Abstract
Introduction: Concussions and sub-concussions are thought to accelerate the normal cognitive aging process. Therefore, head injuries sustained whilst playing rugby may cause more cognitive deficits in older people compared to their non-rugby playing peers. Due to this risk, older people who sustained concussions when playing the sport may be more concerned about their cognition.
Method: Using a mixed methods design, self-reported cognition and playing history, including concussions was collected from 91 current and retired rugby players. Five retired players over 60 years old were then interviewed about their experiences of concussion and their thoughts and feelings about their cognition.
Results: Increasing age and number of concussions did not result in significantly more self-reported cognitive deficits. In fact, age was inversely correlated with reported cognitive failures (ß=-.405, t (-3.01), p=.004). Older participants also reported higher levels of energy and greater emotional wellbeing compared to younger participants. During the interviews, the >60-year-old participants reported receiving multiple concussions whilst playing rugby but believed that they had not been affected by them in later life. These beliefs were moderated by their perceptions of themselves as lucky, and their opinions about the differences between the game they played and the current game, believing that the head injuries sustained by current players are more serious.
Conclusion: Older, retired rugby players and those who experience more concussions and sub-concussions do not report more cognitive difficulties than younger players. The older retired players hold beliefs about themselves, others and the game of rugby which indicate that they do not necessarily fear the consequences of the head injuries they sustained whilst playing rugby. Further research into the objective cognition of this group is warranted to explore whether the beliefs held are accurate and to inform future services for players as they age.