Observable player behaviours and playing performance following helmet strikes in elite cricket

Abstract

ObjectivesInvestigate the observable player behaviours and features of both concussive (HS-C) and non-concussive (HS-NC) helmet strikes and describe their impact on playing performance.MethodsElite male cricketers sustaining helmet strikes between the 2016 and 2018 seasons were identified by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Medical records identified players sustaining a concussion and those in whom concussion was excluded. Retrospective cohort analysis was performed on batting and bowling performance data available for these players in the 2 years prior to and 3 months post helmet strike. Video analysis of available incidents was conducted to describe the characteristics of the helmet strike and subsequent observable player behaviours. The HS-C and HS-NC cohorts were compared.ResultsData were available for 194 helmet strikes. 56 (29%) resulted in concussion. No significant differences were seen in playing performance in the 3 months post concussive helmet strike. However, a significant decline in batting performance was seen in this period in the HS-NC group (p<0.001).Video features signifying motor incoordination were most useful in identifying concussion post helmet strike, however, typical features suggesting transient loss of consciousness were not seen. Features such as a longer duration pause prior to the batsman resuming play and the level of concern shown by other players were also useful features.ConclusionHS-NC may be more significant for player performance than previously thought. Guidance for using video replay to identify concussion in cricket may need to be modified when compared with other field sports.

Getting “a head” of the game – Cricket and brain injury

“…There can be variation between sports as to how the topic of brain injury is approached and managed, despite apparent multisport consensus [11]. As noted above [9], use of video is increasingly being considered as a way of aiding decision making in cricket, albeit with limitations. Descriptions of how various neurological symptomology may present following head impact have been attempted but agreed definitions have not been made thus far [12].…”

“…O'Halloran et al present a useful performance analysis of elite level cricketers (batting and bowling averages) following a helmet/head strike [9]. Most notably, there was a significant decline in performance measures at 3 months in the study group not diagnosed with a concussive injury following impact.…”