Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Research Paper

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is an increasing, irreversible deterioration or loss of function in the brain due to concussion or repeated hits to the head. Football, being a high contact sport, is a sport whose players are more prone to acquire CTE. The National Football Association has recently adjusted some factors of the sport that can significantly lower the risk of head injuries. These adjustments include outlawed plays and defense mechanisms, sideline protocols dealing with head related injuries, and investing in high technology helmets. The discovery of this illness has awaken the NFL to take a stand and protect the players in every possible way.

One precaution that the NFL is taking is banning certain plays from being executed during practices and games. For example, the NFL has outlawed the four man wedge formation, a formation of linemen with their arms linked or hands joined to block for a kick returner. The reason for the ban is the obvious head injuries tied into this play being performed. Players are also forbidden head to head defense and targeting the head of a defenseless player who does not see the hit coming.”Those changes

have made a huge impact on the kicking game. Touchbacks have nearly tripled (going from 16.4 percent in 2010 to 46.9 percent this season), and the average drive now starts at the 22-yard line (compared with the 28-yard line in 2010)”. This quote from ESPN Staff Editor Jeffri Chadiha demonstrates that the passes and plays go smoother and easier without having to stop the game to deal with serious injuries. A violation of these rules can result in penalizations and fines. Those are not the only plays that run the risk of a concussion, and head injuries are serious in the NFL. The National Football Association took a step further to protect their players by modifying their sideline protocols with specifically head related injuries. Some new adjusted sideline protocols for head injuries is a symptom checklist, a cognitive evaluation, and a balance assessment. As you can see, the NFL is doing everything in their power to protect it’s players from injuries related to the head and possible concussions due to playing professional football.

Another aspect of playing football that the NFL has modified, is investing in high technology helmets. This new helmet made by Riddell is called Revolution, and is equipped with improved padding, sensors, and impact monitors. Those monitors and sensors record a hit to the head when one occurs to the player, and that hit can be recorded and analyzed by neurologists. A study proved that, “...such helmets could cut concussion risks in half.” If a NFL player is hit with a certain amount of force while wearing the helmet, officials would be notified and the player would see a neurologist immediately, decreasing the chances of serious brain damage. Some would argue that investing in high end helmets for every player on 32 teams would be expensive, but the price of our national player’s mental health is much bigger than any price tag on a set of helmets. All in all, the NFL is doing everything in it’s power to protect their players.

The last thing the National Football Association is doing to protect the players from concussions is teaming up with the U.S.

Army to prevent and treat head related injuries. Army Research Laboratory scientist are testing head gear smart strap that automatically tightens when the head receives a hard blow. This gear is similar to a seat belt and minimizes the aftershock of head trauma, like whiplash. An Army research scientist says,”Our technology slows the head during the swing, so that when the head-to-ground impact occurs it is with less force and velocity.” The NFL does have a financial stake in minimizing head trauma injuries in it’s players. They also realize that investing in this equipment now can save injuries and money from lawsuits. Clearly, the NFL prioritizes the health it’s players and their mental

health.

The NFL is clearly concerned with the problems that occur now but have long term health effects on the players. Thus being the reason why they outlawed certain plays and formations, instituted new sideline protocols and provided their players with better gear and equipment. Obviously the National Football League takes pride in it’s players by protecting and valuing their mental health.