Increased incidence of head impacts in professional football players could lead to increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in the coming years – News
In 33% of collisions, medical attention will be required, and in five cases players will have to be removed from camp (all cases between 2006 and 2022). Aiso is due to the fact that over these five years the playing style has evolved in terms of aggression, physical strength and competitiveness.
Previous epidemiological studies have shown that various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and REM sleep disorders are more common among professional football players.rapid eye movementin English). These neurological problems are believed to be related to repeated exposure to impacts to the cap of these players during matches and training.
Previous studies will evaluate professional football players between the ages of fifty and seventy who will develop neurodegenerative diseases decades after retirement.
Thus, the high number of head impacts found in this study suggests that the incidence of degenerative pathologies may increase in the coming years among elite football players.
In this regard, the research team recently received two grants to monitor veteran football players and rugbywhich will be assessed for the emergence of markers of latent neurodegenerative diseases.
Possible preventive measures
It is estimated that professional footballers butt heads approximately 2,000 times over a twenty-year career. Over ten years of work, they have a 50% chance of getting a concussion from a single head impact.
Possible solutions to reduce risk include implementing preventative measures such as educational programs, regulating gambling regulations, and wearing protective equipment.
Help Article:
Martin-Izquierdo, Irina; Serradell, Monica; Nadal, Bernat Madurga, Irene; Iranzo, Alex. “Heading in elite professional football: a growing concern.” Lancet NeurologyOctober 2024. DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00403-4.