The Premier League is expanding its heading in football research through further studies using mouthguard technology.
Twelve clubs across the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and FA Women’s Super League (WSL) are participating in the extended study, which follows last season’s initial research project with Liverpool and Manchester City.
Working with sports welfare technology company Sports & Wellbeing Analytics (SWA), players are provided with PROTECHT mouthguards, which collect force and frequency data of impacts to the head.
"The ongoing research will provide a greater amount of data and evidence which will help further shape future heading guidance for players"
The equipment will be fitted with sensors to provide precise measurements.
The mouthguard will be worn by players during training sessions.
The data will continue to be independently verified and will inform the ongoing review and development of heading guidance introduced into the English game at the start of this season.
See: Premier League Heading Guidance
The latest research project is part of football’s joint brain health action plan announced in December 2021 with The FA, EFL and PFA.
Professor Mark Gillett, Chief Medical Officer at the Premier League, said: “The safety of players continues to be a priority for the Premier League. The ongoing research will provide a greater amount of data and evidence which will help further shape future heading guidance for players.”
Chris Turner, CEO at SWA, commented: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Premier League which will see 12 clubs across the professional game adopt our contact load monitoring technology.
"Managing head injuries in sport is extremely important and we’re pleased the Premier League have shown faith in the technology we’ve developed, as they commit to further research into the impact of heading in football."
The Premier League has also developed specific neck strengthening guidance which has been provided to the professional game. The potential relationship between neck and shoulder strength and head acceleration was identified as one of the areas that required further investigation in the publishing of heading guidance earlier this season.
To support this aim, a working group comprising of sports scientists and researchers from football and other sports was formed to devise specific advice and guidance.
