Ladies Heads-Up! A Validity Study of Mouth-Guards Representative Scaling Score in University Level Rugby Union Games

Abstract

This study investigates the validity of the True Impact Profile (TIP) scoring metric system in instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) for detecting Head Acceleration Events (HAEs) in university-level women's rugby union. The research aims to evaluate the sensitivity and predictive value of the TIP metric compared to video code analysis and to describe rugby events associated with each TIP metric value.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 15 female players from a university rugby team using HitIQ Nexus A9 iMGs. Data from one game was analyzed, comparing TIP scores with video-coded events. The study employed Cohen's Kappa for intrarater reliability and developed Python algorithms for data synchronization and analysis. Results revealed a low sensitivity (19.33%, 95% CI [16.27%, 22.74%]) and moderately higher positive predictive value (65.48%, 95% CI [58.04%, 72.27%]) for the TIP metric. Analysis of true positive events showed variations in HAE intensities with TIP 4 being the most frequqent across players and playing actions. Higher TIP values were predominantly associated with defensive mauls and rucks, while lower values corresponded to ball carry contacts.

The study highlights challenges in HAE detection, including limitations in video analysis. It also underscores the need for female-specific algorithms in iMG technology. These findings contribute to understanding HAE patterns in university women's rugby and suggest areas for improvement in iMG technology and interpretation protocols for more accurate player safety assessments.