These rugby players who are two and a half times more likely to develop a neurodegenerative disease

Former international rugby players are two and a half times more likely than the general population to develop neurodegenerative diseases, according to a study by researchers at the University of Glasgow.

The risk of developing Parkinson's disease would also be three times higher for former players.

That of presenting a disease of the motor neuron, a type of neurodegenerative disease, would be fifteen times higher, according to the results published in the

.

The team compared the profiles of 412 former Scottish rugby internationals with 1,200 people from the general population.

Their conclusions add to those of previous studies pointing to the links between concussions suffered by players and the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

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Risks that are not limited to professional athletes

Three former Irish players recently filed a complaint against their federation for repeated concussions.

Other players have already initiated legal proceedings against rugby institutions.

This is the case of the former English hooker Steve Thompson who says he suffers from dementia praecox in a testimony broadcast by the press.

According to the study, if the risks are not the same according to the type of neurodegenerative disease, the position of the player would not have an influence.

The researchers note that most of the rugby players studied were amateurs, rugby only becoming professional in 1995, which shows that the risks are not limited to professional athletes.

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motor neuron diseases

"Our concern is particularly about the risk of developing motor neurone disease among rugby players, which is even higher than for former professional footballers

," said neuropathology consultant Willie Stewart, who led the research team. .

These pathologies are manifested by a progressive loss of motor neurons, which would cause motor disorders or even progressive paralysis.

"Instead of talking about extending the seasons and adding new competitions, we should discuss in order to reduce them as much as possible

," he added, taking the example of American football.

," said Willie Stewart.

Brian Dickie, director of research and development for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, welcomed the study, while calling for further research.

,” he said.