Characteristics of potential concussive events in elite hurling: a video-analysis study

Background: High-impact sports such as hurling place participants at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC).

Aims: This study will evaluate the characteristics of potential concussive events (PCEs) that occur in elite male hurling to acquire an understanding of how they occur.

Methods: The authors recorded PCEs and their characteristics throughout two seasons of inter-county GAA competition using broadcast footage based on a previously validated protocol.

Results: A total of 183 PCEs were identified over 82 inter-county matches (2.23 per match; 59.5 per 1000 h of exposure). PCEs that occurred in the 4th quarter were significantly more likely to result in signs of SRC. Players most often intended to receive/control the sliotar (36.4%, n = 64) prior to PCEs. The most frequently observed mechanism was shoulder-to-head (20.2%, n = 37). Impacts to the lateral aspect of the head were 2.7 times more likely to result in visible signs than impacts to anteroposterior regions.

Conclusions: Players appear to be at a higher risk of SRC later in the match or when receiving the sliotar. Strikes to the lateral aspect of the head and those involving the shoulder appear to produce severe events. These findings provide initial guidance for the development of targeted player protection strategies.