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Leeds Beckett leads international study into concussion recovery in elite rugby

14 October 2025

Researchers from Leeds Beckett University are leading a major independent study assessing innovative cooling technology to support player recovery after concussion.

A team from Leeds Beckett University is spearheading an international research project investigating whether head and neck cooling can improve recovery outcomes for professional rugby players following concussion.

The COOLHEAD study, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, marks the next step in a collaboration between the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) and medical technology company PolarCool. It will evaluate the use of the PolarCap®, a cooling device applied immediately after head injury, to determine whether lowering brain temperature can aid recovery.

Led by Dr James Brown, from Leeds Beckett's Carnegie School of Sport, alongside Dr Michael Dunlop, Medical Advisor to the URC, the study represents the first peer-reviewed, multi-league clinical trial exploring an acute concussion treatment method in professional rugby.

Following an initial feasibility phase across five URC teams, the new research will span the next two seasons. URC teams will use the PolarCap® device as part of their concussion management, while Premiership Rugby clubs will act as a comparison group, following standard care protocols. All players will continue to follow World Rugby's Graduated Return-to-Play guidelines.

Although funded by PolarCool AB, the study design, data collection and analysis are conducted independently by Leeds Beckett researchers to ensure scientific integrity and transparency.

Dr Brown said: "This study represents a significant step forward in the evidence base for managing sports-related concussion. By working across multiple professional leagues, we aim to build a clearer understanding of whether cooling treatments can improve player recovery and long-term welfare."

The COOLHEAD study will collect both clinical data - such as recovery times and cognitive outcomes - and practical feedback from players and medical teams. The findings will inform future approaches to concussion management in elite sport and reinforce Leeds Beckett's leading role in sport science and player welfare research.