Impact characteristics of suspected concussions in elite Gaelic football and hurling: a video-based analysis.

BACKGROUND

Sport-related concussion is a significant concern in contact sports, yet research in amateur Gaelic games is limited.

AIMS: To examine the characteristics and mechanisms of suspected concussions in elite Gaelic football and hurling using video-based analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective video analysis was conducted on 96 suspected concussions (58 Gaelic football, 38 hurling) identified from broadcast footage during the 2018-2019 inter-county seasons. Events were coded for type of play, player role, object/body part striking the head, collision direction, legality, referee penalisation, and match quarter. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit test and standardised residuals assessed distributions.

RESULTS

In Gaelic football, suspected concussions were evenly distributed across quarters, χ²=6.23, p = 0.101. In hurling, incidents were overrepresented in the fourth quarter, χ²=14.00, p = 0.003, residual = + 3.08. Tackles were significantly more frequent in football (residual = + 8.63, χ²=95.79, p < 0.001) and hurling (residual = + 4.14, χ²=28.58, p < 0.001), while off-the-ball collisions and goalpost impacts were less frequent. Ball carriers were overrepresented in football (residual = + 5.99, χ²=48.38, p < 0.001) and hurling (residual = + 3.41, χ²=16.32, p = 0.001). Arms were the main impact source in football (residual = + 8.08, χ²=79.93, p < 0.001) with shoulders/torsos in hurling (residual = + 4.24/+2.87, χ²=36.53, p < 0.001). Front-on collisions predominated in both codes. Illegal play was significant in football (residual = + 2.6, χ²=13.52, p < 0.001), with illegal incidents penalised (residual = + 3.34, χ²=22.35, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the need for targeted rule enforcement, player education, and management to reduce concussion risk in Gaelic football and hurling.