BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD
University of Newcastle researchers have received a total of $4.5 million as part of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) ideas grant.
Among those receiving funding is Dr Suzie Edwards looking at the effectiveness of tackle technique intervention to reduce the in-game risk of concussion.
Specifically prominent in Rugby League Dr Edwards is using empirical based research in order to make the sport safer for the players and reduce the long-term effects repeated concussions can have.
With a grant of just over $1 million Dr Edwards has been working with other researchers and rugby league professionals in order to understand the types of tackles involved in game play and the risks these pose.
It has been found that Indigenous Australians and Pacifica players are of those most susceptible to injury with the league having a percentage of 57% of players falling in this category.
With the help of professionals and medical experts this research will enable Dr Edwards to develop new coaching guidelines.
"Our research is looking at how we can change someone's tackle technique. So we've identified risk factors for how someone tackles. In a way we're re-teaching and coaching players to tackle differently that modifies their injury risk for concussions," Dr Edwards said.
