Journal Article

6.3 Concussion history, career status and cumulative years of football exposure influence concussion assessment performance in elite football players

Medley, Ann, Brizzolara, Kelli, Cookinham, Brittani, Weber, Mark, Swank, Chad

2024

Overview

ObjectiveTo explore relationship of concussion history, career status, and years of contact football exposure on symptom frequency, symptom severity, neurocognitive function, and balance in elite football players.DesignCross-sectional single assessment study.SettingOutpatient therapy.ParticipantsElite football players (n=102) between the ages of 18–45 (age M=27.75±6.95 years) who were draft prospects (received an invitation to a pro day or the NFL combine), active professional players and retired professional players, without a concussion (>30 days) were invited to voluntarily participate.Outcome MeasureSports Concussion Assessment Tool components that were evaluated include: background information on the athlete, symptom evaluation, Modified Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS), and the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC).Results58.8% of players reported symptoms. Most common symptoms were fatigue (33.3%), trouble falling asleep (31.4%), difficulty remembering (29.4%), and difficulty concentrating (20.6%). Multiple concussions group reported 3.07 times greater total symptoms, 3.58 times higher symptom severity, and lower SAC scores (1.42 points) compared to low concussion group. Professionals reported 1.88 times greater total symptoms and 2.35 times higher symptom severity compared to draft prospects. Retired players reported 7.07 times greater total symptoms, 8.97 times higher symptom severity, lower SAC scores (1.98 points), and 3.67 more m-BESS errors compared to draft prospects. Players with 11–19 years football exposure reported 3.83 times higher symptom severity compared to players with <11 years football exposure. Players with >19 years football exposure had 6.87 times higher symptom severity than players with <11 years football exposure. All results presented, p <.05.ConclusionsRetired players with multiple concussions and 19+ years of contact football exposure are likely to have more symptoms, higher symptom severity, and lower neurocognitive scores.

• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine,BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subject: Athletic drafts & trades / Concussion / First Round Abstract Submissions / Football