Ergonomic and cognitive challenges of cricket helmet use in batting: a review

This narrative review examines the influence of helmet use on safety, comfort, cognition, and batting performance during cricket match play, with a view to proposing recommendations for design evolution and policy revision. The review involved an extensive exploration of leading databases, including Medline, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Scopus, covering the period from their inception to 30 December 2024. Findings confirm that helmets reduce head and facial injuries by attenuating impact forces, though visual obstruction and heat stress persist due to restricted airflow and faceguard design. Cognitive impacts vary: short-term use produces minimal effects on reaction time, whereas prolonged use may impair vigilance. Research on cardiovascular responses and repeated-sprint ability remains limited. The review concludes that helmets enhance safety but require better ventilation, fit, and adjustable faceguard gaps to balance protection and performance. Further studies on helmets' physiological and cognitive effects are needed to make cricket batting safer.