We are delighted and proud to be supporting our client Marker Diagnostics as it pioneers new concussion research focusing on female rugby players. Today (May 18th 2023), they are announcing a global study based on groundbreaking biomarker research based on findings from the University of Birmingham.
Marker is a leader in saliva biomarker analysis and concussion diagnostics. The company is undertaking a comprehensive research programme amongst female rugby players, to broaden the use of its saliva biomarker concussion test.
More research is needed to undersntand and support the brain welfare of players as women’s sport grows.
The aim of the continued focus on female sport is to develop and provide all female athletes at every level with access to objective and accurate concussion diagnosis.
Testing and data collection is already underway with several partnerships including the Allianz Premier 15s and the recent TikTok Women’s Six Nations. This follows successful data collection during last year’s delayed 2021 Women’s World Cup and the Farah Palmer Cup in New Zealand. More international partnerships are anticipated, making this Marker’s most comprehensive programme of female focused research to date. The combination of elite and community level data collection will also support the extension of Marker’s current test approval to be used at all levels of the female game.
Is concussion expression different in women or is it just diagnosed differently?
Published research suggests that female athletes suffer a higher rate of concussion, which may be accompanied by a wider range of more severe and prolonged symptoms compared to their male counterparts. Marker has been undertaking focused research amongst female athletes for several years, with the aim of developing a specific and objective biological tool to improve diagnosis and outcomes.
Founded in 2016, Marker has already developed a CE-certified concussion test for adult males following the ground-breaking research conducted at the University of Birmingham. Marker is now continuing the work that was led by Dr Valentina Di Pietro and Professor Tony Belli who are based within the University’s Institute of Inflammation and Ageing.
The research is based on the analysis of small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) biomarkers in the saliva from a quick, easy and non-invasive mouth swab. Following a concussive event, a cascade of chemical processes occurs in the brain, altering biomarker profiles. Marker will analyse these changes to provide doctors with an accurate biological tool to diagnose concussions. Without an objective test, concussion has been challenging to diagnose with doctors currently relying on a series of subjective tests to make their diagnoses.
Dr Valentina Di Pietro, of the University of Birmingham, said:
“Concussion can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in settings such as grass roots sports where evaluation by a specialist clinician is not possible. Consequently, some concussions may go undiagnosed. A non-invasive and accurate diagnostic test using saliva is a real game changer and will provide an invaluable tool to help doctors diagnose concussions more consistently and accurately.”
David Cohen, Chairman of Marker, said:
“We have been focused on female specific diagnostics for several years, with a core belief that women deserve the same gender sensitive and accurate diagnostics as men. Seeing the huge crowd at the final game of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations, it’s easy to see we are not alone.
“It is critical to provide specific and accurate biological concussion diagnosis and safe return to play for women. The test can then be used to objectively support enhanced player welfare practices focussed on brain health across at all levels of female sport. The relationship with the University of Birmingham and our international collaborations with World Rugby, the RFU, NZR and TikTok Women’s Six Nations is rapidly moving us closer to providing female players with an accurate and objective concussion test.”
For more information about Marker Diagnostics go to see the website Markerhealth.com or follow them on twitter @Test4Concussion