Abstract:
|
In recent years, a growing body of research has focused on the acute and chronic health implications of participation in American football. In particular, significant attention has been paid to concussion and possible later-life neurological consequences, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of dementia associated with repetitive brain trauma. Millions of athletes participate in football annually in the United States across all levels of play, with the largest number of participants being youth and adolescents. As such, the possible public health consequences of football participation require careful consideration. This presentation reviews the literature on the health implications of football participation, with particular attention paid to the methodologic merits and limitations of existing research.
|