Abstract

Sixty-one school boys playing inter-school rugby football were examined with a view to the detection of conditions likely to result in an increased risk of sports injury. Height, weight, five skinfold thicknesses and four strength measurements were taken and three flexibility tests administered. Each subjects posture and muscle development were assessed and a number of other observations made. Details of sports injuries sustained during previous seasons were recorded. The most notable findings were a general lack of flexibility (moderate in 15 individuals and marked in 13 others), and poor upper body strength (moderate in 17 subjects, and marked in 15 others). Defects of posture and knee stability were also quite common. In general, the subjects leg and anterior trunk muscle development was found to be superior to that of the abdomen and upper back, but there were wide individual variations. In this group of subjects the presence of physical deficiencies appeared to be associated with the incidence of athlete injuries pointing to the need for individual assessment of the physical condition of adolescents involved in competitive body contact sports. Verf.-Referat