Falcons & Quins Applying the Science
By Falcons
June 25 2021
Many people asked over the last season about the patches the Newcastle Falcons Players had been wearing. Newcastle Falcons are in the second year of supporting a trial by Durham University, in which players have tiny sensors plastered to their necks to measure impact on the head area. It will be very interesting to find out the results from the study when they are finally published.
The Premiership club’s trial with Durham University is one of a number of tech responses to help cut concussion and dementia risks in the sport. The world of medicine acknowledges it has much to do in pinning down real-time analysis of concussion and the prediction of outcomes such as dementia.
There is debate over the significance of tests that detect brain proteins floating abnormally in the blood. It is already known that CTE can only be detected by examining the brain after death.
Newcastle Falcons are in the second year of supporting a trial by Durham University, in which players have tiny sensors plastered to their necks to measure impact on the head area.
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"I am an Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Health Sciences with research expertise in bone and body composition imaging and current and retired athlete health". With some overlap to my imaging work, another major focus of my research examines athlete health, specifically athlete bone health and sports injuries, including concussion. I lead the first independent study into the health of retired rugby players (UK Rugby Health Project) and I co lead the Global Rugby Health Research Network of researchers from over 9 countries. This research seeks to improve understanding of the short and long term risks of injury, identifying intervention strategies, with the overall objective of improving athlete health and wellbeing. |
Also interesting is:- Revealed: The secret to Harlequins' stunning revival
Quins' use of 'smart' gumshields has reduced amount of contact players take in training - and led to an unprecedented drop in injuries.
To the outsider the change of colour may seem fairly innocuous but its true meaning has not just helped change the club’s fortunes this season; it could signify a revolution in professional rugby.
The white bib is a sign that the player wearing it must not take any contact, a decision which is made by coaches monitoring impact data gathered by ‘smart’ gumshields. It has led to a reduction in contact by up to 900 per cent, a day’s less on-pitch training each week and an unprecedented drop in injuries.
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Not yet ready to report on last season’s stuff as it all needs to be peer reviewed etc, but it’s a great partnership to have.