Understanding Rugby Injuries: Types and Prevention

The sport of rugby, with its intense amalgamation of speed, endurance, and contact, poses a significant risk of both rugby injuries and the need for injury care. UR Medicine joins forces with the Stop Sports Injury Campaign to address the rugby injury types most prevalent in today’s athletes. Through education and rugby injury prevention measures, the campaign aims to keep players safely in the action.

Injury management

in rugby is a critical aspect, given the blend of overuse and traumatic injuries synonymous with the sport. From tendinitis to concussions, understanding the root causes and effective treatment options is essential for maintaining player health and ensuring the longevity of their sporting careers.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Prevention and proper management are key to reducing the risk of common rugby injuries.
  • Educational campaigns are vital for increasing awareness of rugby injury types and prevention techniques.
  • Overuse injuries such as tendinitis and bursitis are as significant as traumatic injuries in rugby.
  • A rigorous approach to injury management and care is necessary for the high-impact nature of rugby.
  • Campaigns like Stop Sports Injury underscore the importance of rugby injury prevention to safeguard player welfare.
  • Monitoring player health and promoting safer play habits contribute to minimizing the long-term impact of injuries.
  • Collaborative efforts between medical professionals and sporting organizations can enhance outcomes for injured rugby players.

The Rise of Rugby Injuries in the Sport’s Growing Popularity

As rugby continues to capture the hearts of sports aficionados across the United States, the surge in its popularity comes hand-in-hand with heightened concerns over player safety. With rugby injury statistics emerging from USA Rugby showing an upward trend, it is evident that the high school demographic, among the 80,000+ registered players, is increasingly at risk of sustaining common rugby injuries.

The combination of endurance, necessitating consistent running, alongside the high-impact nature of tackling, raises the incidence of both overuse and traumatic injuries in the sport. This underscores the growing imperative for injury prevention strategies, not as an afterthought but as a foundational component of rugby programs. It is through this proactive approach to education and structural training regimens that players can minimize risks and extend their participation in rugby safely.

“A sport that epitomizes vigor and camaraderie, rugby also demands a tactical approach to injury prevention and care.”

  • Overuse injuries such as bursitis and tendinitis occur from the sport’s demands for continual running.
  • Traumatic injuries often result from the collision-centric nature of the game, including sprains, fractures, and concussions.
  • The rise in rugby participation, especially at the youth level, calls for robust injury prevention education.
  • Coaches and players are encouraged to adhere to structured training regimens that prioritize safety.

Training and education are paramount in mitigating the effects of rugby injuries. By focusing on both individual player development and team-centric safety practices, the rugby community can strive towards lowering the frequency of injuries while promoting a culture of resilience and well-being.

Rugby Injuries Overview: The Collision and Endurance Challenge

Rugby’s growing prominence as a competitive sport is paralleled by an increase in sport-related injuries, where athletes face the dual threats of high-impact collisions and the strains of continuous endurance. As the sport evolves, so does the approach to rugby injury management, treatment, and rehabilitation. UR Medicine’s partnership with initiatives like the Stop Sports Injury Campaign gives rise to enhanced techniques in both preventing and addressing rugby-related injuries.

Within the spectrum of injuries encountered on the field, the distinction between overuse and acute traumatic damage informs the strategies employed by medical professionals. Both categories play significant roles in the health and performance of rugby players and, as such, require targeted attention in both treatment and prevention programs.

UR Medicine’s Observation of Overuse and Traumatic Rugby Injuries

The extensive running inherent in rugby exposes players to a variety of overuse injuries. UR Medicine’s observations highlight that conditions such as medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, along with knee or ankle tendinitis, are frequent concerns. Advanced rugby injury management practices are crucial for aiding athletes in their journey from diagnosis through to full return-to-play clearance.

Commonality of Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Musculoskeletal Stress

Consequently, the rigorous physicality of rugby brings with it the risk of traumatic injuries. Robust rugby injury treatment protocols address the frequent musculoskeletal damage resultant from the sport’s intense physical collisions. The heightened occurrence of traumas, such as ligament sprains and bone fractures, particularly within the knee due to rotational forces during gameplay, call for comprehensive rugby injury rehabilitation programs.

Injury Type Common Treatments Rehabilitation Focus
Overuse Injuries (Tendinitis, Shin Splints) R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), Physical Therapy Strengthening of affected area, Improvement of flexibility and form
Traumatic Injuries (Sprains, Fractures) Immobilization, Surgery (if required), Pain Management Gradual rehabilitation exercises, Proprioceptive training
Knee Injuries (ACL and MCL Tears) Surgery (for tears), Bracing, Anti-inflammatory medications Regaining knee stability, Rebuilding muscle strength
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As the sport of rugby continues to grow, the imperative for proactive injury prevention equals the need for effective injury care. Knowledgeable professionals in sports medicine contribute to the resilience and ongoing success of rugby players through focused approaches to healthcare and injury prevention methodologies.

Common Rugby Injuries Identified in the Scrum of Play

The sport of rugby is known for its sheer physicality and intensity, particularly during key aspects of the game such as the scrum. This pivotal part of play is often where common rugby injuries occur, posing a significant challenge to injury management and prevention. Effective rugby injury prevention strategies are essential in these highly competitive environments, where players engage in close physical contests to gain possession of the ball. Injuries can range widely in severity, thus understanding the rugby injury types that can occur during the scrum is vital for players, coaches, and medical professionals alike.

Among the most prevalent injuries during the scrum are dislocated fingers and elbows, often the result of intense grappling and sudden impacts. Ligament sprains are also common, owing to the forceful engagement and bodily strain required to contest the scrum. A particularly unique injury encountered in rugby is the “jersey finger,” where a player’s finger tendon can become detached from the bone while grabbing an opponent’s jersey during the fray of play.

Injury mitigation in such a rough aspect of the game requires a combination of education, proper technique, and conditioning. Players can benefit from advanced training that focuses not only on the development of strength and endurance but also on learning and employing tactics that reduce the risk of injury during these high-tension moments in rugby.

Rugby injury types are further diversified depending on the position and role of a player in the scrum. For example, front-row players may experience different stresses and potential injuries compared to those in the back row, illustrating the dynamic nature of rugby injuries. To shed more light on this, let’s look at a table outlining the common injuries associated with scrum play:

Injury Type Common Occurrences Prevention Strategies
Dislocations Fingers, Elbows Strength Training, Proper Scrum Technique
Ligament Sprains ACL, MCL Injuries Agility Drills, Conditioning Exercises
Jersey Finger Tendon Detachment Use of Proper Gear, Technique Training
Other Traumatic Injuries Fractures, Concussions Safe Playing Techniques, Player Education

As the prevalence of these injuries can significantly impact a player’s ability to participate in the game, the focus on rugby injury prevention strategies is not only about maintaining player health but also about preserving the integrity and continuity of the game. Therefore, education and awareness about these injuries are just as crucial as the physical training and conditioning that players undergo. By highlighting these risks and implementing effective prevention measures, rugby can continue to be an exciting and safe sport for participants and fans alike.

The Anatomy of Rugby Injuries: Ligaments, Tendons, and Bones at Risk

The intricate web of ligaments, tendons, and bones enables the dynamic movement essential to rugby. However, the physical demands of the sport often place these structures under immense stress, leading to common rugby injuries. These injuries highlight the integral role of effective rugby injury treatment and rugby injury rehabilitation in an athlete’s recovery and return to the field.

Understanding the Mechanics of ACL and Meniscus Tears

Athletes engaging in rugby are exceedingly susceptible to knee ligament injuries due to sudden directional changes or powerful tackles. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the menisci are frequently at risk. An ACL injury involves an overstretched or torn ligament, often accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and instability, which can necessitate surgical intervention for a return to optimal function. Meniscus tears, caused by similar mechanisms, can further compound knee joint issues and disrupt an athlete’s ability to perform.

Collarbone Fractures: A Frequent Result of Contact Play

In the often turbulent environment of a rugby scrum, direct shoulder trauma can lead to collarbone fractures. These injuries result from the force exerted during falls or tackles and implicate a period of rest and immobilization, sometimes followed by surgical treatment for more complex fractures. The potential for such injuries exemplifies the need for rigorous incentives in the realm of rugby injury prevention to protect the athlete’s skeletal integrity.

Injury Type Treatment Approach Rehabilitation Focus
ACL Tear Surgical repair for complete tears, conservative management for partial tears Strengthening surrounding muscles, improving proprioception
Meniscus Tear Physical therapy, surgery if necessary Flexibility and mobility exercises, gradual return to activity
Collarbone Fracture Immobilization in a sling, surgery for severe cases Rebuilding strength and range of motion

The rigorous nature of rugby necessitates a robust framework for diagnosing and treating injuries, focusing on the interplay between ligaments, tendons, and bones. Comprehensive rugby injury rehabilitation regimens are therefore crucial for recovery, emphasizing tailored strength and flexibility programs to reinforce the affected structures and regain pre-injury performance levels.

Rugby Injury Rehabilitation

Concussions in Rugby: An Underestimated Danger

The realm of rugby introduces athletes to a world where physical prowess meets endurance. Yet, amidst this spirited play lies a substantial risk that is often overshadowed by the immediate thrills of the game: concussions. As a silent adversary, concussion symptoms such as dizziness, forgetfulness, and blurred vision can emerge surreptitiously, transforming a routine collision into a vector for long-term health repercussions.

In the sphere of rugby injury management, addressing concussion symptoms with immediacy and astuteness is a mandate, not a choice. Recognizing the telltale signs and enforcing a proactive approach to rugby injury prevention and care become the linchpins that can pivot the narrative from risk to safety.

Recognition and Management of Concussion Symptoms in Rugby

The quintessence of concussion management in rugby resides in the prompt identification and evaluation of the affliction. Each disoriented stride or unsteady stance could be indicative of a concussion, and therefore, necessitates immediate removal from gameplay. Neglecting these warning signals can potentiate more severe neurological complications, making rugby injury management protocols pivotal to player welfare.

Modern concussion management extends beyond the traditional belief that a loss of consciousness is the primary symptom, painting a broader spectrum of subtle and immediate manifestations. Practices now call for a comprehensive cognitive and physical evaluation by seasoned medical professionals to ensure a secure and informed return to the field.

The Immediate and Long-Term Risks of Concussions on the Field

Rugby’s inherent collision-centric nature sets the stage for concussions to take a recurring role in a player’s career. Without the implementation of stern rugby injury prevention tactics, the long-term risks become multifarious, endangering the athlete’s physical and cognitive functions.

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From academic pursuits to the simple joys of daily life, the consequences of repeated concussions radiate beyond the rugby pitch, dismantling the notion that these athletes suffer solely in the sporting arena. As such, the sporting community must unite in a chorus of awareness and action, underscoring the gravity of concussions as not simply an occupational hazard but a profound threat to overall well-being.

Rugby Injuries By the Numbers: Reviewing Rugby Injury Statistics

As rugby garners increasing participation globally, understanding the breadth of rugby injury statistics is crucial for players, coaches, and medical professionals alike. Recent empirical data sheds light on rugby injury types and the necessity for effective rugby injury prevention techniques.

Rugby injury statistics indicate a varied landscape of both dangerous encounters and wear-and-tear ailments. The collision-based nature of rugby, paired with the sport’s hallmark of enduring runs, often results in traumatic injuries such as concussions and fractures alongside overuse problems like tendinitis and bursitis.

The table below presents a comprehensive look at the common injuries faced by rugby players, outlining the interplay between the sport’s physical demands and the resulting conditions. It underscores why injury awareness and prevention are indispensable in minimizing downtime and ensuring player safety.

Injury Category Common Injuries Preventative Measures
Overuse Injuries Knee and ankle tendinitis, bursitis, shin splints Structured training regimens, proper warm-ups, and adequate rest periods
Traumatic Injuries Concussions, fractures, dislocated joints Proper technique in collision scenarios, use of protective gear
Ligament Injuries ACL, MCL tears or sprains, meniscus injuries Strengthening exercises, agility training, playing within ability levels
Facial and Head Injuries Cuts, facial fractures, concussions Safe tackling techniques, enforced concussion protocols

Meticulous tracking and analysis of rugby injury statistics can unveil patterns that inform better rugby injury prevention practices. With rugby’s stature expected to rise during the Rugby World Cup in France, these insights become even more critical for avoiding unnecessary injuries and preserving the essence of the game.

To conclude, the key to preserving the vigor and spirit of rugby lies in fostering environments where injury prevention is paramount. Whether it’s through expert-led educational initiatives, refined training methodologies, or enhancements in sport-related healthcare, the aim is to not only lower injury rates but also to nurture a safer future for the sport of rugby.

Rugby Injury Treatment: Key Steps for Effective Recovery

The robust nature of rugby demands a strategic approach to rehabilitation following injuries. Though the primary goal post-injury is to return to the field with the same vigor, the journey of rugby injury treatment involves careful steps aimed at ensuring a player’s comprehensive and lasting recovery. These steps revolve around regaining strength, flexibility, endurance, and, crucially, the confidence to re-engage with the sport’s high demands. A successful recovery process not only focuses on the immediate repair but also on conditioning the body to mitigate future risks.

Rugby’s Continuous Nature Demands Comprehensive Rehabilitation

When it comes to the rehabilitation phase, rugby injury rehabilitation programs are crafted to address the various facets of an athlete’s health. It’s not merely restoring function to the injured area, but also conditioning the entire body to support the rigorous physical activity inherent to rugby. The rehabilitation process typically incorporates a variety of exercises designed to steadily rebuild muscles and joints affected by common rugby injuries. These exercises aim to restore strength and flexibility, particularly in the neck, shoulders, hips, and core—the pillars of a rugby player’s physical framework.

Additionally, personalized rehab programs target the enhancement of sport-specific endurance. Rugby’s uninterrupted gameplay requires players to maintain high levels of stamina. Therefore, regaining cardiovascular endurance is integral to an effective return to play, and rehabilitation efforts emphasize the gradual buildup of athletic stamina in tandem with the healing of injuries.

Rest and Recovery: Essential for Overuse Injury Repair

For overuse injuries common in rugby, such as tendinitis and bursitis, the cornerstone of recovery is rest. Without adequate rest, the body cannot initiate the necessary repair mechanisms. Time away from the field allows swelling to subside, pain to reduce, and the healing process to begin. During this phase of recovery, rugby injury treatment plans often recommend a tailored balance of rest and gentle, therapeutic movements, laying the groundwork for more active rehabilitation stages.

Complete table illustrating a rehabilitation timeline for common rugby injuries:

Injury Type Initial Rest Period Treatment Modalities Rehabilitation Exercises
Tendinitis 1-2 weeks R.I.C.E., anti-inflammatory medication Gradual stretching, strengthening
Bursitis 2-3 weeks R.I.C.E., corticosteroid injections Low-impact activities, focused mobility work
Muscle Strains Varies based on severity Compression, physical therapy Dynamic stretching, resistance training
Ligament Sprains Varies based on severity Bracing/support, controlled movement Proprioception training, agility drills

Ultimately, rugby injury treatment and rehabilitation are multifaceted processes that allow players to return to the sport they love, not just as participants but as performers primed for the challenges ahead. In committing to these recovery keys, rugby athletes can look forward to not just healing but also enhancing their overall physical readiness for the game.

Rugby Injury Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risks

The physical demands of rugby require comprehensive rugby injury prevention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the sport. Recognizing the myriad of injuries that can occur during play, from sprains and fractures to concussions, it is imperative that concerted efforts towards safe rugby play are woven into the fabric of athletic preparation and game day action.

Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance: The Triad of Rugby Fitness

In building a foundation for safe rugby play, the triad of rugby fitness—strength, flexibility, and endurance—takes center stage. Players are encouraged to engage in balanced training programs that galvanize these pillars of physical readiness. By bolstering the body’s resilience through targeted exercises, athletes can enhance their natural protective mechanisms on the field, thereby reducing the chance of injury.

  • Strength training fortifies muscles, making them more resistant to the physical toll of tackles and scrums.
  • Flexibility exercises, such as dynamic stretching, help to prevent muscle strains by increasing the range of motion.
  • Endurance conditioning, tailored to the continuously moving nature of rugby, ensures that players can sustain effort and focus throughout the game, lessening the risk of fatigue-induced injuries.

Safe Play: Proper Technique and Adherence to Rules

To complement physical fitness, mastering proper technique is paramount in executing game moves without exposing oneself to undue risk. The application of correct tackling, rucking, and scrumming methods significantly lessens the likelihood of injury for both the player and their opponents. Additionally, understanding and following the rules of the game not only ensures fairness but also safety, as many regulations are specifically designed to prevent dangerous situations.

  • Regular practice of proper rugby techniques under the guidance of a knowledgeable coach.
  • Adherence to the rules concerning the formation and engagement in scrums.
  • Engagement in level-appropriate play, where skill sets and physical abilities are matched.
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Protective gear, such as a quality, properly fitted mouth guard, is a simple yet effective component of rugby injury prevention equipment. While not all leagues mandate headgear or pads, such items may offer additional protection and athletes should be informed about their options.

Sound sportsmanship and respect for fellow players also contribute significantly to minimizing injuries. Emphasizing fair play and adherence to the game’s ethical guidelines cultivates a culture of safety and respect on the rugby field.

Prevention Strategy Description Benefits
Strength Training Incorporates weightlifting and resistance exercises to build muscle endurance and power. Reduces likelihood of injuries caused by physical impacts and strains.
Flexibility Routines Employs dynamic and static stretches to improve range of motion. Prevents muscle and tendon injuries by allowing more give during sudden movements.
Endurance Workouts Utilizes cardiovascular exercises like running and interval training to boost stamina. Decreases injury risks by preventing fatigue and maintaining form during long periods of play.
Technique Mastery Focuses on the correct mechanics of rugby-specific actions such as tackling and scrumming. Lessens incidents of improper form that can lead to acute injuries during play.
Equipment Usage Advocates for the wearing of protective gear including mouth guards and optional headgear. Protects against facial, dental, and head injuries.
Rules Compliance Emphasizes the understanding and observance of rugby’s laws and regulations. Aids in preventing illegal plays that can result in penalties and injuries.

In conclusion, the multi-dimensional approach to rugby injury prevention is as strategic as it is essential. Implementing a regimented and mindful practice that includes strength, flexibility, and endurance training, coupled with safe gameplay techniques, positions rugby players to enjoy the thrills of the sport with reduced risks of injury.

Rugby Injury Prevention Equipment: Protective Gear Discourse

The discourse surrounding rugby injury prevention equipment has intensified as the sport continues to grow in the United States. While safe rugby play is heavily dependent on proper technique and adherence to the rules, there is an ongoing debate about the utilities and effectiveness of protective gear in rugby. This essential dialogue addresses the capacity of equipment like headgear, shoulder pads, chest pads, and ear guards to potentially reduce the risk of injuries.

Although not universally mandated across leagues, these protective pieces represent an additional layer of defense amidst the sport’s inherent contact risks. Despite the optional nature of such gear, players are often encouraged to consider the benefits of using the equipment in relation to their position and style of play. The central question that players face is to what extent added protection can coexist with the maintenance of essential skills and agility needed to excel on the pitch.

Ultimately, the adoption of protective gear in rugby must be balanced against the dynamic requirements of safe rugby play. It presents an individual choice that weighs personal comfort and perceived safety enhancements against freedom of movement and game performance. The quest for optimal protection in rugby continues to evolve, aimed at fostering a sport that emphasizes athleticism and competition without compromising the well-being of its players.

Rugby Injury Prevention Equipment: Protective Gear Discourse

What are the most common types of injuries in rugby?

Common rugby injuries include tendinitis, bursitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains such as ACL and MCL injuries, fractured bones, dislocated joints, and concussions. Overuse injuries resulting from the sport’s endurance aspects, such as medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) and tendinitis, are also frequent.

How can injuries be prevented in the sport of rugby?

Injury prevention in rugby can be achieved through balanced training programs that focus on building strength, flexibility, and endurance, proper technique during play, adherence to game rules, and using protective gear like fitted mouthguards. Educating players on safe play and sportsmanship is also vital.

Has the popularity of rugby affected injury rates?

Yes, as rugby’s popularity continues to grow in the United States, with more than 80,000 registered players, the incidence of rugby injuries has also become an issue of concern, especially among youth players. The rise in participation has subsequently increased the frequency of reported injuries.

What are some effective injury prevention strategies in rugby?

Effective injury prevention strategies include specific conditioning and exercises to build the body’s resilience, ensuring proper play techniques and adherence to scrum formation rules, wearing appropriate protective gear, and fostering awareness about the risks and safety measures.

What role do collision and endurance play in rugby injuries?

Rugby’s unique combination of collision—through tackles and scrums—and constant endurance from running leads to both traumatic and overuse injuries. The high-impact collisions contribute significantly to acute injuries, while the running aspect causes overuse injuries such as tendinitis and stress syndromes.

How does UR Medicine view the prevention of overuse and traumatic rugby injuries?

UR Medicine supports comprehensive injury prevention through the STOP Sports Injuries campaign, which advocates for balanced training, proper technique, and awareness of overuse and traumatic injuries to help reduce the occurrence of these common rugby injuries.

What specific injuries commonly occur in rugby’s scrum?

Within the scrum, players are prone to dislocated fingers and elbows, ligament sprains, tendon avulsions like “jersey finger,” and more. The close-quarters physical contact within the scrum creates a high risk for these types of injuries.

Are there injury prevention strategies specific to scrums in rugby?

Yes, injury prevention strategies for scrums include training players in proper scrum techniques to avoid neck and back injuries, encouraging players to maintain strength and flexibility in key muscle groups, and enforcing adherence to regulations governing the scrum formation in rugby to ensure player safety.

How prevalent are ACL and meniscus tears in rugby?

ACL and meniscus tears are common rugby injuries due to the sport’s demands for sudden directional changes, pivoting, and tackling which can expose ligaments to injury. They are a significant concern, contributing to the number of serious knee injuries in the sport.

Why are collarbone fractures common in rugby, and how can they be treated?

Collarbone fractures are common in rugby due to the direct impact on the shoulder area, often occurring during tackles or as a result of falls during scrums. Treatment typically involves immobilization, pain management, and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility.

What are the symptoms of concussions in rugby?

Concussion symptoms include dizziness, headache, confusion, vision disturbances, and forgetfulness. Unlike common misconceptions, a loss of consciousness is not necessary for a concussion diagnosis. Immediate cessation of play and evaluation by a trained medical professional are crucial.

What are the long-term risks associated with concussions in rugby?

Long-term risks of concussions can include chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), post-concussion syndrome, and other neurocognitive problems. It is important for players to be managed according to modern concussion protocols and given adequate time to recover before returning to play.

What do statistics indicate about rugby injuries?

Statistics reveal a variety of rugby injury types, reflecting the impact of contact and endurance demands on players. Analyzing injury data helps in identifying trends and developing targeted prevention strategies to combat the high incidence of injuries in rugby.

What are the key steps for effective recovery from rugby injuries?

Effective recovery from rugby injuries includes a structured rehabilitation program focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and endurance. Steps may involve rest, especially for overuse injuries, progressive strengthening exercises, physiotherapy, and a gradual return to play, ensuring the player is fully recovered.

How crucial is rest in the treatment of overuse rugby injuries?

Rest is critical for overuse injury treatment, as it allows the body to heal from the repetitive strains of the sport. Only after adequate rest can rehabilitation and preventative measures be effectively implemented to ensure a player’s safe return to rugby.

How does strength, flexibility, and endurance training contribute to injury prevention in rugby?

Strength, flexibility, and endurance training are key components of injury prevention in rugby. These elements build a player’s physical resilience, enabling them to withstand the rigors of the sport and reducing the likelihood of injury from both collisions and repetitive movements.

Why is adherence to rugby rules important for injury prevention?

Adherence to rugby rules helps prevent injuries by ensuring that play is conducted safely and within the guidelines designed to protect players. Safe play incorporates proper techniques, which can minimize the chances of dangerous situations leading to injuries.

What protective gear is recommended for rugby players?

While not all protective gear is mandatory, rugby players are recommended to use fitted mouthguards to prevent dental injuries, and may consider wearing headgear, shoulder pads, chest pads, and ear guards. These can provide additional protection, although they should not restrict movement or skill execution.

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