Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Female concussion study announced

The Victorian Government has today announced a partnership with the AFL to deliver a first-of-its-kind Australian study examining the impacts of concussion experienced by AFLW players.

Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas today revealed the details of the new research project, which seeks to explore factors associated with honest reporting and disclosure of concussion symptoms post-injury, and how this might differ between sex and gender.

The project is the first of its kind in Australia and will inform concussion education for players and coaches in the future to improve safety, said the Minister.

“There’s growing awareness of the potential long-term consequences of concussion, but relatively little research has looked specifically at the experience of female athletes – we’re changing that,” she said.

“This research will be vital to improving prevention, treatment and management of concussion and we’re proud to partner with the AFL on this important work.”

As part of the new study, researchers will speak to both community and elite adult players to better understand how existing policies and guidelines for concussion, including recent changes to the guidelines for the 2024 season are applied.

They will also consider whether barriers exist that may prevent safe practices from being adopted, including whether experiences differ for men and women.

The research is expected to inform future innovations to improve player safety. It follows the implementation of the AFLW’s ‘Prep to Play’ coaching manual, which is currently being evaluated by La Trobe University.

“Protecting past, present and future players from risks to health and safety presented by sport-related concussion and other head trauma is a key priority for the AFL,” said AFL General Counsel, Stephen Meade.

“We have six people working full-time in this space, have made more than 30 changes to rules and tribunal and match review guidelines and continue to drive more research and evolve our rules and approach as we learn more.”

The project will be delivered through a three-way partnership between the Department of Health, AFL and La Trobe University.

Findings from the new research project, Elite and community AFL player perspectives to optimise concussion management, are expected to be delivered in late 2025.

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