Abstract:
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.
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).
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.
