Tracking the impact of menstrual cycle on concussion using new technology

A groundbreaking new technology has been introduced to help female rugby athletes better understand and manage the impact of their menstrual cycle on concussion symptoms. Research from the University of Birmingham has shown that female athletes may experience a higher rate of concussion and more severe symptoms compared to their male counterparts, with hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle playing a key role.

Vodafone, the Founding Principal Partner of Wales Women’s and Girls’ Rugby, has integrated this new technology into its PLAYER.Connect platform. This platform collects real-time data from athletes’ wearable devices, allowing for instant analysis of concussion symptoms alongside menstrual cycle data. This innovative approach enables medical staff and coaches to intervene more effectively and track trends for individual players.

Joanna Perkins, Head Physiotherapist for Wales Women, emphasized the importance of this technology in providing real-time information on athletes’ symptoms and cycle phases. The Wales Women’s Rugby Team has been using the concussion tracking module since November 2023, with positive results leading up to the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations tournament.

Hannah Jones, Wales Women’s Captain, highlighted the significance of being able to differentiate between concussion symptoms and menstrual cycle phases, enabling better health management and performance on the field. John Mulcahy, Performance Consultant for Vodafone PLAYER.Connect, emphasized the holistic approach of this technology in understanding how the menstrual cycle may affect concussion recovery and symptoms.

This new technology marks a significant step forward in concussion management within rugby, particularly for female athletes, and showcases the potential for data-driven solutions to enhance player welfare and performance.