Matthew L. Draper



Concussion research: An In-depth Look at the Relationship between helmet type, hit type and concussion rates in Division I College Football PlayersMatt DraperObjectives: Concussions have long been a prevalent injury in American football since its inception several decades ago. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the significance of helmet and hit type in relation to concussion rates. Subjects: The study evaluated NCAA Division I male football players at an Atlantic Coast Conference University throughout the competitive season. Subject size consisted of 18-23 years old, and consisted of Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian subjects. The team consisted of 123 players, with 8 subjects evaluated and diagnosed with a concussion. Design and Settings: Each subject was tested using the ImPACT computer concussion system for baseline measurement prior to collegiate competition. Subjects were re-tested and scores were documented if they were diagnosed with a concussion. If re-tested, subjects were evaluated and diagnosed by a physician and administration of the test was conducted by the same physician. Data was collected for not only competition but practices as well. Knowledge of the mechanism of injury was documented from either eye witness or from the athlete involved. Helmet records were kept by the equipment managers. Measurements: Descriptive statistics were done by using Microsoft Excel correlating concussion rate, helmet type and type of mechanism of injury. Results: Out of the 123 subjects, 8 subjects suffered reported concussions diagnosed by a physician. One of the eight subjects diagnosed with a concussion was diagnosed with two concussions during this study. The breakdown of helmet type consisted of Schutt Helmets having 8 concussions, and Riddell having only 1. Therefore, Schutt was responsible for 89% of the helmets involved in concussion injuries. Moreover, 12.7% of athletes that wore Schutt suffered a concussion. The Schutt air advantage helmet had the highest percentage of incident rate at 15.38%. Eight out of the nine concussions were suffered from receiving a hit versus delivering the contact. Conclusions: Due to the nature of this pilot study and affected sample size, generalizable conclusions are unable to be drawn. However, from this information, trends appeared to with the Schutt helmet having more tendencies for subjects to have concussions. In addition, further research would be warranted to follow the players on a longer term basis. Anderson, Shelly (2002, July 28). New helmet designs have concussions in mind. Retrieved October 21, 2007, Web site: , K (1998).Epidemiology of Athletic Head Injury. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 17, 1-11.Collins, Micky, Lovell, Mark (January 9, 2006). Newer Football Helmet Design May Reduce Incidence of Concussion in High School Players. Retrieved October 24, 2007, Web site: , M (2003).Epidemiology of Athletic Head/Neck Injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 22, 427-443.Ghiselli, Schaadt, G (2003). On-the-Field Evaluation of an Athlete with a Head or Neck Injury. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 22, 445-465.Lovell, M, Collins, M, Iverson, G, Johnston, K, & Bradley, J (2004). Grade I or "Ding" Concussions in High School Athletes. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 32, 47-54Mueller, F, & Blyth, C (1987). Fatalities from Head and Cervical Spine Injuries Occurring in Tackle Football: 40 Years' Experience. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 6Riddell Company (May 13, 2002). Four Years of Research and Development Helps Create a New Helmet Designed with the Intent of Reducing the Risk of Concussion. Retrieved October 24, 2007, from New Head-Injury Research Drives a Revolution Web site: , Brittany (2007, September 10). A Helmet That Detects Hard Hits. Retrieved October 22, 2007, Web site: News, (2006, May 11). The bionic football helmet is here. Retrieved October 20, 2007, Web site: ................
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