How do head injury rates differ between men’s and women’s lacrosse. What age groups are most susceptible to lacrosse-related head injuries. Why are female lacrosse players at higher risk for head and face injuries. What protective measures can reduce the incidence of lacrosse-related head trauma.
Gender Disparities in Lacrosse Head Injuries: A Closer Look
The study analyzing 10 years of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database has shed light on significant differences in head injury rates between male and female lacrosse players. Despite the perception of women’s lacrosse as a non-contact sport, the findings reveal a concerning trend in head and face injuries among female players.
Key findings include:
- Males accounted for 80.5% of all lacrosse-related injuries
- Head and face injuries were significantly more prevalent among females (30.1%) compared to males (18.0%)
- Injuries to the head and face region were the most common type of injury overall (20.4%)
- Contact with the ball was responsible for 33.6% of head and face injuries
These statistics raise important questions about the current safety regulations in women’s lacrosse and the potential need for protective headgear.
Age-Related Trends in Lacrosse Head Injuries
The study’s examination of age-related injury patterns revealed some surprising insights:
- The mean age of injured players was 16.9 years
- The age range of injured players spanned from 4 to 59 years
- Children aged 4-11 years experienced the highest percentage of injuries to the head and face
Why are younger players more susceptible to head and face injuries in lacrosse? Several factors may contribute to this trend:
- Less developed motor skills and coordination
- Limited experience in anticipating and avoiding potential collisions
- Slower reaction times compared to older players
- Potential mismatch in physical size and strength among young players
These findings underscore the importance of age-appropriate safety measures and training protocols in youth lacrosse programs.
The Paradox of Women’s Lacrosse: Non-Contact Sport with Higher Head Injury Rates
One of the most striking revelations from the study is the higher prevalence of head and face injuries among female lacrosse players, despite the sport being classified as non-contact for women. This paradox raises several questions about the current approach to safety in women’s lacrosse.
Possible explanations for this discrepancy include:
- Lack of mandatory protective headgear in women’s lacrosse
- Different playing styles and techniques between men’s and women’s versions of the sport
- Potential underestimation of the physical nature of women’s lacrosse
- Differences in the rules governing physical contact in men’s and women’s games
These factors highlight the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of safety protocols in women’s lacrosse to address the higher risk of head and face injuries.
The Role of Equipment in Lacrosse Head Injury Prevention
The study’s findings bring into focus the critical role that protective equipment plays in preventing head injuries in lacrosse. While men’s lacrosse requires the use of helmets and faceguards, women’s lacrosse prohibits such protective gear.
Key considerations regarding equipment include:
- The potential benefits of introducing helmets and faceguards in women’s lacrosse
- The need for age-appropriate protective gear for youth players
- Balancing safety concerns with maintaining the traditional aspects of the sport
- Exploring innovative equipment designs that offer protection without hindering performance
As the debate surrounding protective equipment in women’s lacrosse continues, it’s crucial to weigh the potential safety benefits against any perceived impact on the game’s traditions and playing style.
Closed Head Injuries in Lacrosse: A Cause for Concern
The study revealed that closed head injuries accounted for 5.6% of all lacrosse-related injuries, with a slightly higher prevalence among female players. This finding is particularly concerning given the potential long-term consequences of such injuries.
Important aspects of closed head injuries in lacrosse include:
- The cumulative effect of multiple minor head impacts over time
- The challenge of diagnosing and managing concussions in young athletes
- The need for improved protocols for assessing and treating head injuries on the field
- The potential long-term neurological consequences of repeated head trauma
Addressing the issue of closed head injuries in lacrosse requires a multifaceted approach involving players, coaches, medical professionals, and governing bodies of the sport.
Strategies for Reducing Lacrosse-Related Head Injuries
In light of the study’s findings, it’s crucial to develop and implement strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of head injuries in lacrosse. Some potential approaches include:
- Reassessing and potentially modifying rules to minimize dangerous play
- Implementing mandatory protective headgear for all players, regardless of gender
- Enhancing player education on proper techniques and injury prevention
- Improving coaching practices to emphasize safety and reduce risky behaviors
- Developing age-specific safety guidelines and equipment requirements
- Increasing medical supervision and support at lacrosse events
- Conducting further research to identify specific risk factors and effective interventions
By adopting a comprehensive approach to injury prevention, the lacrosse community can work towards creating a safer playing environment for all participants.
The Future of Lacrosse Safety: Balancing Tradition and Player Protection
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the challenge of balancing its rich traditions with the need for enhanced player safety becomes increasingly important. The findings of this 10-year analysis provide valuable insights that can guide future decisions and policies regarding lacrosse safety.
Key considerations for the future of lacrosse safety include:
- Ongoing research to monitor injury trends and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures
- Collaboration between medical experts, equipment manufacturers, and sport governing bodies
- Development of evidence-based guidelines for injury prevention and management
- Fostering a culture of safety among players, coaches, and parents
- Exploring technological innovations to improve protective equipment and injury detection
By addressing these issues proactively, the lacrosse community can work towards creating a safer sport that preserves its unique character while prioritizing the well-being of its players.
The Impact of Ball and Stick Contact on Head Injuries
The study highlighted that contact with the ball was responsible for a significant portion (33.6%) of head and face injuries in lacrosse. This finding underscores the importance of examining the role of equipment beyond just protective gear for players.
Factors to consider regarding ball and stick contact include:
- The composition and design of lacrosse balls and their potential impact on injury risk
- The role of stick design and materials in contributing to or mitigating head injuries
- Potential rule changes to reduce the likelihood of high-speed ball impacts to the head and face
- Training techniques to improve players’ awareness and reaction times to avoid ball and stick contact
Addressing these aspects could lead to innovative solutions that reduce the risk of head injuries without significantly altering the fundamental nature of the game.
Gender-Specific Training and Injury Prevention Programs
Given the notable differences in head injury rates between male and female lacrosse players, there may be a need for gender-specific approaches to training and injury prevention. Tailored programs could address the unique challenges and risk factors associated with each version of the sport.
Elements of gender-specific programs might include:
- Targeted strength and conditioning exercises to improve neck strength and stability
- Sport-specific drills designed to enhance spatial awareness and collision avoidance
- Education on the biomechanics of head injuries specific to each version of the game
- Psychological training to promote assertiveness and self-protection on the field
By developing and implementing gender-specific injury prevention strategies, the lacrosse community can work towards reducing the disparity in head injury rates between male and female players.
The Role of Officiating in Lacrosse Head Injury Prevention
While much of the focus on injury prevention in lacrosse centers on equipment and player behavior, the role of officiating should not be overlooked. Referees and umpires play a crucial role in enforcing rules and maintaining a safe playing environment.
Aspects of officiating that could impact head injury rates include:
- Stricter enforcement of rules regarding dangerous play and excessive physical contact
- Enhanced training for officials to recognize potential head injury situations
- Empowering officials to remove players from the game for safety evaluations
- Implementing video review systems to assist in identifying and penalizing dangerous play
By strengthening the role of officials in injury prevention, lacrosse governing bodies can create an additional layer of protection for players on the field.
Long-Term Monitoring and Research on Lacrosse Head Injuries
While this 10-year analysis provides valuable insights, ongoing research and monitoring are essential to fully understand and address the issue of head injuries in lacrosse. Long-term studies can help identify trends, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and guide future policy decisions.
Key areas for future research include:
- Longitudinal studies tracking players’ head injury history throughout their lacrosse careers
- Investigation of potential long-term neurological effects of repeated minor head impacts
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of various protective equipment designs
- Analysis of the impact of rule changes and safety initiatives on injury rates over time
- Cross-sport comparisons to identify successful injury prevention strategies from other athletic disciplines
By committing to ongoing research and monitoring, the lacrosse community can stay at the forefront of player safety and continuously improve injury prevention strategies.
The Economic Impact of Lacrosse Head Injuries
While the primary concern surrounding head injuries in lacrosse is player health and safety, it’s also important to consider the economic implications of these injuries. Understanding the financial burden can help motivate stakeholders to invest in prevention strategies.
Economic factors to consider include:
- Medical costs associated with diagnosing and treating lacrosse-related head injuries
- Potential long-term healthcare expenses for players with severe or recurring injuries
- Impact on insurance premiums for lacrosse programs and organizations
- Costs associated with implementing new safety measures and equipment upgrades
- Potential legal liabilities for teams, schools, and governing bodies
By quantifying the economic impact of head injuries, the lacrosse community can make more informed decisions about investing in safety initiatives and preventive measures.
The Psychological Aspects of Lacrosse Head Injuries
Beyond the physical consequences, head injuries in lacrosse can have significant psychological impacts on players. Addressing these mental health aspects is crucial for comprehensive player care and long-term well-being.
Psychological considerations include:
- Anxiety and fear of re-injury upon returning to play
- Depression and mood changes associated with concussions and head trauma
- Cognitive difficulties affecting academic performance in student-athletes
- Social isolation and identity issues during recovery periods
- Long-term effects on mental health and quality of life
Developing support systems and resources to address these psychological aspects is essential for the holistic care of lacrosse players who have experienced head injuries.
Parental Education and Involvement in Lacrosse Safety
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of young lacrosse players. Educating parents about the risks of head injuries and involving them in prevention efforts can significantly impact player safety.
Key areas for parental education and involvement include:
- Understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions and other head injuries
- Knowing when to seek medical attention for a potentially injured player
- Supporting proper recovery protocols and return-to-play decisions
- Advocating for safety measures within local lacrosse programs
- Encouraging open communication between players, coaches, and medical staff
By empowering parents with knowledge and involving them in safety initiatives, the lacrosse community can create a more comprehensive support system for player well-being.
Head injuries in men’s and women’s lacrosse: a 10 year analysis of the NEISS database. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System
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Taylor & Francis
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2001 Jun;15(6):537-44.
doi: 10.1080/02699050010007362.
P T Diamond
1
, S D Gale
Affiliations
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1004, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
11394973
DOI:
10.1080/02699050010007362
P T Diamond et al.
Brain Inj.
2001 Jun.
. 2001 Jun;15(6):537-44.
doi: 10.1080/02699050010007362.
Authors
P T Diamond
1
, S D Gale
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1004, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
11394973
DOI:
10.1080/02699050010007362
Abstract
Introduction:
Although protective headgear is required in men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse is viewed as non-contact, and use of helmets and faceguards is prohibited.
Yet, women remain at risk for injury to the head and face region from contact with the ball and stick. This study was designed to examine differences in lacrosse-related injuries between genders and amongst various age groups.
Methods:
Data on lacrosse-related injuries maintained through the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, In-depth Investigation File, and Injuries/Potential Injuries File were analysed over a 10-year period (January 1990-April 2000).
Results:
A total of 1727 cases of lacrosse-related trauma, mean age 16.9 years, range 4-59 years, were recorded. Males accounted for 80.5% of cases. The head and face region was the most common area injured (20.4%). Injuries to the head and face were significantly more prevalent among females (30.1% of all injuries) than males (18.0% of all injuries), p < 0.
001, and often resulted from contact with the ball (33.6% of incidents). Children aged 4-11 years experienced the highest percentage of injuries to the head and face. Closed head injuries represented 5.6% of all lacrosse-related injuries and were slightly more prevalent among females.
Conclusions:
Women and children lacrosse players are at risk of serious injury to the head and face region. The use of protective head/face gear should be encouraged.
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What You Need to Know about Head Trauma in Lacrosse
- Post author:admin
- Post published:November 13, 2019
- Post category:Physical Therapy
Concussions in sports continue to be a hot topic, and more sports are making changes to the rules, equipment, injury assessments, and how athletes return to school or their sport following a concussion./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62847580/kieran_mullins.0.jpg)
In lacrosse, helmets remain controversial across the board. Do they actually protect an athlete from a concussion, or are they giving these athletes a false sense of safety and causing them to be more aggressive?
The Helmet Debate
For women’s lacrosse, some schools and school districts have made helmets a mandate, while other schools are providing the option for the athletes. In boys and girls lacrosse at the high school level, concussion is listed in the top five most frequent injuries. Goggles and mouthguards in women’s lacrosse are beneficial in protecting against facial injuries, but helmets, which are required in men’s lacrosse, cannot prevent concussions. Helmets also cannot reduce the risk of a second concussion from occurring.
Concussion and Injury Concerns
Research is now showing that concussions should not be our only concern when it comes to sports. Repeated head injuries, without a concussion, are now linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
These “small,” repetitive hits that athletes take add up over time, and show an increased risk for the same marker as Alzheimer’s and CTE. While athletes may not be diagnosed with a concussion or have symptoms, contact sports may have consequences that athletes will be faced with later.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
While this new research on repetitive trauma is alarming, education is very important for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Athletes, parents, and coaches should understand how these injuries occur, what the signs are, and what the guidelines are for returning to sport following a concussion. Athletes should also feel comfortable coming forward when they have symptoms of a concussion.
Symptoms include:
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Headache or pressure
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance
- Grogginess
- Confusion
- Vomiting or nausea
- Feeling “down”
When concussions do occur, they should be managed properly by a physician.
If symptoms persist, physical therapy services can help an athlete get back to their sport safely.
90,000 An American teenager learned to play 13 musical instruments after a severe head injury. News. Channel One
An American teenager learned to play 13 musical instruments after a severe head injury. News. Channel One
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A severe concussion gave an American teenager impressive musical abilities. Lachlan Conors has been fond of playing lacrosse since childhood. It is a mixture of American football with hockey and tennis. But in one of the matches he collided with an opponent, fell on his back and hit the back of his head hard.
The guy was in the hospital for several weeks. Once he sensed a craving for music and began to quickly master one instrument after another. Now he can easily play 1 variety, including piano, guitar, mandolin, accordion and even bagpipes.
Conors’ mother claims that she always tried to teach him music, but before the injury he was completely deaf. The concussion awakened previously dormant parts of the brain.
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Concussion: FIFA and the Swiss League join forces
Swiss header: FC Schaffhausen’s Philippe Montandon (left) and FC Zurich’s Xavier Margairas battle for the ball. Keystone
This content was published on September 03, 2014
Thomas Stevens (Thomas Stevens), swissinfo.ch
After a series of shocking head injuries during the recent World Cup in Brazil, the media around the world criticized the existing rules that allow an injured player to continue the match. FIFA, the governing body of world football, has dismissed accusations that officials are no longer interested in serious football injuries. And the Swiss Football Association recently launched a groundbreaking development to protect athletes from injury.
Christoph Kramer, Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta did not leave the football field and continued to play, even after suffering head injuries that plunged them into a confused, semi-conscious state.
But when Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira suffered a concussion, it drew heavy criticism from the media around the world.
Pereira described his feelings as follows: “sparks from his eyes fell” when he hit his head on the opponent’s knee. After consulting the team’s doctor, he was allowed to finish the game. The incident immediately caught the attention of FIFProExternal Link, the players’ union, which called for new measures to protect the players.
Regarding Kramer’s injury, FIFPro spokesman Raymond Beaard told swissinfo.ch that the union’s chief medical officer was “shocked to say the least” to see Kramer return to the pitch on replay, although it was “quite obvious” that he could not continue playing. “But we are also criticized. For the fact that we got the impression that no real measures were taken to protect the health of the player at that moment, ”says Beard.
“In the old days, people would support and cheer for a player with a head injury who, after consulting a doctor, would return to the field with a bandage on his head.
But the game has changed dramatically over the past 20-30 years – football has become faster and more technical, so the consequences of a collision are many times more serious than before. However, science does not stand still. We now know much more about the consequences of head injuries, concussions and the risks associated with them.”
Misplaced criticism
One way or another, but the main football organization, FIFAExternal link, which is headquartered in Zurich, dismisses all accusations that the health of the players is becoming a trivial matter and ceases to be of interest to officials.
“It is almost impossible to make a medical diagnosis from a TV picture, and it can be misleading,” says Jiri Dvorak, FIFA Chief Medical Officer and Senior Consultant at the Schulthess Clinic in ZurichExternal link.
“Take, for example, the case of Christoph Kramer. When the incident happened, the audience, of course, saw it on TV, but the referee and doctors were not around, and when they ran up to the player, he assured that everything was in order, ”continues Dvořák.
“The doctors of the German team have a lot of experience. Kramer did not report all of the symptoms he had at the time and was allowed to play. Then, over the next ten minutes, he realized by some signs that with him – that such “delays” are not uncommon – and he himself turned to the doctors.
Is the criticism unfair? “FIFA has been researching for 20 years on how to make the game healthier, how to promote football to the masses, turning it into a recreational leisure. So I wouldn’t use the word ‘unfair’ – just say the criticism is ‘inappropriate’.”
Dvořák also emphasized that FIFA is “extremely serious” about head injuries, and said that between 2001 and 2005, extensive studies were conducted that analyzed head-to-head and head-to-head injuries. ball” and “head on the elbow.”
In 2006, based on these studies, it was proposed to introduce a new rule, according to which any player who deliberately elbowed an opponent in the head must be sent off.
After the introduction of this rule, according to FIFA, the number of serious head injuries in football has been halved.
Swiss project
Indeed, players in football use their heads much more than the name of the sport suggests: according to FIFA, 13% of all World Cup injuries involve the head and cervical spine, and about one in seven of these injuries leads to concussion.
In 2012, the documentary Head Games: The Global Concussion Crisis was released, looking at the effects of repeated concussions, especially in sports. It mainly analyzes sports such as American football and ice hockey, but also touches on football, boxing, lacrosse and professional wrestling.
But if the collision has already occurred, it is very important to pinpoint the most appropriate treatment for the player. The method of treatment is critical. With this in mind, researchers from the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Zurich and the Schulthess Clinic launched a joint project with FIFA.
The Swiss concussion project covers all players in the main national championship in both men’s and women’s leagues for the 2014/15 season. There are ten teams in each league for a total of around 520 players.
“They will undergo an initial examination, including an analysis of their nervous system – including balance, coordination, eye movement and neuropsychic performance,” swissinfo says. .ch Project leader Nina Feddermann-Demont from the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital Zurich.
External content
“In the event of a head injury, we perform initial and follow-up examinations and tests. Differences between baseline assessment and post-injury outcomes are key to determining how quickly players can return to training and playing for their club. The availability of baseline data is critical in determining the impact of a head injury on the body because most neurological functions – such as reactions, speed, balance – differ from player to player,” she added.
“We have a hotline for a team of physiotherapists and doctors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is very important for us to work closely with them, because they are insiders, those who know the players well. They usually call or email us when a player has a head injury, and then we offer what we call a “repeated” test, which, as the name suggests, repeats a control test over the next 72 hours.”
The allegations game
Another potential problem is the proliferation of legal claims such as those currently flooding American football and the NFL (National Football League).
More than 4,500 former players or their family members filed a $765 million lawsuit to seek compensation for their head injuries, but in January the lawsuit was dismissed by a federal court, fearing that other former players – and there are about 20,000.
For his part, Raymond Beard says that FIFPro does not think about the legal side of things. “We are only talking about the health of the players.
