- Past studies show urine samples provide an accurate indicator of head injuries
- If the trial is successful, a device could diagnose concussion in just two years
- The lack of a reliable concussion test is a substantial treatment challenge
- Past research shows concussion occurs as often as every six rugby games
- Such injuries are thought to account for 25% of all those that occur in the sport
A simple saliva test could determine rugby players’ risk of concussion at the side of the pitch.
Previous studies have shown urine samples collected immediately after collisions provide an accurate indicator of head injuries.
If the upcoming trial is successful, a device could be available that immediately diagnose concussion in as little as two years, according to the study’s lead researcher.
The lack of a reliable concussion test is considered a substantial challenge in treating such injuries.
Past research demonstrates concussion occurs as often as every six rugby games and accounts for around 25 per cent of the sports’ injuries.
A saliva test could determine rugby players’ risk of concussion at the side of the pitch (stock)
How the study will be carried out
Researchers from the University of Birmingham will analyse the saliva samples of premiership and championship rugby players who suffered a confirmed or suspected concussion in 2017 to 2018.
Previous studies have shown urine samples collected immediately after a concussion provide an accurate indicator of head injuries.
The study’s participants will then provide follow-up samples as they prepare to return-to-play.
Such samples will be compared against players from the same game who did not suffer concussion or who had other injuries.
Concussion could be tested on the side of the pitch
Lead researcher Professor Tony Belli said: ‘The University of Birmingham recently made a significant breakthrough after identifying molecules, which can be found in saliva and act as biomarkers to indicate whether the brain has suffered injury.
‘If these biomarkers are found reliable, we can continue our work with industrial partners with the hope to have a device available within the next two years that will instantaneously diagnose concussion on the pitch-side with the same accuracy as in the laboratory – a major step forward for both sport and medicine,’ the BBC reported.
If the study is successful, it could lead to the development of a device that tests the risk of head injuries on the side of the pitch. This could be available in as little as two years.
Dr Simon Kemp, the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) chief medical officer, who describes the study as an important piece of research, adds: ‘There is currently no reliable or proven biomarker or objective test for the diagnosis of concussion and this lack of objectivity is the biggest challenge facing medical professional in dealing with this type of injury.’
The study is being carried out alongside the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association.