When there players and an game to played you will see rough and tumble on the playing field. However, when do these bumps become an issue for the players? And what are we able to do to safeguard them from traumatizing brain injuries?
Submissions are currently open for the senate inquiry in Australia on head injuries in contact sports. And the findings will released in mid-year. The inquiry was born out of growing concerns over the long-term effects of these injuries. And whether they could cause permanent brain damage as well as the liability of sporting organizations.
Head injuries are not uncommon in some sports, specifically contact sports such as rugby and football. Or combat sports like mixed martial arts and boxing. Head injuries of a minor nature are fairly common in military settings. While the majority of the inquiry’s concentration will revolve around professional athletes and leagues local teams. Young players also advised to keep an eye out for the results.
How Can Head Injuries Prevented?
The degree of head injuries vary significantly, based on a variety of factors such as the velocity and the angle on the forehead with ground or another participant. The brain may damaged even if there isn’t any impact for example, like the case of whiplash injuries.
An accurate assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation is crucial as serious brain injuries can happen after repeated hits and may result in lasting effects on the capacity of an individual to work, learn and communicate as well as socialize.
Mild traumatic brain injuries, sometimes referred to as concussion, may not show initial signs and symptoms that are as severe as serious brain injuries. But a successful rehabilitation program can be difficult. Researchers are studying the possibility of repeated concussions leading to serious issues.
What Is A Tumble Concussion?
The Senate inquiry’s scope of inquiry includes an investigation into the lack of a consistent definition of what constitutes concussion. Although some websites define concussion to mean temporary state of consciousness or confusion caused by head trauma or head, the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention is more precise in defining concussion as.
A type of traumatic brain injury that can caused by a blow, bump or jolt on the head or hitting the body, causing the brain and head to move quickly between them. This rapid movement could result in the brain bouncing or turn around inside the skull, causing chemical changes within the brain. It can also cause stretching and damage to brain cells.
The challenge for the clinicians who deal with rehabilitation and assessment are the constant efforts of athletes to obtain the all clear status quickly. A few may get through tests of balance or memory, even when they aren’t completely.
Tumble Guidelines Differ
The current return to play guidelines differ for different codes of sports. In the case of Australia, Australian Football League guidelines outline an interval of 24 to 48 hours of rest in conjunction with the minimum 12 days of break, followed by supervised activities and medical clearance prior to allowed to return.
The National Rugby League has a similar policy that requires the minimum seven to eight days before a participant allowed to resume playing. The guideline states that players must have returned to their normal activities, like school or work, and not have signs of illness. The decision to participate should taken by a doctor.
It’s not clear how these safety rules carried over to semi-professional or club competitions, as well as junior and club competitions. Concussions in children have treated the same manner as adult concussion in the past, but some experts suggest that treatment should more cautious for the development of brains.
Long-Term Impacts Tumble
Research to determine the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries that are mild is fairly new. Based on a limited number of autopsies, scientists have proposed a connection between the onset of dementia in former National Football League athletes in the United States and their history of head injuries. But, new studies have shown that the link between concussion and dementia is uncertain.
The risk is mostly due to repeated hits for long durations. A few studies suggest a link between repeated mild brain injuries and a neurodegenerative disorder known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It could affect thinking, reasoning and memory. Further research required to verify this connection.
Guarding Players Tumble
The issue with sports-related head injuries tumble can be that the player and their coach, manager and sponsors usually would like them to stay at the scene or get back to the game as soon as they can. When an athlete, or a junior or amateur athlete returns to the sport too quickly the capabilities could weakened. Vision could affected or impaired, as can coordination, balance, and decision-making might less than ideal. These weaknesses increase the chance of sustaining another injury similar to this one.
This can lead to the downward spiral of multiple injuries, and possibly the developing of chronic health issues later on in the course of. If an athlete experiences concussion, the rehabilitation program should incorporate a gradual exercises, starting with a low amount such as walking for 15 minutes each day and then gradually increasing in intensity. Tests should conducted for balance, memory, and manual dexterity at least every three to four days. Any signs of headache, fatigue, or poor quality sleep must observed.
After the athlete completely recovered, a high intensity exercise test known as The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test can carried out. It involves gradually increasing the speed of the treadmill until it is at the maximum, or close to maximal effort. If this does not cause any symptoms, then the athlete cleared by their physician.
Slow Progress
There have been some improvements to safeguard players. Some contact sports have modified their rules in order to decrease the risk of mild trauma. Brain injuries and also impose severe penalties for head-high tackles. Rest periods for injuries that are mandatory are outlined in the AFL. The junior soccer leagues have eliminated heading. Where the player is able to strike the ball using the head for players younger. Than the age of and rugby has also changed tackle rules to increase the safety of players.
The task is to improve the safety and understanding in non-professional levels of sports. Understanding the possible short and long-term impacts of concussion on the brain’s health and well-being is crucial. The stories of people who suffered a mild brain injury from sports. Or other events aids in developing more effective methods.
First aiders, coaches as well as parents of players need to take note of potential dangers. Of mild brain injuries and the need for a proper return-to-play strategy. This could reduce the chance of future injuries as well as their long-term. Consequences as well as prolong players’ time playing.