ABSTRACT
Objective: Concussions have been extensively researched, defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) resulting in symptoms including headaches, dizziness, decreased attention, etc. Sub-concussion, although closely related, has only been a recent focus of research; increasing concern is developing regarding cumulative effects of mTBIs that may have equally or more severe consequences.
Design: This observational cohort study assessed summative effects of impacts with an emphasis on sub-concussive hits in Professional Men’s Lacrosse.
Setting and Participants: GForce tracker sensors were placed in 26 male players’ helmets on the one Major League Lacrosse Team prior to games of the 2015 season. Data was collected during solely during game time play.
Assessment of Risk Factors: Because of the unknown effects of repetitive sub-concussive hits, head exposure in contact sports is proven to have long term cognitive, emotional, and physical effects. As professional athletes, participants were aware of this risk.
Main Outcome Measures: The sensors registered forces greater than 20g, with simultaneous transfer to a database for post-season analysis. The focus of data was average linear acceleration and number of hits with respect to impact location and player position.
Results: Number and force of impacts differ dependent on player position.
Conclusions: Midfielder players were subject to the greatest number of impacts in a game setting. Further examination of the effects of rotational and linear accelerations of sub-concussive hits in Professional Lacrosse players is indicated to define a dangerous number of hits as well as a minimum level of impact that is detrimental to the athlete’s well-being.
