Peel backs research behind new brain-cooling treatment for sports-related concussion

Speaking ahead of his sides URC clash against Hollywood Bets Sharks on Friday night, Peel feels that as ‘custodians’ of the game, clubs need to recognise players need to be look after. 

Over the next year one team in each of the participating BKT URC countries – Connacht (Ireland), Edinburgh (Scotland), the Scarlets (Wales), the Vodacom Bulls (South Africa), and Zebre Parma (Italy) – will take part in the initial use of the PolarCap. 

The unique ‘PolarCap’ works by delivering targeted cooling to the head and neck for between 45 and 60 minutes following a concussion injury a process which is thought to reduce elevated brain temperature, and the associated metabolic demand in the brain after a concussion occurs in sports.  

The treatment originates from a five-year study in professional ice hockey in Sweden by Lund University, which found it had the potential to reduce long-term concussion absence. 

Erik Andersson who is retired from professional ice hockey because of concussions is the chief executive of PolarCool, the company behind PolarCap.

“I see the different parts of the concussion issue. I think we should focus on all parts and how we can prevent them from happening,” he said.

“How can we have a safe return to play, which is very important, and can we treat it in the acute phase? Well, actually, as of right now, you can.” 

Mental and physical rest have until now been the main treatments for sports-related concussion, alongside a graduated return to action. 

To date, the BKT URC has also recently supported several instrumented mouth guard trials and has introduced a saliva testing trial with Marker Diagnostics across the competition. 

“Everything that will make our game safer is great,” said Peel. 

“If we get some great data and can shape the future games wellbeing is over the next so it will be very important. 

“There have been advancements happening over the last couple of seasons and there have been data showing up different effects of the game. 

“Making the game safe is important – it has given so much pleasure to people, but along with that we need to safeguard the future. 

“If we can do that it is a fantastic sport. It is great for communities and for everyone that is involved in the game. Making it safer though is always going to be important. 

“Contact collision is always something that is going to be part of rugby. The game is a physical one and the protection of players moving forward is an important part of it. 

“The important thing for us is as people who are custodians of the game at the minute is that we recognise that players need to be looked after. Not just at our level, but at all levels. 

“My son plays, as does my daughter and I want them to enjoy the game as much as I did but I think it’s important to have those measures in place, so we protect the future of it.” 

[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]