used in rugby union research to describe match performance. Studies using video analysis range from broad statistical studies of commercial databases to in-depth case-studies of specific match events. The range of types of studies using video analysis in rugby union, and how different studies apply the m...

It is necessary to study the rugby tackle as it is associated with successful performance outcomes and is responsible for the majority of contact injuries. A novel collision sport simulator was developed to study tackle performance. The main aim of this validation study was to assess tackle technique performance between two different conditions: si...

Objectives: Youth rugby union is a popular sport with a high injury incidence density (IID) and burden. This high risk has called for further research into the factors affecting the injuries in youth rugby. The aim of the study was to analyse time-loss IID and burden in multiple schoolboy rugby teams over a season and the potential factors associa...

Objectives Rugby-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are rare but life altering and traumatic events. Little is known about the long-term consequences and outcomes of players who have sustained these injuries. This study investigated current quality of life (QoL) and factors associated with QoL, among individuals with rugby-related SCI in South Afr...

The primary aims were to determine the 12-month incidence (and comorbidity) of symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD) among male professional rugby players and to explore their association with potential stressors. A secondary aim was to explore the view of male professional rugby players about the consequences of symptoms of CMD and related med...