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Sports-Related Concussion Assessment: A New Physiological, Biomechanical, and Cognitive Methodology Incorporating a
Gareth Irwin1,2,3,4, Matthew J Rogatzki4,5, Huw D Wiltshire3,4
1Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China.
Biology
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Rugby players may experience declines in movement and cognitive function after repeated games due to fatigue and head impacts. This study will analyze performance and biochemical changes to understand exercise-induced head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Contact sports participation is linked to increased risk of head trauma and cerebrovascular injury.
- Objective diagnostic measures for initial head injury diagnosis are lacking.
- Exercise intensity, duration, and style can complicate diagnostic indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate performance and physiological changes in rugby players following a game.
- To analyze functional (biomechanical, motor control) tests and biochemistry related to sports-related head injury.
- To understand the impact of head trauma in sports through the Interdisciplinary Group in Movement & Performance from Acute & Chronic Head Trauma (IMPACT).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a sports participation group with a non-participation control group.
- Recruitment of forty male rugby sevens players, randomly allocated to experimental groups.
- Collection of demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, biomechanical, and cognitive-motor data at baseline, post-match, and 24, 48, 72 hours post-match.
Main Results:
- Anticipated decline in body movement, coordination, and cognitive-motor tasks with increased games due to fatigue and stress.
- Expected correlation between blood biochemistry changes and alterations in biomechanics and cognitive-motor processes.
- Generation of ecologically valid data on head trauma events during game conditions and their physiological effects.
Conclusions:
- The study will enhance understanding of how athletes respond to exercise-induced injuries.
- Findings will inform medical professionals, coaches, and sports bodies on athlete health and well-being.
- This research has broad implications for managing head trauma across all levels and genders in sports.
