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ECG findings in professional rugby players using international screening recommendations.

Contributor(s):

Grant, Aubrey J MUMH

Publication details: 2024; ; ISSN:

2055-7647

Subject(s):

Online resources:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001813

Summary: Background: While World Rugby guidelines do not mandate the inclusion of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for all players, this is required for entry into international rugby competitions. We, therefore, sought to describe sport-specific normative ECG values and evaluate the performance of contemporary athlete ECG guidelines in male and female professional rugby players.Summary: Conclusions: The application of contemporary ECG interpretation criteria resulted in a low positivity rate isolated to male players. These results help inform the logistic feasibility of ECG-inclusive screening, which is already required to enter major tournaments. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Summary: Methods: We retrospectively analysed professional rugby players' ECGs (n=356, male 79%) obtained during preparticipation screening (2010-2022), comparing by sex and playing position (forwards vs backs). ECGs were categorised as normal 'training-related', borderline and abnormal findings, as defined by the 2017 International Recommendations.Summary: Results: 84% of players had one or more normal, 'training-related' findings, with males having a higher prevalence than females (91% vs 60%, p<0.001). Most ECG findings did not vary by position. No female player had borderline or abnormal ECG findings. Borderline findings were present in 3% (n=12/356) of players. Abnormal findings were present in 2% (n=7/356) of players. Overall, 2.2% of ECGs were 'positive' (n=8/356, including n=1 ECG with two borderline findings).

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Title notes ( 5 )

Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	Status	Date due	Barcode
Journal Article	MedStar Authors Catalog	Article	38562152	Available		38562152

Background: While World Rugby guidelines do not mandate the inclusion of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for all players, this is required for entry into international rugby competitions. We, therefore, sought to describe sport-specific normative ECG values and evaluate the performance of contemporary athlete ECG guidelines in male and female professional rugby players.

Conclusions: The application of contemporary ECG interpretation criteria resulted in a low positivity rate isolated to male players. These results help inform the logistic feasibility of ECG-inclusive screening, which is already required to enter major tournaments. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed professional rugby players' ECGs (n=356, male 79%) obtained during preparticipation screening (2010-2022), comparing by sex and playing position (forwards vs backs). ECGs were categorised as normal 'training-related', borderline and abnormal findings, as defined by the 2017 International Recommendations.

Results: 84% of players had one or more normal, 'training-related' findings, with males having a higher prevalence than females (91% vs 60%, p<0.001). Most ECG findings did not vary by position. No female player had borderline or abnormal ECG findings. Borderline findings were present in 3% (n=12/356) of players. Abnormal findings were present in 2% (n=7/356) of players. Overall, 2.2% of ECGs were 'positive' (n=8/356, including n=1 ECG with two borderline findings).

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