Unlocking the Impact: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Biomechanical Insights into Rugby Head Impacts Using Wearable Sensor Technology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the realm of sports medicine, understanding the biomechanics of head impacts, particularly in contact sports such as rugby, is of utmost interest for injury prevention and player safety.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to consolidate existing knowledge on head impacts in rugby using wearable sensor technology, focusing on peak linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, and impact location.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases [PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL] was conducted in March 2024, including studies that assessed head impacts with wearable technology in rugby athletes. The search did not impose any restrictions on publication dates and included studies pu

SUBMITTER: De Sousa-De Sousa L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460405 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature