Wearing headgear for sport does not protect against concussion, Australian experts warn

Experts are emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness about concussions and head trauma in contact sports, dispelling the myth that wearing helmets or headgear provides protection against concussions. This issue has gained attention ahead of a public hearing of the Senate inquiry into concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, scheduled in Melbourne.

Numerous studies have consistently shown that headgear, including soft helmets or hard helmets worn in American football, does not shield players from concussions. The brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a shock absorber to some extent. However, concussions occur when external forces cause the brain to move inside the skull cavity, resulting in direct impacts with the inside of the skull or stretching and twisting of the brain.

While some manufacturers have developed newer helmet designs claiming to reduce forces acting on the brain, there is still insufficient strong evidence to support their effectiveness in preventing concussions.

Experts argue that the most effective way to enhance safety for young players is to modify childhood sports to be non-contact, thereby reducing the risk of concussions and head injuries. Raising awareness of this issue and promoting non-contact alternatives may be crucial in safeguarding the well-being of athletes engaged in contact sports.