Strategies for Athletes to Reduce Concussion Risks in American Football
Understanding Concussions in Football
Concussions are a significant concern in American football, affecting players at all levels, from high school to the NFL. A concussion, or sport-related concussion (SRC), is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, leading to chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is crucial for immediate action. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, behavioral changes such as depression, anxiety, and irritability, as well as disturbances in sleep, appetite, and cognitive impairment. If there is a concern of a SRC, it is essential for the person to undergo evaluation by a specialist within 24 to 48 hours of the injury. The diagnosis involves a careful physical examination, which may include a concussion questionnaire, neurocognitive testing, and when appropriate, advanced imaging.
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Prevention Strategies
Preventing concussions in football involves a multi-faceted approach that includes proper tackling techniques, the use of protective gear, and adherence to rules designed to reduce head impacts.
Proper Tackling Techniques
One of the most effective ways to reduce concussion risk is through proper tackling techniques. The NFL and other football leagues have emphasized the importance of teaching players how to tackle safely, focusing on leading with the shoulder rather than the head. This approach not only reduces the risk of concussions but also minimizes the impact on the head and brain.
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- Lead with the shoulder, not the head
- Keep the head up and eyes forward
- Use the arms to wrap up the opponent
- Drive through the tackle with the legs
- Avoid helmet-to-helmet contact
Use of Protective Gear
Helmets are the first line of defense against head injuries in football. However, recent research has highlighted the importance of facemask design in reducing concussion risk. Nearly one-third of concussions in professional football are linked to impacts on the facemask, suggesting that improvements to the facemask could significantly enhance player safety.
| Helmet Component | Current Design | Proposed Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| Facemask | Remained largely unchanged over the last decade | Enhancements to absorb and distribute impact forces |
| Helmet Shell | Standard designs | Position-specific helmet models, integration of Guardian Caps |
| Padding | Traditional foam | Advanced materials with better impact absorption |
Adherence to Rules and Regulations
Rule changes and regulations play a critical role in reducing concussion risk. The NFL has implemented several rule changes, such as the prohibition of helmet-to-helmet hits and the reduction of full-contact practices, which have contributed to a decline in concussions. For example, the NFL’s preseason concussion numbers have reached an all-time low, with a 24% decrease from 2023 and fewer than half the number of concussions in 2017.
Training and Conditioning
Athletes can also reduce their risk of concussions through comprehensive training and conditioning programs.
Year-Round Fitness
Staying active all year round is crucial for maintaining flexibility, strength, and overall fitness. Incorporating activities like running, swimming, and weight training helps football players stay strong and fit, reducing the likelihood of burnout and overuse injuries.
Pre-Season Physicals and Physical Therapy Screenings
Scheduling a pre-season physical is essential to determine a player’s readiness to play. This visit includes assessing overall health, reviewing past injuries, and checking for heart abnormalities. Additionally, a physical therapy screening at the start of each season helps identify areas of weakness and pre-existing issues, allowing for the development of a proactive injury prevention plan.
Return to Play Protocol
After a concussion, a systematic and gradual return to play is vital to ensure the athlete’s safety.
Steps for Return to Play
The CDC’s HEADS UP program outlines six gradual steps for returning an athlete to play:
- Rest: Complete rest from all activities until symptoms resolve.
- Light Aerobic Exercise: Gradually introduce light aerobic exercise to increase heart rate and blood flow without contact or high-impact activities.
- Strength Training: Add strength training exercises to improve muscular strength without contact.
- Non-Contact Drills: Progress to non-contact drills, such as passing and catching, to simulate game situations.
- Full-Contact Practice: Participate in full-contact practice, ensuring the athlete can tolerate the physical demands of the sport.
- Return to Play: Return to competitive play once cleared by a medical professional.
Advanced Research and Technology
Advancements in research and technology are continually enhancing our understanding of concussions and how to prevent them.
Sensor Technologies
The use of sensor technologies, such as instrumented mouthguards, has provided valuable insights into the types of impacts players face on the field. These sensors capture data on head impacts, helping researchers develop more effective strategies to decrease the occurrence and severity of head impacts.
Helmet Innovations
The NFL has seen significant progress in helmet innovations, with five of the helmet models available for the 2024 season testing better than any helmet ever worn in the league. The adoption of top-performing helmets, including position-specific models, has been instrumental in reducing concussion risk.
Reducing concussion risk in American football is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach. By focusing on proper tackling techniques, using advanced protective gear, adhering to rules and regulations, maintaining year-round fitness, and following a systematic return to play protocol, athletes can significantly lower their risk of concussions.
As Dr. Kristy Arbogast, the lead researcher at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention, emphasized, “Improvements to the facemask could significantly enhance player safety and reduce the risk of injuries.” The ongoing commitment to research, innovation, and education is crucial in making the sport safer for athletes at all levels.
By combining these strategies, football players can enjoy the game while minimizing the risk of this serious and potentially long-term injury. As Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President overseeing Player Health and Safety, noted, “Player safety is advancing, and we hope to see this trend continue this season”.
