PolarCool AB (publ.) announces that the COOLHEAD study (Clinical Observed Outcomes with Local Head-cooling After Diagnosed Concussions) has now officially commenced. The research study is using PolarCap® in professional rugby as an innovative treatment for sport-related concussions (SRC).

The study is being conducted at the highest level of rugby in a unique collaboration between PolarCool and three of the sport’s most influential organizations: the two leagues United Rugby Championship* (URC) and Premiership Rugby** (PREM), as well as World Rugby, the international governing body for rugby union — the most globally widespread form of the game.

The study protocol for the COOLHEAD study has been published in the British Medical Journal Open Sport & Exercise Medicine (BOSEM). The aim of the study is to confirm the clinical effects of PolarCap® in professional rugby, building on previously published clinical studies in elite ice hockey that demonstrated improved recovery, reduced initial symptoms, and—most importantly—a significantly reduced risk of long-term absence among players treated with PolarCap®, compared to those receiving standard care alone. Rugby is a sport with a high incidence of concussions and well-structured medical routines, making it an ideal environment for such a study.

The study is being conducted across two groups:

• United Rugby Championship (URC) – Intervention group: Immediate treatment (45 minutes of cooling) with PolarCap® within 30 minutes of concussion diagnosis, followed by World Rugby’s standardized return-to-play protocol. Data collection is already underway in this group.
• Premiership Rugby (PREM) – Control group: Standard concussion care only.

The study, being ran and evaluated independently by academics in Leeds Becket University, will track 100 concussions per cohort over two seasons, measuring outcomes such as: Return to play, symptom burden, cognitive and balance function, and player and medical staff experiences (qualitative interviews).

Erik Andersson, CEO of PolarCool AB, comments:

-We are proud to support the COOLHEAD study, which represents a major step forward in advancing evidence-based treatment for concussions. Our collaboration with URC, Premiership Rugby and World Rugby highlights the growing trust in our technology and of our shared ambition to deliver real benefits for athletes worldwide.

The COOLHEAD study represents the first large-scale evaluation of head and neck cooling in rugby. The results may influence the future management of concussions globally and strengthen PolarCool’s position as a leader in evidence-based sports medicine innovation

* URC = multinational rugby union league with teams in Europe and South Africa.
** Premiership Rugby = England’s top division for rugby union club teams.

For more information

Erik Andersson – CEO PolarCool AB (publ.) 
+46 – 73 860 57 00    
E-mail: erik.andersson@polarcool.se

About PolarCool AB (publ.)

PolarCool AB (publ.) is a medical device company that develops, markets, and sells products for sports medicine. The company focuses on treatment of concussive and sub-concussive brain injury with the portable cooling device PolarCap®. PolarCool AB (publ.) is based in Lund, Sweden, and its shares are listed on Spotlight Stock Market.