Rugby players are at an increased risk when they sustain concussion away from home, with a likelihood of more profound symptoms, symptom severity and longer recovery times, a new study has revealed.
While general physiological factors associated with travel including altitude, fitness, loading and fatigue have been found to impact the likelihood of injury, the effect of travel on brain injury specifically has largely been overlooked.
But now, in a new study from the University of Warwick, have examined the impact – and researchers say alternative provision should be considered to protect players after sustaining concussion, including delaying return travel, allowing more time to recover before returning home.
The research comes amidst this year’s Six Nations, with players including Wales’s Alun Wynn-Jones and England hooker Jamie George going through concussion protocols, and yesterday’s injury to Ireland’s Garry Ringrose.
The findings around travel-related exacerbation of symptoms have added further to the need for greater action around concussion, the impact of which can have life-changing consequences, as is currently being evidenced through research.
”Adequate recovery from concussion is also very important and may be affected by several factors (e.g., food, sleep, exercise) that can be complicated by long-distance travel,” said Dr Michelle Miller, one of the study investigators.
Dan Lewis, a former Coventry Rugby player, who continues to play lower level rugby, said: “As a player, it’s reassuring to see concussion-related research being taken seriously.
“Recently we’ve seen the very real dangers that can stem from multiple head collisions, and how not only one’s ability to play rugby but also the capability to live a normal life can be taken away.
“Personally, I have never given previous thought to the effects that travel could have on a case of concussion, but that’s exactly why research like this is so vital.
“We need to travel down every avenue possible to know as much as we can about this injury so that we can keep players safe.”
The participants in this study include school rugby teams, a university rugby team, and a professional rugby team.
The school teams comprised of male athletes between 14 and 18 years of age, while the university rugby team included 48 males aged between 18 and 25. The elite rugby team included male players between 18 to 34 years of age.
Researcher Nathan Howarth said: “This research aimed to increase the awareness of head-related injuries particularly differences in playing environments, and whilst the focus on head injuries among the rugby community has increased, looking more closely at other contributing factors will no doubt improve the safety of players moving forwards.”
Coventry Rugby head physio, Andy Hemming, said: “This kind of research is invaluable not only for our game, but for all contact sports.
“The recent proposed lowering of the amateur game’s tackle height clearly indicates the severity of the threat that concussion poses to the realistic and safe longevity of the Rugby Union.
“A concussion is one of the most common injuries that we deal with, and it’s one that relatively, we know little about as a sporting community.
“We must try to understand as much as we possibly can about this injury, meaning no stone can be left unturned.
“The research into the effect that travel can have on head injuries and how the likes of travel fatigue can worsen a player’s degree of concussion is an area that will be incredibly useful to understand within both the professional and amateur game.”
