PEOPLE can improve their health and wellbeing by playing rugby union, according to a new study.
Research by the University of Edinburgh has found the sport comes with several health benefits despite the risks associated with it.
These include reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and depression, a paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests. Improved muscle function, bone health and balance are other potential health gains listed in the study.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found enhanced cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function are further possible health dividends.
Players of touch, tag and wheelchair rugby appear to benefit most, the study states.
Evidence of positive health outcomes among those playing contact forms of rugby union such as 15-a-side and sevens is less clear.
The study, funded by the Rugby Football Union in collaboration with the Scottish Rugby Union, seeks to provide a more balanced perspective on the benefits and risks.
With eight million players in 120 countries, rugby union plays a vital role in helping the global population meet the World Health Organisation’s physical activity goals, the study states.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here