Effects of Repetitive Head Trauma in Athletes Who Play Contact Sports

Effects of Repetitive Head Trauma on Athletes Who Play Contact Sports

December 12, 2021

Introduction

A concussion is defined as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is caused by the head being jerked back, causing the brain to hit the skull. Concussions are a major public health issue, especially in the setting of contact sports. Approximately ten percent of all athletes who participate in contact sports will sustain a concussion or some kind of head trauma annually. Millions of athletes of all ages may face the risks of concussion, as repetitive head trauma is exceedingly common especially in football, hockey and boxing. Results of a recent study showed that 61 percent of football players polled suffered at least one concussion; with 24 percent having 3 or more. Athletes who participate in contact sports and sustain multiple concussions can eventually develop brain atrophy and suffer from various related cognitive and psychological impairments, especially if concussions are left undiagnosed and untreated.

Effects of Concussions

• Concussions result in neuronal damage which disrupts neurological function and can lead to cortical atrophy which can affect judgment, memory and reading.
• Early onset of dementia can occur after multiple cerebral concussions.
• Concussions are linked to depression, short term physical limitations, decreased reaction time, impaired memory and visual-motor speed.
• If untreated, concussions can lead to cognitive impairment and progress into degenerative diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
• Repetitive head injuries can lead to due to a progressive loss in neurons and injury of tau proteins, which are the bridges that hold brain cells together.
• Brain cell degeneration following concussions can be progressive and potentially lethal if unrecognized and left untreated. 

Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment

• Once a concussion is diagnosed, athletes must refrain from any activities that put them at risk for suffering further brain injury for at least 3 weeks.
• Concussion protocols which require a period of physical and cognitive rest have been shown to facilitate recovery and improve outcomes post injury.
• Light aerobic exercise and mental stimulation activities are recommended for athletes recovering from a TBI.
• Aerobic exercise can improve blood flow to the cerebrum which can promote healing of neuronal tissue and accelerate neuronal recovery. 
• Mental stimulation by participating in card games or word games is another recommended treatment modality. 

Most Effective Types of Exercise for Treatment of Concussions

• Aerobic exercise such as cycling or walking at a gradual pace for 20-30 minutes daily is an appropriate treatment plan for athletes recovering from a TBI.

Practical Implications

Practical implications include ensuring that all coaching staff involved in sports that are high risk for concussion are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and make sure their athletes receive the proper care from medical professionals. They should also be educated on the adverse effects of not treating concussions correctly.

 

Resources

1.  https://www.northwell.edu/orthopaedic-institute/specialties/sports-medicine/expert-insights/early-signs-of-a-concussion

2. Concussion Hotline: (855) 510-5110

 

Jordan Wiggins is a senior at Westfield State University, and is a Movement Science major with a concentration in Sports Medicine. He is also a forward on the varsity men’s basketball team. Following graduation, he plans to continue his education in graduate school and seek a doctorate in physical therapy. Jordan can be contacted at jordanpwiggins12@gmail.com

References (APA)

1. Yadikar, H., Johnson, C., Mouhawasee, E., Kurup, M., Nguyen, L., Pafundi, N., & Wang, K. K. W. (2019, July 17). CTE: The Hidden Risk of Playing Contact Sports. Frontiers for Young Minds. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00093. 

2.  Manley, G., Gardner, A. J., Schneider, K. J., Guskiewicz, K. M., Bailes, J., Cantu, R. C., Castellani, R. J., Turner, M., Jordan, B. D., Randolph, C., Dvorak, J., Hayden, K. A., Tator, C. H., McCrory, P., & Iverson, G. L. (2017). A Systematic Review of Potential Long-Term Effects of Sport-Related Concussion , 1–10. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/12/969.

3. Guskiewicz, K. M., Marshall, S. W., Bailes, J., McCrea, M., Cantu, R. C., Randolph, C., & Jordan, B. D. (2015). Association between Recurrent Concussion and Late-Life Cognitive Impairment in Retired Professional Football Players, 1–1. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16239884/.