Innovative Brain-Cooling Treatment Trialed in Professional Rugby Union
A groundbreaking brain-cooling treatment for sports-related concussions is currently being trialed in the professional rugby union league. This pioneering approach marks the first acute treatment for this injury that can be administered directly on the pitch.
The treatment, known as ‘PolarCap‘, involves targeted cooling of the head and neck for 45 to 60 minutes following a concussion incident. This innovative therapy originates from a five-year study conducted with professional ice hockey players in Sweden, which found the potential to reduce long-term absence due to concussion-related injuries.
Until now, the primary treatments for sports-related concussions have focused on mental and physical rest, along with a gradual return to play. However, the PolarCap system aims to address the issue more comprehensively.
“I see the different parts of the concussion issue,” explains Erik Andersson, the chief executive of PolarCool, the company behind PolarCap. “I think we should focus on all parts and how we can prevent them from happening. 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.”
This new approach offers a significant departure from traditional post-match treatments, such as the use of cold sponges and ice baths. Andersson notes that the PolarCap system reduces the risk of shivering, which can be counterproductive during the recovery process.
The PolarCap treatment is currently being utilized by six clubs participating in the United Rugby Championship (URC), marking an important step forward in the management of sports-related concussions within the rugby union community.
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