Medical experts are discovering more on the dangerous effects of repetitive concussions, as repeated blows to the head continue to claim the careers of several high-profile athletes.
Groundbreaking research is underway at the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Combat Centre, part of studies by physiologists from the University of Canberra (UC) , that literally gives the red light to athletes that have suffered too severe a head-knock.
“The capacity we have with technology now for miniaturisation, producing accelerometers, which measure changes in movement very quickly can now be made in incredibly small devices,” UC’s Gordon Waddington said.
The device, which can be fitted to any athlete’s headgear without impacting performance, can measure the impact of a blow to the head.
It indicates the force of the blow by flashing green, orange, or red in order of severity.
“Those sorts of things being included for instance in athletes headgear, within wearable items on their body that give an indication of the total impact load during the activity that they’re participating in … that is very exciting,” Dr Waddington said.
The technology is in its infancy but is the first in what is sure to be a long line of devices aiming to protect players from repetitive concussions.
“It’s not necessarily the first blow that can really cause long-term health deficits to an athlete if they experience concussion, it’s often the subsequent blows within a short period of time,” AIS physiologist Clare Humberstone said.
This year alone Jonathan Brown retired from the AFL after a career of heavy blows to the head, and former NRL star Liam Fulton was also forced from the game. But the problem is not a new one.
Concussion technology a ‘game-changer’, former athlete says
Australian-born retired rugby player Steve Devine played ten tests for the All Blacks and competed in several seasons in the Super Rugby competition with Auckland.
But after suffering from numerous concussions, the scrumhalf was forced to give up on his career in 2007, suffering from migraines, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
“I had a young family. I couldn’t really see the light at the end of tunnel for a long time. Things got pretty scary,” Devine said.
“Once I woke up in the hallway of my house, another time I woke up in my garage still in my car just asleep … just the sheer fatigue of it.”
After one final knock in the domestic competition in New Zealand, doctors forced the then 31-year-old to give up on his dream.
Devine suffered the devastating long-term effects of concussion, but he is encouraged by the new research that could save athletes from themselves.
“For me that would have been a huge difference. I was competitive – I was probably a little too competitive,” he said.
Devine says the complexity of diagnosing concussion leads to uncertainty about when to stop competing.
He says when there is pressure to perform, it is difficult to know when to pull the pin on participation.
Devine says technology that can offer a green or red light gives athletes coaches and officials certainty and independence.
“It’s a game-changer,” Devine said.
“If it is real-time, we’ll see major changes … I just know that would have made all the difference for my career.”
An exciting prospect not just for those at the elite level, but for the amateur weekend warriors too.