- Kodikara, Dulan, Plumb, Mandy, Twomey, Dara
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Plumb, Mandy , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 23, no. 12 (2020), p. 1161-1165
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To present an epidemiological profile of hospital-treated head, neck and facial cricket injuries from 2007/08 to 2016/17 in Victoria, Australia. Design: Retrospective analysis of emergency department and hospital admission data. Methods: An analysis of Victorian hospital-treated head, neck and facial cricket injuries of all cricket participants over 5 years old between July 2007 and June 2017. Results: Over the decade, 3907 head, neck, facial (HNF) cricket injuries were treated in Victorian hospitals. The number of HNF cricket injuries substantially increased in the 2014/15 season from 367 to 435 injuries and remained over 400 in the subsequent years. More injuries were reported for male compared to female participants, 3583 compared to 324 injuries. When adjusted for participation in competitive cricket, the injury incidence rate was 1.3 per 1000 participants for males and 0.4 per 1000 participants for females. The 10−14 year age group most frequently required hospital treatment. Open wounds were the most common type of injury (1166, 29.8%) and the main mechanism for HNF cricket injury for this decade was hit/struck/crush (3361, 86.0%). Conclusions: This study provides a novel and current insight of the incidence and details of HNF injuries among cricket participants in Victoria over a decade. It is evident that males and younger participants, regardless of gender, have a higher risk of sustaining a HNF injury. This study provides a solid evidence base for stakeholders in developing strategies to minimise head, neck and facial injuries to make cricket a safe sport for all. © 2020 Sports Medicine Australia
A systematic review of head, neck and-facial injuries in cricket
- Kodikara, Dulan, Twomey, Dara, Plumb, Mandy
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Twomey, Dara , Plumb, Mandy
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 43, no. 6 (2022), p. 496-504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This systematic review was conducted to identify the incidence, nature and mechanisms of head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries in cricket and the reported use of helmets. Five databases were searched up to 30 thNovember 2020. From peer-reviewed cricket injury studies published in English, studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were selected. Twenty-nine studies were included. HNF injuries had a cumulative total of 794/5,886 injuries equating to 13% of all injuries. Non- specified HNF injuries (n=210, 26%) were the most prevalent type of injury followed by non-specified head injuries (n=130, 16%), other non-specified fractures (n=119, 15%) and concussions (n=60, 8%).The impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. The use of helmet was reported in only three studies (10%). From studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries, facial fractures, and concussions were the most common specified-types of injury. There is little evidence on reporting of HNF cricket injuries as per the international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the use of helmets at the time of injury. © 2022 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Twomey, Dara , Plumb, Mandy
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 43, no. 6 (2022), p. 496-504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This systematic review was conducted to identify the incidence, nature and mechanisms of head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries in cricket and the reported use of helmets. Five databases were searched up to 30 thNovember 2020. From peer-reviewed cricket injury studies published in English, studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were selected. Twenty-nine studies were included. HNF injuries had a cumulative total of 794/5,886 injuries equating to 13% of all injuries. Non- specified HNF injuries (n=210, 26%) were the most prevalent type of injury followed by non-specified head injuries (n=130, 16%), other non-specified fractures (n=119, 15%) and concussions (n=60, 8%).The impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. The use of helmet was reported in only three studies (10%). From studies reporting on HNF cricket injuries, facial fractures, and concussions were the most common specified-types of injury. There is little evidence on reporting of HNF cricket injuries as per the international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the use of helmets at the time of injury. © 2022 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.
Concussion assessment and management — what do community-level cricket participants know?
- Kodikara, Dulan, Plumb, Mandy, Twomey, Dara
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Plumb, Mandy , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 26, no. 9 (2023), p. 448-453
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To explore Australian cricket participants' knowledge of concussion assessment and management, and awareness of current concussion guidelines. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Novel and validated surveys were disseminated online, among over 16 year Australian cricket players and officials at the end of the 2018/19 cricket season. Data were collected on knowledge and awareness of concussion and analysed using descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. Further comparisons were made for the players between injured and non-injured, and helmet wearers and non-helmet wearers using Fisher's exact statistical test. Results: Both players (n = 224, 93 %) and officials (n = 36, 100 %) demonstrated strong knowledge of the importance of immediately evaluating suspected concussions. In comparison with players without helmets (n = 11), those using helmets (n = 135) considered replacing their helmets after a concussion to be vital to concussion assessment (p = 0.02). Overall, 80–97 % of players and 81–97 % of officials understood the importance of many factors regarding concussion management. When concussion management knowledge was compared by injury status, injured players (n = 17, 94 %) believed someone with a concussion should be hospitalised immediately, in contrast to non-injured players (n = 154, 69 %) (p = 0.04). Players (63 %) were less aware of concussion guidelines than officials (81 %). Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of concussion assessment and management was satisfactory. However, there were discrepancies among players on some aspects of awareness of concussion guidelines. Increasing players' familiarity and experience in using the concussion guidelines is warranted. Targeted campaigns are needed to further improve concussion recognition and treatment at community-level cricket, so all participants play a role in making cricket a safe sport. © 2023
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan , Plumb, Mandy , Twomey, Dara
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 26, no. 9 (2023), p. 448-453
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To explore Australian cricket participants' knowledge of concussion assessment and management, and awareness of current concussion guidelines. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Novel and validated surveys were disseminated online, among over 16 year Australian cricket players and officials at the end of the 2018/19 cricket season. Data were collected on knowledge and awareness of concussion and analysed using descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. Further comparisons were made for the players between injured and non-injured, and helmet wearers and non-helmet wearers using Fisher's exact statistical test. Results: Both players (n = 224, 93 %) and officials (n = 36, 100 %) demonstrated strong knowledge of the importance of immediately evaluating suspected concussions. In comparison with players without helmets (n = 11), those using helmets (n = 135) considered replacing their helmets after a concussion to be vital to concussion assessment (p = 0.02). Overall, 80–97 % of players and 81–97 % of officials understood the importance of many factors regarding concussion management. When concussion management knowledge was compared by injury status, injured players (n = 17, 94 %) believed someone with a concussion should be hospitalised immediately, in contrast to non-injured players (n = 154, 69 %) (p = 0.04). Players (63 %) were less aware of concussion guidelines than officials (81 %). Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of concussion assessment and management was satisfactory. However, there were discrepancies among players on some aspects of awareness of concussion guidelines. Increasing players' familiarity and experience in using the concussion guidelines is warranted. Targeted campaigns are needed to further improve concussion recognition and treatment at community-level cricket, so all participants play a role in making cricket a safe sport. © 2023
Head, neck, and facial injuries in Australian cricket
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
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