Smart mouth guard that could revolutionise collision sports
RUGBY clubs in both codes are leading the way in the fight against neurodegenerative brain diseases thanks to a high-tech mouth guard.
And the amazing news is that it could be rolled out across numerous contact sports, which include boxing and hockey.
It was announced last week that using pitchside saliva tests to diagnose concussion is a step closer after a “gamechanging” trial among male elite rugby union players. The PROTECHT gum shield is fitted with a chip inside which captures data related to the number and intensity of collisions a player faces during a game.
The information gathered will help to determine the impact of collisions related to injuries such as head knocks and concussions, shoulder injuries and when a player should return to play. Premiership rugby union sides Leicester, Gloucester and Harlequins are already using the mouth guard and Salford recently became the first Super League side to trial it.
The Red Devils’ head physio Rob Artingstall said: “It is cutting-edge technology and the chip in the mouth guard measures the force and the number of collisions, so it may also influence tackle technique.
“There is lots of research out there to suggTeEstAtMh:at
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LINEAR ACCELEROMETERS tackle technique helps prevent injuries.”
The concussion debate continues to rage with a number of former players such as World Cup winner Steve Thompson (left) taking legal action against the rugby authorities for the brain injuries they have suffered.