Head Impacts, Not Concussions, Drive CTE Risk in American Football
Head Impacts, Not Concussions, Drive CTE Risk
A study challenges the notion that concussions are the primary driver of CTE risk in football. The number and severity of head impacts play a significant role.
Based on research involving 631 deceased football players, it was found that the odds of developing CTE were related to the cumulative head impacts received.
This study highlights the importance of considering non-concussive head injuries as a major driver of CTE pathology.
To understand CTE risk, researchers used a new tool called a positional exposure matrix (PEM) to estimate the number and severity of head impacts over players' careers.
These findings suggest that strategies to reduce CTE risk should focus on minimizing the number and force of head impacts in football players.
PEM Tool Provides Valuable Insights
Researchers employed a new tool called a positional exposure matrix (PEM) to calculate the cumulative number and characteristics of head impacts in football players.
The PEM tool allowed researchers to estimate the impact characteristics most responsible for CTE pathology.
Models using the intensity of impacts were more effective in predicting CTE status and severity than models solely relying on duration of play or number of hits to the head.
Beyond CTE, the PEM tool could be used in future studies to assess other potential effects of repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure.
Improved understanding of the specific types of head impacts that are most likely to cause CTE can contribute to preventive measures.
Implications for Preventing CTE
Reducing the number and force of head impacts in football practice and games could lower the odds of athletes developing CTE.
Implementing changes to how football players practice and play may be crucial in reducing the risk of CTE.
These findings provide football with a playbook to help prevent CTE in current and future players.
Addressing non-concussive head injuries is essential as they are a major driver of CTE pathology.
Preventive measures based on these findings have the potential to protect the brain health of football players.
Generalizability of the Study
The study used a sample of football-playing brain donors, which may have higher exposure to repetitive head impact (RHI) than the general population of football players.
However, the study also included donors with lower exposures, suggesting that the findings can be extrapolated to most football players.
Furthermore, the impact characteristics most responsible for CTE pathology in football players are likely applicable to other contact sports, military exposure, or domestic violence.
This broadens the implications of the study beyond football and emphasizes the need for further research in other contexts.
Conclusion
A study challenges the belief that concussions alone are the primary driver of CTE in football players.
Reducing the number and force of head impacts can lower the odds of developing CTE.
The study introduces a new tool, the positional exposure matrix (PEM), to estimate the number and severity of head impacts over a player's career.
These insights can inform strategies to protect the brain health of football players, with potential applications in other contact sports and contexts.
By understanding the relationship between head impacts and CTE risk, steps can be taken to reduce the prevalence of this debilitating condition.
References
John Anderer. (July 20, 2023). NFL training camp worries? Study finds number of head impacts, not concussions, drive CTE risk. studyfinds.org.
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