URC launches new "Cool Head" concussion study with PolarCap technology

Published in BMJ [British Medical Journal] Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, the study is being led by Dr James Brown of Leeds Beckett University and URC Medical Advisor Dr Michael Dunlop. It will examine whether acute cooling following a diagnosed concussion can improve recovery outcomes for elite players.

Following an initial feasibility phase across five URC teams, the league has entered the next stage of evaluation in partnership with PREM Rugby and World Rugby. Over the next two seasons, URC clubs will form the intervention group using PolarCap, while PREM sides act as the standard-care group. All players will continue to follow World Rugby’s Graduated Return-to-Play (GRTP) protocols.

Dr Dunlop said: “I hope the study is perceived by others for what it is – an example of international collaborative working among very relevant parties in this space URC, PREM, World Rugby, Leeds Beckett University and PolarCool. The aim of which is to independently robustly assess if acute cooling after a concussive injury, delivered in a controlled manner, pitch-side, via PolarCap, has a benefit in addition to the established return to play protocols in elite rugby union.

Sports-related concussions can often occur when the brain is at an elevated temperature (hyperthermia) due to exertion. Cooling the head and neck immediately after injury may aim to address the exercise-induced hyperthermia, lower brain temperature, reduce metabolic strain, and support recovery.

PolarCap is a medical cooling treatment device developed by Swedish Med Tech company PolarCool, intended for the acute treatment of concussions. It has previously been clinically evaluated in a five-year study conducted in the Swedish Ice Hockey League (SHL). The study found that long-term concussion absence (3 weeks or more) was greatly reduced among players treated with PolarCap.

The COOLHEAD study will gather both clinical data, such as return-to-play times and cognitive assessments, and feedback from players and medical teams to evaluate the effect of, and practical use of, PolarCap in elite rugby settings.

The URC has previously trialled innovations including saliva testing, EyeGuide, and instrumented mouthguards. By contributing to one of the first acute concussion treatment trials in world sport, the United Rugby Championship continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing evidence-based welfare standards for players across all participating nations.

Dr Dunlop added: “It is important to underline that advancement around prevention of head injuries and early recognition continue to be a key goal for our sport.”