ArticleSouth African journal of sports medicine2026
Development of an integrated injury prevention and rehabilitation model for rugby and long-distance running: A qualitative consensus approach.
Article in South African journal of sports medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Sports injuries remain a significant challenge to athletes' health, performance, and long-term participation, particularly in high-contact and endurance sports. Existing prevention frameworks often lack sport-specific adaptability and integration with rehabilitation. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and refine an Integrated Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Model (IIPRM) through a qualitative, multi-phase consensus process. Methods: A three-stage, sequential qualitative design was used. Stage 1 was a scoping review of injury risks and prevention strategies in rugby and long-distance running to identify core concepts for the model. Stage 2 used a modified e-Delphi with experts (n=22; three rounds), with consensus predefined as ≥75% agreement; panel retention was 100% across Rounds 1-3 and 18.2% attrition in Round 4. Stakeholder focus groups (n=10) were used to refine clarity, feasibility, and contextual relevance. Stage 3 combined the final fourth Delphi round and focus-group feedback to build consensus and validate the model. Results: Across Delphi rounds, 82% of items reached the ≥75% consensus threshold by Round 2, with remaining items achieving consensus in Round 3. The final IIPRM is a cyclical, athlete-centred framework integrating primary and secondary prevention through education, pre-participation screening, risk-targeted interventions, functional reintegration, and continuous monitoring. Stakeholder input prompted the inclusion of psychological readiness screening, enhanced recovery education, and seasonal alignment of interventions. Conclusion: The IIPRM provides a conceptually practical and adaptable approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation, positioned to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term athlete health. As the model has not yet been implemented or evaluated, future research should examine its feasibility, effectiveness, and transferability across sports.
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