James Cook University study to examine concussion impacts on female athletes

The effects of concussion in women’s contact sports will be tackled head-on in a new university-led study in Townsville – with players called to take part.

The effects of concussion in women’s contact sports will be tackled head-on in a new university-led study – with players called to take part.

James Cook University PhD candidate Catherine de Hollander is calling for female athletes who compete in rugby league, union or Australian rules football ahead of the 2023 season.

The study will measure the impact of collisions on short and long-term health.

Ms de Hollander said female athletes were more likely to get concussions which were typically more severe than those experienced by males.

“We’re trying to understand if that’s because women endure more head injuries on the field over the course of a season, or if women are actually more susceptible to such an injury,” Ms de Hollander said.

The JCU study will run for up to four years and measure the impact of collisions on the short and long-term health of female athletes.

“Women’s participation in contact sports is increasing but the research hasn’t.”

The study, which will run between three to four years, will use 20 specially-designed mouthguards which will record data of player movements in real-time, including acceleration, velocity and direction of impact.

The research will extend to sub-concussive impacts – hits that shake the brain but no damage is done to brain cells.

Ms de Hollander said she experienced a bad concussion herself as a player, which sparked her interest in the topic.

“Studies have shown that the long-term impact of concussion can result in poor mental health, concentration issues, memory loss, migraines or mood disorders,” she said.

To take part, contact [e-mail]

Originally published as James Cook University study to examine concussion impacts on female athletes