Publication: How are female rugby players affected by contact breast injuries and exercise-induced breast pain–an international survey

Research Impact: Contact breast injuries (CBI) and exercise-induced breast pain (EIBP) significantly impact female Rugby players’ performance. In a global survey of 182 players, 64.3% of 7s and 51.9% of 15s players experienced a CBI within a year, with tackle events being the primary cause. Severe EIBP was most often caused by sprinting, jumping, and running, though its overall frequency was lower. Despite pain or injury, over half of the players continued competing. Notably, 19.4% to 32.1% lacked prevention strategies, highlighting insufficient awareness. This underscores the urgent need for educational programs on breast pain and injury prevention and management for female Rugby players.

Bibby, K., Comyns, T.M., Cahalan, R., Purtill, H. and Kenny, I.C., 2024. How are female rugby players affected by contact breast injuries and exercise-induced breast pain–an international survey. Research in Sports Medicine, pp.1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2024.2431824