Concussion Prevention In Sports

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Concussion Prevention in Sports The article,'Smart' football helmet may help detect concussions(Griggs, CNN, June 9, 2014) touches upon one of the most prevalent sports related issues in the news, concussion injuries in football players. The article highlights the inefficiency in helmets currently being used in youth leagues as well as in the NFL, and the severity of the injuries suffered by the players that are causing such advancements in helmet technology. The main focus of the article is the advancements being made by Riddell, an American sports equipment manufacturing company. The company aims to incorporate sensors into their football helmets that would transmit warnings to coaches and doctors on the sidelines directly after impact. …show more content…
With technologically advanced helmets and equipment being so pricey the AMA has put into place new policies for concussion protocol in youth sport leagues that include, removing the player immediately after obtaining a suspected concussion and not being allowed to participate until a health care profession recommends. Studies show that high school and middle school athletes seem to be returning to the game to soon after sustaining a concussion os concussion like symptoms. A recent study conducted by the, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that 16% of high school football players returned to playing a day after loosing consciousness in a game or practice. The new AMA protocols hope to keep players from returning to quickly. Griggs, Brandon. "Smart Football Helmet May Help Detect Concussions - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, 9 June 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2016. …show more content…
It is obvious that the equipment currently in use in not only professional leagues but, in youth leagues is inefficient in preventing major and even minor head injuries. It also seems to be apparent to players, coaches, and doctors that long term participation in sports that are so physical and encourage head on collision could lead to significant brain trauma later in life such as, Alzheimers, and Dementia. With the invention of new technology and incorporation of such software advances in equipment it is yet to be known if the use of sensors would be able to accurately detect wether or not the information obtained regarding brain trauma is caused by collision of the misuse, or placement of the head by the player. The use of magnets in helmets seems to be promising yet researchers have yet to conduct tests using the athletes themselves so a lot is yet to be determined. In terms of protection again injuries in youth sports, technology is not the main focus but the prevention of participation. This system seems to be the only way to really keep the players from sustaining more injuries. Technological advancements and game protocol regarding concussions and head trauma need to be implemented simultaneously in order to truly protect the