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New headgear to cushion head knocks being tested by Canterbury Uni

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 25 Jun 2020, 11:29AM
Photo / Getty Images
Photo / Getty Images

New headgear to cushion head knocks being tested by Canterbury Uni

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 25 Jun 2020, 11:29AM

University researchers will test new headgear on young rugby players next season to see if it can cushion them from head knocks.

A Canterbury University team has designed a prototype based on new materials, after tests raised question marks about the protection of existing headgear.

Lead researcher Nick Draper told Kate Hawkesby young volunteers will have a MRI scan and cognitive testing before they wear the headgear at games and training.

He says they will be taken to hospital to be tested again,  if they're in a collision.

"They'll be taken to hospital to be tested again if they are in a collision and this will help them measure the headgear's protective abilities."

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