Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To investigate retired elite female rugby
players’ health outcomes (and their relationships) in
five key areas (musculoskeletal, cognitive, mental,
reproductive/endocrinological and cardiovascular) and how
those compare with the general population.
METHODS: Female rugby players aged ≥18 years old and
retired from elite competition ≥2 years were recruited
via email or social media to complete a 179-item online
questionnaire and neurocognitive assessment. Data from
general population controls (matched for age and sex)
were obtained where available.
RESULTS: 159 participants responded (average age
43 (±5) years). 156 (98%) reported a hip/groin, knee,
foot/ankle or lower back injury during their career, of
which 104 (67%) reported ongoing pain. Participants
reported worse hip and knee outcomes compared
with the general population (p<0.0001). 146 (92%)
reported sustaining one or more concussions. History
of concussion was associated with lower-than-average
scores on neurocognitive assessment. Compared with
general population data, retired female rugby players
reported less anxiety (OR=0.079 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.19)),
depression (OR=0.67 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.78)) and distress
(OR=0.17 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.19)). Amenorrhoea rates were
higher compared with matched controls, and the age at
menopause was younger. The prevalence of hypertension
was higher. The rugby players perceived that their health
decreased in retirement and cited a lack of physical
activity as a main contributor.
CONCLUSION: Our findings point to the potential value of
screening and monitoring, and identifying preventative
measures during sporting careers to promote health and
long-term quality of life for athletes.
