The Premier League has released a dedicated special edition of the 'British Journal of Sports Medicine' (BJSM), highlighting the League’s commitment to
advancing player health and medical care in football.
The initiative comes in response to the growing complexity of medical issues in the Premier League, driven in part by the lasting impacts of COVID-19 and emerging research into head injuries and football-related trauma. Over recent years, the League has conducted numerous medical studies and collaborative projects, generating insights that have informed both policy and practice across the competition.
This special edition showcases ongoing initiatives designed to improve player welfare, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration between clubs, academic institutions, and the Premier League itself. By sharing this research, the League aims to set new standards for clinical care in elite football.
The project was led by the Premier League’s Elite Performance team, which oversees medical research initiatives relevant to the top tier of English football. Their work provides guidance and resources to clubs, ensuring that all players receive consistent, high-quality medical care while maintaining fairness across the competition.
Focus on head injuries and concussion
A central theme of the edition is the management of head injuries, particularly concussions. One highlighted article, “Concussion in Football: The Case for Temporary Concussion Substitutions (TCS),” explores the potential benefits of introducing temporary concussion substitutions.
Research indicates that current concussion protocols in football require reform to better protect players. In other professional sports, implementing TCS along with formal off-field assessments has successfully reduced the number of athletes returning to play too soon after a concussion. The Premier League supports a future trial of TCS, with appropriate safeguards to protect the integrity of the game while prioritizing player safety.
This edition reflects the Premier League’s ongoing dedication to evidence-based medical practices and its role as a leader in player welfare. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, research, and innovation in shaping the future of elite football.
The full special edition of the ‘British Journal of Sports Medicine' authored by the Premier League is available to read online here.
Photo by British Journal of Sports Medicine, Wikimedia commons.