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Volume 8 J Community Med Health Educ, an open access journal
ISSN: 2161-0711 Public Health 2018
February 26-28, 2018
PUBLIC HEALTH AND NUTRITION
3rd World Congress on
February 26-28, 2018 London, UK
WHAT HEALTH CHANGES OCCUR IN MĀORI MALES AFTER RETIREMENT FROM
PLAYING RUGBY LEAGUE?
Trevor N Clarka
aThe Australian Colleague of Physical Education, Australia
Māori male participation in rugby league is prolific at all levels in New Zealand however rugby league has a high incidence of
injury. The demands of the sport require players to be athletically fit, strong, and healthy during their playing careers. But does
any health advantage remain once retired from participation? This is the first exploratory health study of Māori men who have
retired from playing competitive rugby league in New Zealand. It uses Māori methodology research by Māori, involves Māori,
for the benefit of Māori. A mixed method approach both quantitative and qualitative also contributes substantial evidence.
This study researched four groups of ex-players at increasing levels of engagement with 154 involved in the initial survey
assessment. This was followed by a detailed analysis of 25 players who were assessed on multiple measures of health. This
process was repeated 18 months later with 15 returning respondents and elaborated on
(A) Physical well-being post-play;
(B) Injuries experienced during play (through a retrospective analysis);
(C) Self-assessed well-being; and
(D) Change over time for a small group. Lastly 10 players took part in kanohi ki te kanohi interviews so the players could tell
their own stories in more detail.
There was evidence of a positive reduction in body weight, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased motivation in some
players simply through their participation in this research (Hawthorne or observer effect). Whānau (family) was a strong
feature in the stories from these men. This research explored a previously under-researched area and provided insight into
Māori male health. Most importantly it confirms there is a strong potential for intervention to improve and maintain health
status for retiring and retired Māori rugby league players.
Biography
Trevor Clark is the Head of Department, Sport Performance at The Australian College of Physical Education. Trevor Clark’s main area of interest is focused on
improving sports performance, reducing sporting injuries and the maintenance of health and well-being post-retirement from sport. Most of his recent focus has
been geared toward sports concussion.
Trevor N Clark, J Community Med Health Educ 2018, Vol 8
DOI: 10.4172/2161-0711-C1-032