Inertial loading of the head in females: what are we missing?

This project will focus on head impact mechanisms in women's rugby and investigate the efficacy of mitigation strategies such as neck strengthening to minimise head impact incidence and magnitude. To fill a data gap we will also conduct a global survey relating to the physical characteristics of female players, their concussion experiences and the relationship between the menstrual cycle and concussion recovery.
The data gathered will aid the development of an objective protocol for the on-field management of head impacts and forward the development of female-specific concussion protocols.