The Breakthrough New Saliva Test on Concussions

The worlds of Football and Rugby have been rocked with the issue of concussions. From its victorian roots - the working men’s clubs that established the first major teams used physical contact as an essential mainstay, where men could be men and ‘let off steam’. It is acknowledged that some children and adult males require a physical dynamic to their daily lives ( for example in today’s society there are men who choose professional careers as firemen, policemen, construction workers for this very reason).  In football - heading the ball is a legitimate skill as only goalkeepers can use the hands.   During a game and in training the urge for centre-backs, and Target Men to ‘out battle’ each other whilst the ball is in the air has always been a key component.   

With professionalism, the role of Sports Medicine continues to develop.  Training, fitness, and injury prevention has become more sophisticated.  We demand optimal performances for longer sustained periods; the urge to out-muscle your opponent has given way to the smarter approach. If heading the ball and physical contact with opponents whilst jumping is overdone in training - it can lead to trauma of the head, neck, and spinal area.  This will limit performances during competitive games.  The need to spot this early has become crucial.  A CT brain and neck scans take place at the hospital - after a match or at the end of training.  How do we spot these problems on the field of play? A study at Birmingham University may have the answer.

The latest research from Birmingham University (Premier League footballers participate in new ground-breaking concussion study (birmingham.ac.uk) indicates that:

“The test looks for molecules in the blood, saliva or urine known as microRNAs, which can act as biomarkers to indicate whether the brain has suffered an injury. This expands research also being carried out by the University of Birmingham and UHB, which began in 2017 and is currently ongoing, testing the urine and saliva of concussed Rugby Football Union players.” A new method involving saliva tests - has been developed, where swabbing the inside of someone’s mouth.  The key aspect is that the “biomarkers” that are found in blood and urine are also located in saliva.  A quick swab inside the mouth can show these indicators.  

Recent research shows tests to be 94% accurate - with further studies and research on-going.  A noninvasive method that doesn’t require a hospital appointment, blood sample or urine tests is fantastic news. Soon Sports Therapists can get instant results on the field of play, and act immediately.  This is excellent news, not only current professionals but also younger academy players.  A club may decide not to offer a professional contract to a youngster as a result of a dip in form - which may in part be due to head trauma experienced whilst training or playing. Professional clubs and coaches need to recognise if they’re pushing players too far.  

Also, players need to understand their physical limitations.  Subsequently, the University of Glasgow has been carrying out extensive research on heading the ball, trauma, and its relationship with dementia.  The moral argument that clubs are partly responsible for the physical damage caused by trauma to the spine, neck and head whilst playing, is being debated.  Great Legends of the 1960s and ’70s, like Jeff Astle and Peter Lorimer who have been known throughout the game as great headers of the ball, have developed dementia in later life after retirement.  

Many family members of these ex-players have spoken out, such as Dawn Astle ( Jeff Astle’s Daughter). Some have argued Technological advances in ball development have meant that we have now dispensed with the old leather balls, for new synthetic types which cause less of an impact. However, this view has been cancelled out by research showing the intensity in training and speed of the modern game has meant some players may head the ball more often today as a result of the ball being lighter in weight.  The debate around Dementia, head and neck trauma, and the demands of the modern game is ongoing.  

These Saliva tests - are a major breakthrough and will soon be a major tool for the on-field therapist.