Researchers to investigate rugby's long-term effect on brain health

A major research will be launched to study the possible link between a history of concussion and neurodegenerative disease in former rugby players, the University of Oxford announced on Thursday.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), along with several academic institutes, including the University of Oxford will cooperate to carry out this project.

This new study is designed to assess the potential association between a history of concussion and general and neurological health. It will begin shortly and will involve approximately 200 participants over the age of 50 who participated in the previous study, according to Oxford.

This will follow on from a study conducted in the past 18 months by researchers from the Oxford Center for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, which included a survey of approximately 300 former England players as well as Oxford and Cambridge University players.

The more in-depth research will gather additional data on the retired players' quality of life and social circumstances, with an extensive set of tests capturing physical and cognitive capabilities and a neurological clinical examination.

Evidence is accumulating on the possible increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases including Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Dementia and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in former contact sport athletes.

Different sports expose players to different types of injuries and while several studies have suggested an increased risk of various neurological disorders, this has not yet been established.

"This study will provide an insight into the health of former players, which can only be a good thing in terms of players being more informed, but also helping the sport look at how to manage both the short and long-term risks associated with injury," said former England rugby player, Rob Andrew, who took part in the first phase of the research. Endit