Biomechanical analysis for treatment and management of injury in sport and exercise

Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union

Other project staff: Dr Dominic Farris, Jamie Fulton (Exeter Chiefs), Alfie Moxon (Exeter Chiefs)

For Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union Club, management of injury risk, treatment and rehabilitation is critical to maintain optimal performance. The collection of biomechanical measures at the University of Exeter, including movement, loading and strength data, for all players during pre-season training for five consecutive playing seasons (see image 1) has informed the development of screening methods now utilised in a purpose-built gait laboratory at Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs (image 2).  This approach is being used to inform treatment and support rehabilitation.

Image 1: Collecting biomechanical measures for rugby players

Our partnership with Exeter Chiefs: research and application

Exeter Chiefs have demonstrated their commitment to this collaboration through the support of PhD projects, partnership funding through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (Innovate UK), and the development of a dedicated sports science laboratory at their stadium (see image 2).

This support of research focused on the identification of risk factors for injury and application of results to injury management, together with the integration of sports science with the day-to-day activity of the club, is a model that can be applied in other elite sports settings.

Image 2: Exeter Chiefs have developed a dedicated sports science laboratory as part of this project

This systematic approach to the identification of biomechanical risk factors for injury to inform the development of interventions is being integrated with the study of additional risk factors such as movement screening, nutrition and health. This will inform the development of a programme to improve the understanding of risk factors for injury in Royal Navy and Royal Marines populations.