Giants Women undergo pre-season SCAT testing and ECG scans

During the pre-season, the Giants Women took part in SCAT testing with the side’s physio Shannon Ainsworth taking the lead, focussing on players’ brain and cardiological health.

The Sports Concussion Assessment Test (SCAT) is a standardised tool used by medical personnel to aid evaluation and assessments of concussions.

This test allows physios to confirm whether or not a player has suffered a concussion on the pitch.

SCAT tests are also used to gather baseline data among athletes to understand their characteristics off-field.

This information is taken into account when players undergo concussion tests to see whether they naturally display these characteristics, or if a potential concussion has heightened these traits.

The Giants’ SCAT testing comprised cognitive tests, surrounding immediate and oriental memory; evaluation of previous player condition, and a measure of concentration with movement and balance also tested.

The team also took part in cardio screening, which aimed to catch irregularities in the heart. This testing can catch potential heart defects which allows the medical team to treat those affected prior to full contact training.

This is all part of the club’s effort to emphasise player health and treatment in their bid to transform the women’s game into a professional product, having recently taken over ownership of the team from the Giants’ charitable arm.

With the tests concluded, the team can now get stuck in with their training and prepare for their 2024 Women’s Super League campaign.