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According to a recent study, the likelihood of a rugby player developing a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head injuries is influenced by the duration of their career.
A study of 31 retired players, with an average career length of 18 years, discovered that every additional year spent playing increased the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by 14%.
CTE can only be determined after death, and currently the only known cause of CTE is a history of traumatic brain injury and repeated exposure to impacts on the head.
A research published in Acta Neuropathologica during the week of the Rugby World Cup final discovered that out of 31 donated brains from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, 21 of them (68%) showed signs of CTE.
Players who had CTE had an average career length of 21.5 years, compared to an average of 12.1 years for those without CTE.
According to Professor Willie Stewart, the lead author of the study from the University of Glasgow, the research involved collaboration between three renowned brain banks to analyze the effects of CTE on retired rugby players.
by 1.2
According to our data, the length of a rugby career is directly correlated to the level of risk, as each additional year of playing increases the risk by 1.2.
This research offers fresh evidence on the link between playing rugby union and CTE.
“According to our data, there is a correlation between the length of a rugby career and the level of risk, as each additional year of play increases the risk.”
It is crucial for the sport’s governing bodies to decrease the frequency of head impacts during matches and training in order to minimize the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases associated with contact sports.
Out of the total number of players, 23 exclusively played at the amateur level and eight played at both the elite and amateur levels. The research showed no connection between the level of play and a higher chance of CTE, as well as no link between playing as a forward or back.
World Rugby is currently examining methods to reduce the likelihood of a concussion and enhance the management of diagnosed or suspected concussions.
The executive board of the governing body has suggested that unions take part in a global trial where the tackle height in community games is lowered to below the sternum, commonly referred to as a “belly tackle”.
World Rugby advocates for a “recognize and remove” strategy in addressing concussions in amateur rugby, and has established specific protocols for returning to play at both amateur and elite levels.
A team of ex-professional and amateur athletes who have been diagnosed with dementia at a young age are currently pursuing legal action against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The players argue that the governing bodies were at fault for not taking appropriate measures to safeguard them from permanent harm resulting from repeated concussions and sub-concussive impacts.
A representative from World Rugby stated: “We have taken note of the results from the research conducted at the University of Glasgow and our goal is to consistently utilize the most up-to-date scientific information.”
“Our Independent Concussion Working Group recently met with Boston University representatives, including Professor Ann McKee, alongside other world leading brain health experts, to continue our dialogue on how we can make the game safer for the whole rugby family.
The Independent Concussion Working Group received advice from all the experts to continue decreasing the frequency of head impacts, and that is precisely what we will do.
World Rugby is committed to continuously safeguarding the brain health of players and this is why community players worldwide are participating in trials of a reduced tackle height for this season.
This is the reason why we have implemented the use of advanced smart mouthguard technology in WXV, our recently launched elite women’s competition. Starting in 2024, all elite competitions that utilize the Head Injury Assessment will also utilize smart mouthguards. This will be in addition to the current protocols of having independent doctors and reviewing video footage during games to ensure that players receive top-quality care.
Source: independent.co.uk
