A study published in the journal Experimental Physiology has found that one season of professional rugby can cause contact events that affect blood flow in the brain and cognition (thinking).
Researchers from University of South Wales recorded contact events among 21 professional rugby players and compared these with blood measures and cognitive assessment scores. They found that forwards incurred more contact events and concussions than backs, but a general decline in blood flow to the brain and cognitive function among all players after just one season.
While the research adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests contact sport participation can affect brain health, more longer-term research with larger numbers of participants is needed to clarify whether the effect observed in the study was non-reversible and whether the study's findings have any connection to the emerging link between contact sports and dementia.
To access the study, visit https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/EP089330
Reference: Owens, T.S., Calverley, T.A., Stacey, B.S., Iannatelli, A., Venables, L., Rose, G., ...Bailey, D.M. (2021). Contact events in rugby union and the link to reduced cognition: evidence for impaired redox-regulation of cerebrovascular function. Experimental Physiology, 106(9), 1971 – 1980.
https://doi.org/10.1113/EP089330
