Project Abstract
Rugby is a popular participation sport for children and increasingly for female players. As a physical contact sport, there is an increased risk of injury when compared with non-contact sports. Concussion represents a relatively common injury. While concussion causes temporary symptoms such as dizziness and headaches it can lead to longer-term consequences for health and wellbeing. Rugby research has focused on adult males, searching for an objective diagnosis for concussion and impact force assessment. To date there has been a lesser focus on concussion as a health concern for both junior and female players. In addition, there is a lack research regarding the potential of smart materials, built into rugby headgear, to protect against concussion. The goal of our research is to assess the incidence and effects of impacts for junior male and female players and importantly to examine the potential of specially designed headgear to protect against concussion.
