Head acceleration event exposure and cognitive and functional outcomes: a comparison of multiple football seasons

ABSTRACT

Athletes in contact sports are exposed to repetitive impacts as an inherent part of sport. There is concern over the accumulative effect; however, much is still unknown regarding their short-term effects. This study investigated impact accumulation and outcomes over three seasons (2015, 2017, 2019) in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players. Impacts were recorded using helmet accelerometers, and virtual reality testing (VR) was done across the season. Incidence rates for impacts (total; ≥25 G to <80 G; ≥80 G) all significantly differed by season (p < 0.05). VR scores changed across the seasons, specifically significant decreases in spatial memory (p < 0.05) in 2015, significant changes in balance and spatial memory (p < 0.05) in 2017, and no significant changes in 2019. Linear regressions predicting VR change score by impact incidence rate were nonsignificant. Monitoring exposure to impacts and changes in outcomes is useful; however, results are fluid, and many factors could indirectly have protective effects on athletes.

KEYWORDS:

• Head acceleration events
• subconcussive
• football
• outcomes
• college-athlete

Disclosure statement

Author PS has received royalties for his contributions to textbooks. Author TB is currently employed by SAFR Sport Technologies who makes the Protech helmet cover. All remaining authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Availability of data and material

Data are available upon reasonable request to the senior author, Dr Slobounov.

Additional information

Funding

Funding This study was partially supported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association Grant #106031.