Grounding concussion innovation in evidence
nnovation in concussion care is only as strong as the research behind it.
At Love of the Game, we support and fund research that improves understanding of concussion across sport — particularly where evidence is still emerging or underutilised in practice.
We also help connect researchers, institutions, and sporting organisations to ensure findings move beyond academic publication and into real-world impact.
What We Support
- Applied concussion research in sport environments
- Studies on recovery, return-to-play, and decision-making
- Research into gender differences and underrepresented groups
- Evaluation of education and digital interventions
- Collaboration between academic and clinical institutions
Partnership: UK Concussion Network
Based at the University of Cambridge, our collaboration with the UK Concussion Network helps us stay connected to leading researchers and emerging studies across the UK.
This partnership strengthens our ability to translate research into practical guidance and applied solutions.
Research highlight: WAVi EEG study
We are proud to have supported WAVi — a team that emerged from our 2022 Hackathon and later showcased at our Demo Days.
We funded a major study led by Dr Joanne Powell (Edge Hill University), investigating whether EEG evoked responses can support return-to-play decisions following concussion.
The study followed athletes across multiple rugby clubs over multiple seasons, examining how brain activity changes during recovery.
WAVi’s EEG system translates brainwave data into functional insights that may complement existing clinical assessments and improve return-to-play safety.
Key insight
The research explores a critical question in concussion care:
can the brain appear “recovered” before it truly is?
Early findings suggest EEG-based measures may provide valuable objective support in identifying incomplete recovery — helping reduce premature return-to-play decisions.
Our role
We do not replace clinical decision-making — we support it.
By funding and amplifying research like WAVi, we aim to strengthen the evidence base behind safer, more individualised concussion care.