Ex-international rugby players have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Glasgow compared health records from over 400 ex-international rugby union players with 1200 members of the public of the same age, sex and economic background.

What were the results?

The study found that those who had been involved in the sport were 2.5 times more likely to develop a neurodegenerative disease. Read the full report on the BMJ Journals website.

Ex-rugby players were 3 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than the general population. The risk of other neurodegenerative conditions varied, from 2 times greater risk of dementia to 15 times greater risk of motor neuron disease.

What does this mean?

This study builds on previous research which showed similar results in ex-footballers and American footballer players. All 3 of these sports can involve repetitive impact to the head. You can read more about the previous research on our website.

The research team who worked on the study are calling for more intervention from sport associations to reduce the risk of head injury to players during both training and the competitive season.

Research Communications Officer, Dr Becky Jones, says:

"This study supports previous research linking low level head trauma and the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s. Further research looking at how head injuries might be involved in the causes of neurodegeneration is now needed.

"We know that Parkinson’s seems to be caused by a complex mixture of factors that are yet to be fully understood, where head injury may be just one contributing factor that increases someone’s risk of going on to develop the condition. 

"It’s important to note that this study was looking at professional, international ex-players. We don’t know if the same story would apply to those who play the sport as a hobby. We know that keeping active has many health benefits, and this should be taken into account when assessing this risk."