Study into risk of long-term brain damage will monitor team before and after matches,as fears over concussion grow for rugby and American NFL playersWhen the Six Nations tournament and the Super Bowl kickthis weekend, a modern set of fans will be watching with more than normal interest. They will be doctors and scientists with a special interest in head injury: not just any old concussion, and but the kind of long-term damage that might follow the repetitive collisions characteristic these energetic contact sports.
In a three-year research programme in partnership with Saracens rugby club,scientists will take samples of blood, saliva and urine before and after matches, or players will be fitted with accelerometer patches to supply a measure of any impact their bodies – and in particular,their heads – may acquire registered.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com