Development of a Test Method for Evaluating the Ability of Headgear to Reduce Head Kinematics During Rugby Head Impacts

Abstract

Rugby is a rapidly growing sport with a high risk of concussion, yet athletes are not required to wear head protection during play. The sport has primarily relied on tackle regulations to mitigate concussion risk and has imposed standards limiting soft-shell headgear's protective capabilities. However, evidence from other contact sports, including soccer, flag football, and rugby, suggests that soft-shell headgear can reduce concussion risk. Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) provide researchers with valuable insights into head impact exposure and have been validated for accurate data collection. With the help of these mouthguards, researchers can better understand the head kinematics that occur during play. While these mouthguards are useful, further laboratory validation processes are required to ensure an accurate translation of iMG data to laboratory sensors. The research presented in this thesis had three main objectives: (1) to address gaps in translating iMG kinematic data into laboratory reconstructions; (2) to determine common head impact locations and energy levels in Super League rugby players using data collected by Leeds Beckett University; and (3) to replicate these impacts in a controlled laboratory setting to develop a comprehensive headgear rating system to inform consumers of headgear safety. Results indicate that on-field iMGs tend to underpredict peak head kinematic severity due to signal processing adjustments necessary for accurate data collection in on-field conditions. Players most frequently sustain head impacts at four common locations: the front, front boss, side, and rear boss, with impacts occurring at three distinct energy levels. Laboratory tests confirmed that headgear can reduce concussion risk, with thicker headgear demonstrating greater reductions in peak head kinematics. These findings support the potential role of headgear in mitigating head injury risk in rugby and contribute to the development of improved safety during play.