Potential of soft-shelled rugby headgear to lower regional brain strain metrics during standard drop tests

Abstract Background The growing concern for player safety in rugby has led to an increased focus on head impacts. Previous laboratory studies have shown that rugby headgear significantly reduces peak linear and rotational accelerations compared to no headgear. However, these metrics may have limited relevance in assessing the effectiveness of headgear in preventing strain-based brain injuries like concussions. This study used a rapid estimation finite element model to quantify regional brain strain mitigation of rugby headgear during drop tests. Tests were conducted on flat and angled impact surfaces across different heights, using a Hybrid III headform and neck. Results Headgear presence generally reduced the peak rotational velocities, with some headgear outperforming others. However, the effect on peak regional brain strains was less consistent. Of the 5 headgear tested, only 2 consistently reduced the peak regional brain strains, but in general only marginally, and in isolated cases, resulted in an increase in the peak regional brain strain. The 3 conventional headgear showed no consistent reduction in the peak regional brain strain while in some conditions, increasing the peak strain. Conclusions The presence of rugby headgear may be able to reduce the severity of head impact exposure during rugby. However, to understand how these findings relate to brain strain mitigation in the field, further investigation into the relationship between the impact conditions in this study and those encountered during actual gameplay is necessary.