The prevalence of sports related concussions has steadily been on
the rise with the increased levels of athletic participation. According to ‘BrainLine.org’ “An estimated
1.6-3.8 million sports- and
recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. During
2001-2005, children and youth ages 5-18 years accounted for 2.4 million
sports-related emergency department (ED) visits annually, of which 6% (135,000)
involved a concussion.” Immediate side effects include headaches, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, as well as slurred speech. Some more delayed side effects
include memory complaints, noise and light sensitivity, smell and taste
disorders, post-concussion syndrome and psychological problems (Mayo Clinic,
2014).
the rise with the increased levels of athletic participation. According to ‘BrainLine.org’ “An estimated
1.6-3.8 million sports- and
recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. During
2001-2005, children and youth ages 5-18 years accounted for 2.4 million
sports-related emergency department (ED) visits annually, of which 6% (135,000)
involved a concussion.” Immediate side effects include headaches, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, as well as slurred speech. Some more delayed side effects
include memory complaints, noise and light sensitivity, smell and taste
disorders, post-concussion syndrome and psychological problems (Mayo Clinic,
2014).
While tuning into the World Cup finale of Germany v. Argentina, there were multiple
instances where players faced concussions. This adds to the ongoing debate
within the game of soccer as to whether or not headgear should be necessary for
all ages. Germany’s
Christoph Kramer was involved in a brutal collision with an Argentinian player
in the early minutes of the game. Clearly affected by the blast, Kramer was
assessed by medical staff members who allowed him to remain in the match until
he was unable to physically maintain. In the 56th minute Argentinean Gonzalo Higuain was
involved in a rough challenge with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Higuain too was
shaken up in this collision. So this raises the question as to whether or not
headgear should be required in the game of soccer?
instances where players faced concussions. This adds to the ongoing debate
within the game of soccer as to whether or not headgear should be necessary for
all ages. Germany’s
Christoph Kramer was involved in a brutal collision with an Argentinian player
in the early minutes of the game. Clearly affected by the blast, Kramer was
assessed by medical staff members who allowed him to remain in the match until
he was unable to physically maintain. In the 56th minute Argentinean Gonzalo Higuain was
involved in a rough challenge with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Higuain too was
shaken up in this collision. So this raises the question as to whether or not
headgear should be required in the game of soccer?
Although headgear is not inevitably going to eliminate the risk of
concussions or head injuries sustained, it will lessen the severity of the
injury. Some may argue that it will change the nature of the game or influence
the path of the ball but isn’t the most important aspect of sport to protect
our players – especially the children. A brain is rich in development during
the childhood years and suffering a concussion alters one’s brain function. Any
measure that could potentially protect our brain should be taken and future
research should delve deeper into this headgear intervention.
concussions or head injuries sustained, it will lessen the severity of the
injury. Some may argue that it will change the nature of the game or influence
the path of the ball but isn’t the most important aspect of sport to protect
our players – especially the children. A brain is rich in development during
the childhood years and suffering a concussion alters one’s brain function. Any
measure that could potentially protect our brain should be taken and future
research should delve deeper into this headgear intervention.
Not only does headgear have physical injury prevention benefits
but it may also influence mental health. It is believed that this added
protective equipment may improve levels of confidence on the field. When
players feel more comfortable on the pitch they are more likely to go into
challenges with more effort and grit. As covered by NBC News on an interview
focusing on concussion prevention, a woman soccer player stated, “I had extra
confidence, extra confidence that allowed me to play more aggressively.” Sports
psychologists may even relate this enhanced level of confidence to better
performance outcomes.
but it may also influence mental health. It is believed that this added
protective equipment may improve levels of confidence on the field. When
players feel more comfortable on the pitch they are more likely to go into
challenges with more effort and grit. As covered by NBC News on an interview
focusing on concussion prevention, a woman soccer player stated, “I had extra
confidence, extra confidence that allowed me to play more aggressively.” Sports
psychologists may even relate this enhanced level of confidence to better
performance outcomes.
So there is a decision to be made – purchase the $45 headguard and
reduce the probability of a head injury or play the game and take the chance of
suffering a full-blown injury?
reduce the probability of a head injury or play the game and take the chance of
suffering a full-blown injury?
Collision: https://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11211372 (0:20 mark, 1:25 mark)
Blog post by Evan Healy.
