Effects of head trauma frequency and intensity on the neuropsychological functioning and symptoms of high school football players in different positions.

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about the effects of repetitive head trauma on football players in different positions. Linemen have the highest frequency of head impact because of their involvement in every play. In contrast, quarterbacks incur less frequent but higher intensity collisions with aggressive tackling. The goal of this study was to assess the neuropsychological functioning of high school athletes playing in football positions with head contacts varying in frequency and intensity.

Method: Based on head impact exposure data at different positions in high school football, the study assigned players to three contact groups: High Frequency/Low Intensity (n = 403, e.g., linemen), Moderate Frequency/Moderate Intensity (n = 236, e.g., linebackers), and Low Frequency/High Intensity (n = 414, e.g., quarterbacks). All players had been administered the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) prior to the start of their season.

Results: There were no differences in ImPACT scores by contact group. This finding persisted even after adjusting for age, concussion history, and years playing.

Conclusion: Football athletes who play in positions that incur high frequency but low intensity head impacts, such as linemen, perform similarly on neurocognitive tests as players who sustain low frequency but high intensity head impacts, such as wide receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, and cornerbacks.