Mouth protectors in junior rugby in Scotland

Broad, Michael Thomas (2011) Mouth protectors in junior rugby in Scotland. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Printed Thesis Information: https://eleanor.lib.gla.ac.uk/record=b2891024

Abstract

Introduction.
Sporting injuries can account for a significant number of orofacial injuries (Wright et al., 2007). The majority of studies have found that mouth protection is an effective way of preventing dental injury (Newsome et al., 2001). Jagger et al., (2010) stressed that it was important that trained personnel were in attendance at matches and training to provide early management and advice on trauma treatment and further management.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine:

• The policies of individual Scottish Rugby Union clubs regarding the use of mouth protectors by their Junior players when attending training sessions and playing on match days.

• The availability of medical, dental, and first aiders (health professional personnel) at Junior player training sessions and during match day games.

Material and Method:
A self-reporting questionnaire that sought to obtain the above information was sent by Royal Mail with an enclosed stamped addressed envelope to all 230 Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) affiliated clubs enclosing two letters. The first explained the research by Mr Mike Broad and Professor Richard Welbury and the second was a letter of support from Dr James Robson with his personal encouragement for each affiliated club to participate in this research.
A further postal batch was sent out to non-responders after the first response date had passed. After receiving the second postal replies and the return date had passed a third batch of contacts was undertaken by telephone calls.

Results:
• The total response from the 151 affiliated clubs with Junior players was 77% (117).
• Either a policy or advice regarding mouth protectors was provided by 78% (91) of the 117 responding clubs.
• 89% (104) of clubs allowed players to participate in training and 83% (97) of clubs allowed players to participate on match days without wearing mouth protection.

• The availability of health professionals:
• Present on match days, First Aider 94.8% (111), Doctor 19.6% (23), Dentist 1.7% (2); “On call” on match days Doctor 27.3% (32), Dentist 0% (0).
• Present on training sessions, First Aider 86.3% (101), Doctor 3.4% (4), Dentist 0.9% (1); “On call” on training days, Doctor 9.4% (11), Dentist 0% (0).
Conclusion.
It was concluded:
With reference to club policies on the use of mouth protectors by Junior players when training and playing, 77.7% (91) of the 117 clubs had a policy or provided advice. Despite this 89% (104) of clubs allowed players to participate in training and 83% (97) of clubs allowed players to participate on match days without wearing mouth protection.

Availability of medical, dental, and first aider (health professionals) at Junior Clubs is as follows: Present on match days, First Aider 94.8% (111), Doctor 19.6% (23), Dentist 1.7% (2); “On call” on match days Doctor 27.3% (32), Dentist 0% (0). Present on training sessions, First Aider 86.3% (101), Doctor 3.4% (4), Dentist 0.9% (1); “On call” on training days, Doctor 9.4% (11), Dentist 0% (0).

Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
Qualification Level: Masters
Keywords: Mouth protectors, mouthguards, in Scottish Rugby, affiliated clubs,
Subjects: R Medicine > RK Dentistry
Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Supervisor's Name: Welbury, Prof. Richard
Date of Award: 2011
Depositing User: Mr Michael Broad
Unique ID: glathesis:2011-3015
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 22 Nov 2011
Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 14:02
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/3015

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