Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Concussion and long-term cognitive function among rugby players-The BRAIN Study
Valentina Gallo1,2,3,4, Damien M McElvenny2,5,6, Giulia Seghezzo1
1Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK.
Objective:
The BRAIN Study was established to assess the associations between self-reported concussions and cognitive function among retired rugby players.
Methods:
Former elite-level male rugby union players (50+ years) in England were recruited. Exposure to rugby-related concussion was collected using the BRAIN-Q tool. The primary outcome measure was the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC). Linear regressions were conducted for the association between concussion and PACC score, adjusting for confounders.
Results:
A total of 146 participants were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) length of playing career was 15.8 (5.4) years. A total of 79.5% reported rugby-related concussion(s). No association was found between concussion and PACC (β -0.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.31, 0.26]). However, participants aged 80+ years reporting 3+ concussions had worse cognitive function than those without concussion (β -1.04 [95% CI: -1.62, -0.47]).
Conclusions:
Overall there was no association between concussion and cognitive function; however, a significant interaction with age revealed an association in older participants.
