I've been playing rugby since I was eight, I never thought about concussion - until now
Summary
A new study at Cardiff University is examining the effects of repeated head impacts in women’s rugby, tracking 30 female players over a full season using special mouthguards and brain scans. The research aims to fill a gap since most concussion studies have focused on men, and it highlights concerns that female athletes might be more vulnerable to brain injuries.Key Facts
- Ffion Jones started playing rugby at age eight and is now part of a study on head impacts in women’s rugby.
- The study involves 30 female rugby players and uses mouthguards to measure head impacts during games.
- Some participants receive MRI scans to monitor brain changes over time.
- The research is the first of its kind focusing specifically on women and brain injuries in rugby.
- Evidence suggests that women’s brains may be more vulnerable to concussions than men’s.
- Head injury protocols in rugby are mostly based on data from male players, with few adjustments for women.
- Several players have experienced concussions with lasting effects, including one who was unable to play for six months.
- The study encourages greater awareness of brain health and the need for more research focused on female athletes.
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