Colm’s research is investigating the role of neck strength in concussion rehab. He is looking at developing a novel testing method which measures isometric neck strength in 4 directions using a strain gauge and harness. So far he has successfully collected baseline data for 131 16-18 year old male subjects (rugby playing), with the goal of performing validity and reliability tests in 2017. Colm will investigate the role of rate rate of force development and rate of reaction (of neck muscles) in contact/collision sport, with the long term goal of developing the neck rehabilitation programme post-concussion using harness and gauge to guide rehab.

Supervisors: Kathryn Schneider,  Eanna Falvey (Ireland)

Funding: Sports Surgery Clinic (Ireland; Sep 2016-June 2020)

Publications:

Cosgrave C, Fuller C, Franklyn-Miller A, Falvey E, Beirne C, Ryan J, . Concussion in adolescent rugby union players: comprehensive acute assessment protocol and development of the SSC concussion passport to monitor long-term health. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Nov 5;4(1):e000455. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000455. eCollection 2018. 

Contact: colmfuller@icloud.com