Hurlers more likely to suffer concussions in the latter stages of a match, study finds

Inter-county hurlers are at most risk of suffering concussion during the later stages of a match and when going to get the sliotar, according to the findings of a new medical study.

Researchers who carried out extensive video analysis of 82 inter-county hurling matches played between 2018 and 2019 also found the most severe incidents involved contact with the side of the head from an opponent’s shoulder.

The findings revealed that hurlers were 4.5 times more likely to experience a severe, potentially concussive event (PCE) in the final quarter of a match compared to the first quarter.

A PCE is defined as any incident in which a player is unable to resume play in a meaningful capacity within five seconds of direct and visible head contact, while they were also analysed for showing signs of concussion including lying motionless, blank and vacant looks and uncoordinated movement.

The study found that players were going to receive or control the sliotar in 36 per cent of incidents.

Players were also 6.5 times more likely to show a visible sign of concussion from a blow to their head from a shoulder than by being hit with a hurley, according to the results of the study by academics from the Sport and Exercise Research Institute at Ulster University in Belfast.

One of the report’s main authors, Mario Rotundo, said the findings could provide guidance for the development of targeted player protection strategies including allowing more substitutions in the second half or allowing longer half-time breaks to preserve the tackling technique and resilience of players.

“Adding neck strengthening protocols and emphasising tackle technique in training may also be beneficial,” said Mr Rotundo.

The study recommended that there should be