Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of top-level junior (under-19) rugby union coaches towards training the tackle

Includes bibliographical references.Background: The tackle in rugby union is a dynamic and high impact contact situation that occurs frequently during matches and exposes players to high risk of injury and muscle damage. The inability to tackle will result in opposition players gaining territory and possibly scoring points. Indeed, the ability to effectively engage in tackle contact has been associated with team success. While the risk of injury may always be present during these physical contests between the ball-carrier and tackler, coaching of proper techniques and skills may reduce the risk of injury, and at the same time improve performance. With that said, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of rugby union coaches towards coaching the tackle. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess coaches’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards coaching the tackle. Methods: The top 8 rugby-playing schools (Premier A Division) in the Western Province Rugby Union participated in the study (representing 100% of the entire population of top-level junior schools in the region). A questionnaire was used to assess coaches’ knowledge, attitude and reported behaviour. Tackle training behaviour was also observed over a period of 4 weeks at the start of the season. Results: Sixty-two percent of coaches rated proper tackle technique to reduce the risk of injury as very important and 75% of coaches rated proper tackle technique as very important for improving performance. The tackle was practiced in 16% (n=15) of the total practice sessions (n=96). Coaches did not emphasise safety during the tackle sessions. Tackle training was over-reported by 75% (n=5) of coaches during the 4-week observational period. Discussion/Conclusion: Majority of coaches are aware of the high risk of injury associated with the tackle. Most coaches believe that tackle technique can improve tackle performance and safety during the tackle event. Coaches develop new 2 methods mostly through resources such as coaching colleagues and watching televised and live rugby matches. During the observed training period however, only 15 tackle training sessions were observed. It may be important to identify how much tackle training should occur during the pre-season and competition phase of the season to adequately prepare players for competition without increasing the risk of injury. The latest research on ways to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance in the tackle should also be disseminated through the appropriate channels that coaches are known to use. Tackle training guidelines should be based on scientific evidence, and these guidelines should outline how coaches need to design their training to meet their team requirements. Further research should identify which coaching behaviours can be used to effectively train tackle safety and tackle performance during training sessions. Keywords: Rugby union, tackling, coaching, injury prevention, attitude, knowledge, behaviou

The subendothelial extracellular matrix modulates NF-κB activation by flow: a potential role in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic plaque forms in regions of the vasculature exposed to disturbed flow. NF-κB activation by fluid flow, leading to expression of target genes such as E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, may regulate early monocyte recruitment and fatty streak formation. Flow-induced NF-κB activation is downstream of conformational activation of integrins, resulting in new integrin binding to the subendothelial extracellular matrix and signaling. Therefore, we examined the involvement of the extracellular matrix in this process. Whereas endothelial cells plated on fibronectin or fibrinogen activate NF-κB in response to flow, cells on collagen or laminin do not. In vivo, fibronectin and fibrinogen are deposited at atherosclerosis-prone sites before other signs of atherosclerosis. Ligation of integrin α2β1 on collagen prevents flow-induced NF-κB activation through a p38-dependent pathway that is activated locally at adhesion sites. Furthermore, altering the extracellular matrix to promote p38 activation in cells on fibronectin suppresses NF-κB activation, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for treating atherosclerosis