scholarly journals Protective Football Headgear and Peripheral Visuomotor Ability in NCAA Football Athletes: The Role of Facemasks and Visors

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Ballmann ◽  
Anna C. Covington ◽  
Rachel A. Miller ◽  
Rebecca R. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Visual Areas ◽  
Peripheral Areas ◽  
Player Performance ◽  
Collegiate Football ◽  
Visuomotor Performance

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of varying facemask reinforcement and visor tint on peripheral visuomotor abilities in collegiate football players. Division I NCAA football players (n = 14) completed two peripheral visuomotor experiments: (1) Varying facemask reinforcement, (2) Varying visor tinting. In experiment 1, participants were tested under the following conditions: baseline (no helmet; BL), helmet + light (HL), helmet + medium (HM), helmet + heavy (HH), and helmet + extra heavy (HXH) reinforced facemasks. In experiment 2, participants were tested under the following conditions: baseline (no helmet; BL), helmet only (HO), helmet + clear (HCV), helmet + smoke-tinted (HSV), and helmet + mirror-tinted (HMV) visors. For each condition, a 60 s peripheral visuomotor test was completed on a Dynavision D2 visuomotor board. For experiment 1, the BL peripheral reaction time (PRT) was faster than all facemask conditions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PRT was impaired with the HXH compared to HL (p < 0.001), HM (p < 0.001), and HH (p = 0.001). Both HH and HXH resulted in the potentiation of PRT impairments in the outermost and inferior peripheral visual areas (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, BL PRT was faster than all helmeted conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, PRT was slower in HSV (p = 0.013) and HMV (p < 0.001) conditions compared to HO. HMV resulted in slower PRT in all peripheral areas (p < 0.05) while PRT was impaired only in outer areas for HSV (p < 0.05). Wearing protective football headgear impairs peripheral visuomotor ability. Lighter reinforced facemasks and clear visors do not appear to exacerbate impairment. However, heavier reinforced facemasks and tinted visors further decrease visuomotor performance in outer and inferior visual areas, indicating a potential need for considerations of on-field player performance and safety.

scholarly journals Pilot Evaluation of a Novel Clinical Test of Reaction Time in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Players

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T. Eckner ◽  
Jeffrey S. Kutcher ◽  
James K. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Collegiate Football

Abstract Context: Evidence suggests that concussion prolongs reaction time (RT). We have developed a simple, reliable clinical tool for measuring reaction time that may be of value in the assessment of concussion in athletes. Objective: To compare baseline values of clinical RT (RTclin) obtained using the new clinical reaction time apparatus with computerized RT (RTcomp) obtained using a validated computerized neuropsychological test battery. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Data were collected during a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate football team's preparticipation physical examination session. Patients or Other Participants: Ninety-four Division I collegiate football players. Main Outcome Measure(s): The RTclin was measured using a 1.3-m measuring stick embedded in a weighted rubber disk that was released and caught as quickly as possible. The RTcomp was measured using the simple RT component of CogState Sport. Results: For the 68 athletes whose CogState Sport tests passed the program's integrity check, RTclin and RTcomp were correlated (r  =  0.445, P &lt; .001). Overall, mean RTclin was shorter and less variable than mean RTcomp (203 ± 20 milliseconds versus 268 ± 44 milliseconds; P &lt; .001). When RTclin and RTcomp were compared between those athletes with (n  =  68) and those without (n  =  26) valid CogState Sport test sessions, mean RTclin was similar (202 ± 19 milliseconds versus 207 ± 23 milliseconds; P  =  .390), but mean RTcomp was different (258 ± 35 milliseconds versus 290 ± 55 milliseconds; P  =  .009). Conclusions: The RTclin was positively correlated with RTcomp and yielded more consistent reaction time values during baseline testing. Given that RTclin is easy to measure using simple, inexpensive equipment, further prospective study is warranted to determine its clinical utility in the assessment of concussion in athletes.

scholarly journals Alterations to the gut microbiome after sport-related concussion in a collegiate football players cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirena Soriano ◽  
Kristen Curry ◽  
Saeed Sadrameli ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Michael Nute ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Division I ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Athletic Activity ◽  
Biomarker Analysis ◽  
Collegiate Football

Abstract Concussions, both single and repetitive, during contact sports cause brain and body alterations in athletes. The role of the brain-gut connection and changes in the microbiota have not been well established after a head injury or concussion-related health consequences. We recruited 33 Division I Collegiate football players and collected blood, stool, and saliva samples throughout the athletic season. Analysis of the gut microbiome reveals a decrease in abundance for two bacterial species, Eubacterium rectale and Anaerostipes hadrus, after a diagnosed concussion. No significant differences were found regarding the salivary microbiome. Serum biomarker analysis shows an increase in GFAP blood levels in athletes during athletic activity. Additionally, S100β and SAA blood levels were positively correlated with the abundance of Eubacterium rectale species among athletes exposed to subconcussive impacts. These novel findings provide evidence that detecting changes in the gut microbiome may pave the way for improved concussion diagnosis following head injury.

scholarly journals Alterations to the gut microbiome after sport-related concussion and subconcussive impacts in a collegiate football players cohort.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirena Soriano ◽  
Kristen Curry ◽  
Saeed Sadrameli ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Michael Nute ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Division I ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Biomarker Analysis ◽  
Subconcussive Impacts ◽  
Collegiate Football

Concussions, both single and repetitive, during contact sports cause brain and body alterations in athletes. The role of the brain-gut connection and changes in the microbiota have not been well established after a head injury or concussion-related health consequences. We recruited 33 Division I Collegiate football players and collected blood, stool, and saliva samples throughout the athletic season. Analysis of the gut microbiome reveals a decrease in abundance for two bacterial species, Eubacterium rectale and Anaerostipes hadrus, after a diagnosed concussion. No significant differences were found regarding the salivary microbiome. Serum biomarker analysis shows an increase in GFAP blood levels in athletes during athletic activity. Additionally, S100β and SAA blood levels were positively correlated with the abundance of Eubacterium rectale species among athletes exposed to subconcussive impacts. These novel findings provide evidence that detecting changes in the gut microbiome may pave the way for improved concussion diagnosis following head injury.

Repetitive head impacts in a collegiate football season: Exposure and effects

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110272
Author(s):  
Laura D Wilson ◽  
Rachel A Hildebrand ◽  
Trang Le ◽  
Brett A McKinney
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
American Football ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Head Impacts ◽  
Repetitive Head Impacts ◽  
The Past ◽  
Acute Increase ◽  
Collegiate Football

This study describes exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) by player position and activity during a collegiate football season, and investigates the relationship between RHI and acute (i.e., daily and weekly) and short-term (i.e., pre- to post-season) changes in balance, reaction time, symptoms, and cognition. We recorded RHI exposure in twenty Division I collegiate American football players during a single season using the Riddell InSite system. Participants sustained 4,586 impacts (4.20% high impact, i.e., >63 g; 95.79% low impact, i.e., 20–63 g). Greatest exposure to RHI was observed in running backs and defensive ends during games, and tight ends and defensive ends during practices. Running plays and team drills placed players at greatest risk for exposure during practice. Cumulative RHI exposure across the season was associated with short-term declines in reaction time (p = 0.045), but not balance or cognition. Acute decline in balance was associated with the number of impacts sustained in the past week (p < 0.05), but not the past 24 hours (p > 0.05). Acute increase in total symptom score was also associated with the number of impacts sustained in the past week (p < 0.01), but not the past 24 hours (p > 0.05). Reaction time did not decline based on impact exposure in the past 24 hours or week. This study identifies activities and positions that may put players at risk for RHI exposure, and demonstrates that RHI sustained during the course of typical American football play by non-concussed individuals may result in small changes in balance, reaction time, and symptoms, but not cognition.

scholarly journals Frequency of Head-Impact–Related Outcomes by Position in NCAA Division I Collegiate Football Players

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 314-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Baugh ◽  
Patrick T. Kiernan ◽  
Emily Kroshus ◽  
Daniel H. Daneshvar ◽  
Philip H. Montenigro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Head Impact ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Collegiate Football

Lifetime prevalence of injuries in incoming division I collegiate football players

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Sarac ◽  
William Haynes ◽  
Angela Pedroza ◽  
Christopher Kaeding ◽  
James Borchers
Keyword(s):  
Division I ◽  
Lifetime Prevalence ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Collegiate Football

Characteristics of the Electrocardiogram of Incoming Division I Freshmen or Transfer Collegiate Football Players

2007 ◽  
Vol 39 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S29
Author(s):  
Stephen F. Crouse ◽  
Brent E. Hansen ◽  
Thomas H. Meade ◽  
Greg S. Miller ◽  
Grady Kaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Collegiate Football

Examination of Body Mass Changes Among Division I Collegiate Football Players With Sickle Cell Trait

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Hirschhorn ◽  
Jessica L. Phillips Gilbert ◽  
Danielle A. Cadet ◽  
Tenley E. Murphy ◽  
Clinton Haggard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Sickle Cell Trait ◽  
American Football ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Body Mass Changes ◽  
Collegiate Football

American football athletes are frequently hypohydrated before and during activity. Hypohydration increases the risk of exertional sickling in student-athletes with sickle cell trait (SCT). The authors examined weight charts from the 2010/2011 to 2018/2019 seasons at one Division I institution to determine if differences in percentage body mass losses (%BML) exist between those with and without SCT. Seventeen student-athletes with SCT and 17 matched-controls were included. A Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple comparisons (0.05/8), resulting in p < .006 considered significant. There was a significant difference for %BML between groups (SCT: 0.84 ± 0.65% vs. control: 1.21 ± 0.71%; p = .002) but not for the number of days %BML exceeded 2% (SCT: 0 ± 1 vs. control: 1 ± 1; p = .016). Implementation of proper hydration strategies minimized %BML in athletes with SCT, decreasing the risk of hypohydration and exertional sickling. The same strategies ensured all players remained below threshold to optimize performance and reduce heat illness risk.

Sweat and Sodium Losses in NCAA Football Players: A Precursor to Heat Cramps?

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Stofan ◽  
Jeffrey J. Zachwieja ◽  
Craig A. Horswill ◽  
Robert Murray ◽  
Scott A. Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Intake ◽  
Division I ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Sweat Loss ◽  
Fluid Deficit ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
History Of ◽  
Collegiate Football ◽  
Fluid Losses ◽  
Sweat Sodium

This observational study was designed to determine whether football players with a history of heat cramps have elevated fluid and sodium losses during training. During a “two-a-day” training camp, five Division I collegiate football players (20.2 ± 1.6 y, 113 ± 20 kg) with history of heat cramps (C) were matched (weight, age, race and position) with a cohort of teammates (19.6 ± 0.6 y, 110 ± 20 kg) who had never cramped (NC). Change in body weight (adjusted by fluid intake) determined gross sweat loss. Sweat samples (forearm patch) were analyzed for sodium and potassium concentrations. Adlibitum fluid intake was measured by recording pre- and post-practice bottle weights. Average sweat sodium loss for a 2.5-h practice was projected at 5.1 ± 2.3 g (C) vs. 2.2 ± 1.7 g (NC). When averaged across two practices within the day, fluid intake was similar between groups (C: 2.6 ± 0.8 L vs. NC: 2.8 ± 0.7 L), as was gross sweat loss (C: 4.0 ± 1.1 L vs. NC: 3.5 ± 1.6 L). There was wide variability in the fluid deficit incurred for both C and NC (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.7 ± 1.2%) due to fluid intake. Sweat potassium was similar between groups, but sweat sodium was two times higher in C versus NC (54.6 ± 16.2 vs. 25.3 ± 10.0 mmol/L). These data indicate that sweat sodium losses were comparatively larger in cramp-prone football players than in NC. Although both groups consumed sodium-containing fluids (on-field) and food (off-field), both appeared to experience an acute sodium deficit at the end of practices based on sweat sodium losses. Large acute sodium and fluid losses (in sweat) may be characteristic of football players with a history of heat cramping.

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