CONCUSSION IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Abstract

This study addresses head responses causing concussion in National Football League players. Although efforts are underway to reduce impact acceleration through helmet padding, further study is needed of head kinematics after impact and their contribution to concussion, including rapid head displacement, z-axis rotation, and neck tension up to the time of maximum strain in the midbrain. Neck strength influences head deltaV and head injury criterion and may help explain different concussion risks in professional and youth athletes, women, and children.