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We have had to publish another paper in the @BJSM_BMJ highlighting some concerns we have with research conducted by @EnglandRugby and @WorldRugby.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/28/bjsports-2020-101983
A thread 1/
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/28/bjsports-2020-101983
A thread 1/
The paper published by @drkeithstokes, @drsimonkemp, @Scienceofsport and colleagues showed that @WorldRugby's tackle-height trial in @Champrugby increased the risk and number of concussions. Thus it caused harm! 
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This trial was implemented by @WorldRugby and @EnglandRugby and was based upon research lead by @Scienceofsport, @drsimonkemp and colleagues.
https://www.world.rugby/news/351855?lang=en
Note their self-congratulation
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https://www.world.rugby/news/351855?lang=en
Note their self-congratulation
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So what is my issue...
1. The players themselves perceived that the trial WOULD INCREASE the risk of concussion (Note the tense of the language to suggest that the consultation was conducted before the trial was implemented). 4/
1. The players themselves perceived that the trial WOULD INCREASE the risk of concussion (Note the tense of the language to suggest that the consultation was conducted before the trial was implemented). 4/
2. The Trial was implemented (some would say imposed), despite the players own concerns. Unfortunately, the players were right.
3. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these players were given an informed choice on if they wanted to take part of not. 5/
3. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these players were given an informed choice on if they wanted to take part of not. 5/
... as employees of their clubs, and this being conducted in a competitive season (which clubs are financially compelled to partake). So there is no right to withdraw without penalty or prejudice
https://www.englandrugby.com//dxdam/aa/aa324567-54e8-4bfd-9c0d-60505b379b8d/Championship%20Regulations%2019-20.pdf
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https://www.englandrugby.com//dxdam/aa/aa324567-54e8-4bfd-9c0d-60505b379b8d/Championship%20Regulations%2019-20.pdf
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4. The ethical approval, granted by @UniofBath, was for @drkeithstokes and co. to conduct an "observational" study. However, this trial is a move away from the standard laws of the game (an intervention).
Indeed, they even referred to it as an Intervention 57 times
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Indeed, they even referred to it as an Intervention 57 times
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They may argue that World Rugby (their organisation) made the decisions independently... But the research WAS the law change. This raises clear and important questions about the entanglement of corporate interests with academic research which is clearly apparent in this study
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Most of the authors work for, or are directly funded by, the rugby authorities. It is dressing up corporate messaging as independent science.
Of course, @Scienceofsport claims himself that he is part of the machinery that makes law changes. 9/
Of course, @Scienceofsport claims himself that he is part of the machinery that makes law changes. 9/
The plot thickens... despite all of this and their initial article claiming this was an "intervention" 57 times. They have quietly made major amendments to their study report, now claiming it was an observational study. Here are the changes highlighted 10/
This is important because @WorldRugby imposed an intervention study that harmed the brains of these rugby players, and despite them raising concerns, WR went ahead anyhow.
Old version: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2019/12/18/bjsports-2019-101557?versioned=true
New: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/24/bjsports-2019-101557
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Old version: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2019/12/18/bjsports-2019-101557?versioned=true
New: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/24/bjsports-2019-101557
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The reason for why so many amendments is unknown. Particularly given that seven authors approved the original version. Did all seven of them miss that the research question, study design and hundreds of words were incorrect? Hmmmm
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All efforts to make our game safer must be taken. But research, particularly intervention/trials, must be conducted ethically ensuring participants give full, informed consent and can withdraw without prejudice or penalty. On this occasion, it is not evident that happened. 13/
We absolutely encourage research that looks to reduce injury and concussions in sport. However, any such research should be undertaken with due regard to participant informed consent and the right to withdraw. 14/14
https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-helsinki-ethical-principles-for-medical-research-involving-human-subjects/
https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-helsinki-ethical-principles-for-medical-research-involving-human-subjects/
