A breakthrough saliva test to diagnose concussion is set to be trialled in the Premier League, with a series of research projects also given backing, as efforts to protect players from the impact of head injury are stepped up within English football.
In a new joint action plan on brain health, the need for research, education, awareness and support for players has been recognised, with a series of steps identified to better manage head injuries and to further understand the links between football and neurodegenerative disease.
The plan – from The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA – includes a raft of measures, including the funding of an academic study to validate a diagnostic tool that uses salivary biomarkers, with reports that a trial could begin in the sport later this season.
It follows the publication of the SCRUM study findings in March, which showed a saliva biomarker tool was able to accurately detect concussion in elite male rugby players.
SCRUM, led by academics at the University of Birmingham, successfully predicted the outcome of head injury assessments in 94 per cent of cases during testing in the 2018-19 Premiership and Championship season.
Furthermore, The FA is supporting the new BrainHOPE study, part of the wider Prevent Dementia study, which starts in 2022 at Glasgow University.
The study will give an analysis of deterioration of cognitive function in the mid-life of ex-professional footballers to understand potential early interventions which could help reduce risk or speed of developing dementia. Its £1.2m investment will run until the 2024/25 season.
It is also partnering with the RFU and Premiership Rugby to expand the Advanced BRAIN Health Clinic, a new specialist clinical service and associated research programme for retired elite rugby players. The expansion to retired football players is due to start operating in 2022.
Trials of a new revolutionary mouthguard which includes a sensor that can relay real-time information to the sidelines – launched with players from Liverpool and Manchester City last season – is being expanded to include additional teams across the Premier League, EFL and The Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL).
Education is also highlighted as being of significant importance, and an expert working group formed by the Premier League is devising neck strengthening guidance. This will provide clubs with an introductory programme which is recommended to be implemented by strength and conditioning coaches.
In the grassroots game, authorities are working with brain injury charity Headway on a campaign – set to launch later this season – that will seek to improve awareness of concussion and ensure existing guidance is understood and accepted as standard practice. Referees will also be given greater support in dealing with concussion.
“Understanding the risk factors of neurodegenerative disease in football is an incredibly complex area of medical science which requires exploration of many different lines of research,” said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.
“Football is working together to try to build a more complete picture by supporting a variety of projects. Until we have a greater level of understanding, we are also reducing the potential risk factors.
“This new joint action plan will further help to build our understanding across English football of this complex area.”
Richard Masters, Premier League chief executive, said: “It is important that football has come together to work collaboratively on this issue. With the help of experts, and alongside other sports with similar challenges, we want to ensure we have the right approach in place to protect the welfare of players.”
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “English football has a collective responsibility to understand and act upon the risk factors of neurodegenerative disease and therefore the EFL is pleased to support the game’s new joint action plan on brain health.
“By working together in this collaborative approach, we will acquire the information to be better equipped to improve safeguarding measures for those who play football at all levels of competition.”
Maheta Molango, PFA Chief Executive – who has pledged to donate his brain to research to increase understanding of neurodegenerative illness – added: “A joined-up approach is essential to improve the health and safety of our current and future members.
“A co-ordinated response is also required to provide comprehensive and dedicated support to our former players, and their families, currently living with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
“This is a vital and complex area. It has to be the top priority for all involved in football.”
