AUT will be working alongside ARL conducting research on concussions and concussion recovery throughout the U16-18 Youth Tournaments.

The team from AUT and Movement Solutions are conducting a study to see how well players can keep their balance while walking and concentrating on a mental task simultaneously. After a concussion a player may start to feel better in a few hours or days, but some people have problems with balance and thinking for much longer. Failing to detect these problems and allowing a player to return to the game prematurely could lead to further brain damage or injuries to their joints and muscles or delay recovery. 

“We're using Plantiga sensors inserted into the shoe insoles to see if they can detect any changes in balance and walking patterns after a concussion”, Naaz Shaikh said on behalf of the research team. “The test results will help determine if the sensor technology could be used along with other tests to confirm if someone has a concussion and to track their recovery afterwards to better determine when it is safe to return to play.” 

The study aims to identify an affordable, user-friendly, and time-efficient solution such as insole sensors to give a clearer picture of a player’s walking balance and thinking capacity. 

The research involves two phases: 

     1. Baseline assessment (completed):  

Participants undergo tests before the rugby league competition begins. 

     2. Follow-up assessment (in-progress): 

Group 1: Healthy players repeat the walk test on Day 7 and Day 14 after the baseline assessment. 

Group 2: Any player from the tournaments who sustains a concussion during the competition is invited to complete all three tests within one week of the injury. Subsequent tests are conducted in Week 2, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12 or until the participant returns to baseline scores. 

The baseline assessment phase has already taken place over the two-week period leading up to the Shaun Johnson Shield (U16) and Georgia Hale Cup (U17) competitions, with the study focusing on those aged 15-18 years old. The follow up assessment phase is underway, and the research team has broadened testing to allow any player over 12 years-old that has a suspected concussion across all 2024 Auckland Rugby League competitions to take part. These tests will be held each Monday, 6PM at Cornwall Park throughout the current five-week tournaments and then organised on a per case basis going forward. 

This initiative aims to provide all ARL players with an opportunity to undergo comprehensive testing following a suspected concussion. By participating, athletes contribute to vital research while gaining insights into their own well-being and recovery process. Sam Cawdron, ARL Head of Game Development and Participation, emphasised the importance of player welfare in our ongoing game development efforts.

"It’s significant for our players to participate in research like this to enhance our understanding of concussion and recovery, benefiting everyone involved."

Cawdron highlighted the initiatives already underway, such as Tackle Confidence. “We’re working on preventing and reducing tackle injuries. Auckland Rugby League is committed to staying proactive in this space and seizing opportunities to engage in studies like these.” 

Article added: February 21st, 2024