Quantifying Head Impacts in Collegiate Lacrosse

Conclusion: The study data suggest a higher impact burden during games compared with practices, but this effect is driven by the quantity rather than severity of impacts. In contrast, sex-based effects in impact burden are driven by average impact severity rather than quantity. Data collected from larger multisite trials and/or different age groups could be used to inform ongoing debates, including headgear and practice regulations, that might appreciably affect the burden of head impacts in lacrosse. Clinical Relevance: While most head impacts do not result in a clinical diagnosis of concussion, evidence indicates that subconcussive head impacts may increase susceptibility to concussion and contribute to long-term neurodegeneration.

http://ajs.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/44/11/2947?rss=1

Source: The American Journal of Sports Medicine - October 30, 2016 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Reynolds, B. B., Patrie, J., Henry, E. J., Goodkin, H. P., Broshek, D. K., Wintermark, M., Druzgal, T. J. Tags: Head injuries/concussion, Biomechanics, general, Female athlete, Lacrosse Head Injury and Concussion Source Type: research