TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES: SMART MOUTHGUARDS IN RUGBY

Smart mouthguards, also known as gumshields, have become an important tool in rugby and other contact sports to enhance player welfare, particularly when it comes to brain injuries. Here’s how they work:

1. Sensors and Measurement:
   • These smart mouthguards are equipped with sensors that measure head impacts and accelerations/decelerations during play.
   • When a player experiences a significant impact, the mouthguard detects it and sends real-time data.
2. Incorporation into Protocols:
   • They have been incorporated into the existing Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols.
   • The mouthguards provide an additional layer of information to support player safety.
3. Thresholds for Assessment:
   • For male players, an impact above 70g and 4,000 radians per second squared will recommend an HIA.
   • In women’s rugby, the threshold is lower, at 55g.
4. Player Eligibility:
   • All players must wear these mouthguards to be eligible for an in-match HIA assessment.
   • If a player chooses not to wear one and suffers a suspected head injury, they won’t be eligible to return to play.
5. Recent Use in Six Nations:
   • During the Six Nations, Scotland hooker George Turner was removed from the pitch after his smart mouthguard detected a collision that could have caused a concussion.
   • The technology aims to improve player safety by identifying potential concussions promptly.
6. Caution and Correct Usage:
   • Coaches and medical staff need to ensure proper usage of these mouthguards.
   • While the technology is valuable, it’s essential to use it correctly and not for unintended reasons.
7. Investment and Implementation:
   • World Rugby has invested £1.7 million to support the implementation of these mouthguards.
   • England squad members are wearing them both in matches and training, making them eligible for HIAs.

Sports today are very physical and even if you don't have access to the new technology, you should be wearing a mouthguard for protection. Like all technology as it comes out initially it is expensive and once it becomes more common place, the cost will tend to come down. As you have seen the mouthguard is more than a device to protect your teeth. Head injuries which are continuous over time will result in adverse health problems which will affect the quality of your life. Going out of your way today to do the small changes like a simple mouthguard will improve the quality of your life in the long term.