Researchers are at the University of Queensland Seek volunteer school rugby and basketball players for brain scans as they work on a new blood test to diagnose concussion.
The Queensland Brain Institute at UQ has partnered with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Qscan, Trajan and Sonic Health for the project.
It will use advanced brain imaging, blood analysis and cognitive testing to identify biomarkers that reflect a concussion‐induced changes in the brain.
Volunteers from Grade 9 GPS School of Queensland rugby and basketball players are needed from October 2022 until next year’s rugby season.
Lead researcher, Associate Professor Fatima Nasrallah, says a blood test would have a huge impact on the sport above the world.
“If we can find a biomarker that accurately reflects how the brain responds to and recovers from concussion, it will be a game changer for the sport,” said Professor Nasrallah.
“We could then develop a field‐Auxiliary tool for information about the diagnosis and the measures actually required‐time, such as removing players from the field or returning only when it is safe to do so So.
“Ultimately if we identify a biomarker and develop a simple point‐from‐care tool that can rigorously diagnose concussion on the sidelines or in the hospital, we will help improve safety in school, community and professional sports.”
In elite sport, concussion is diagnosed using an SCAT5 test or Rugby Australia’s Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocol to measure subjective behavioral symptoms.
Many sports governing bodies in Australia have a ‘suspend when in doubt’ approach to possible concussion, as per the Concussion in Sport Australia guidelines.
A diagnostic tool based on a confirmed biomarker would provide objective evidence‐based assessment of concussion at elite sport and community levels where there is currently no consistent assessment process.
World Rugby Chief Medical Officer Dr. Éanna Falvey welcomed the new research.
“The potential of the Queensland study is huge. If the leading research from the University of Queensland could discover a blood test that would identify a concussion in team play, it would have tremendous benefits not just for rugby but for all of world sport,” said Dr. falvey.
“World Rugby is committed to never standing still on player welfare. Our six‐Point’s plan to become the most progressive sport in the world in this area includes a commitment to invest in science and research and this study is just one example of how we are putting our plan into action.
“While the risks at youth and community levels are not comparable to elite play, the program demonstrates the sport’s continued focus on the objective detection and treatment of brain injuries, while promoting injury prevention strategies for youth rugby through modified law, tackle technique and education .”
World Rugby Six-Point Player Welfare Plan can be viewed here.
Above left: Associate Professor Fatima Nasrallah examines brain scans. picture supplied.
Media: Merrett Pye, Queensland Brain Institute, [email protected], +61 (0)422 096 049 or Elaine Pye, [email protected]+61 (0)415 222 606; Peter Hannon, World Rugby, [email protected]+353 87 947 9907.
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