It is a genetic condition of the brain that primarily affects those with neurological issues. Studies have found that many football players around the world suffer from CTE. The highest number of CTE cases (99%) was found in the National Football League, as per research done by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). Conversely, although high school football players account for 21% of CTE cases, college players account for 91%. Prof. Jesse Mez of Boston University concluded that there is a direct correlation between exposure to football and the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Several obstacles are encountered in the research about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) In the National Football League (NFL), including difficulties acquiring control groups and the possibility of selection bias in the brain collection procedure. This study aims to investigate the extent to which football players are affected by the disorder, as well as correct statistics and proposed preventative strategies.
Statement of the Problem
Research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) incidence in football players has been conducted in several ways. For example, researchers from Boston University found that out of 376 former football players, 345 were diagnosed with the illness. Furthermore, according to the research and conclusions are done by the National Football League on both high school and college level footballers, 87 percent of the players have the disorder. Because it is a generic ailment, more than 315 ex-NFL players, including approximately 24 who passed away in their 20s and 30s, were diagnosed with CTE. The primary cause of their condition was the impact on their brains during their playing careers. Examining the organization’s division that is most negatively impacted by the issue is one way to determine how widespread the problem is. The most proven cases of CTE have been found in boxers and football players; nevertheless, CTE has also been found in soccer, ice hockey, wrestling, and rugby players (McKee et al.,2023).
In addition, there are practices in football that increase the risk of developing the condition. For instance, many football players’ utilization of the cornerback position may lead to increased cases of CTE disorder. A study that the National Football League carried out found that 393 of the 459 players who participated in the study maintained direct contact play, which led to a high number of cases of CTE among them. Moreover, according to McKee, there have been recent deaths that have been attributed to the illness, and many players have passed away while they were in their 20s and 30s. For example, the recent death due to CTE occurred to former NFL great Demaryius Thomas, who passed away due to stage 2 CTE. The growing number of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) cases in football players can be prevented if precautions are taken to reduce the severity of head traumas sustained by players or remove them altogether.
Proposed Solution
Several proposals have been made for potential solutions to eradicate or significantly reduce the number of football players diagnosed with CTE. For instance, in 2016, Roger Goodwell launched a project tasked with the duty of identifying and treating brain injuries, as well as preventing them. (Cassilo, 2019). In addition, implementing the “Play Smart. Play Safe” initiative, which was given a funding allocation of one hundred dollars, ensured the medical processes and protocols. However, while this condition cannot be treated, its incidence among football players can be reduced by reducing the number of times they sustain head traumas. It is possible to reduce the number of head injuries sustained by players by avoiding direct and potentially damaging contact with their heads and wearing protective head gear while playing.
The increasing prevalence of the condition in high school and professional football players can be mitigated using several preventative strategies. For instance, limiting the number of times a player’s head is hit in tackle football by limiting full-contact workouts, providing players with high-tech play equipment, and delaying the introduction of collision sports. In addition, the prevention of head injuries through the creation and application of the Concussion Protocol is an effective means of lowering the incidence of CTE in athletes (Vallikat, 2023). Football players may benefit from regular exercise to minimize their risk of CTE since it increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates the development of new brain cells, triggers the production of “feel good” neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine), and lowers stress levels.
Proposed Criteria for Evaluating Solutions to CTE in Foot Ballers
It is necessary to adhere to specific guidelines to increase the likelihood that the proposed remedies will successfully lower the prevalence of CTE among football players. For instance
- Effectiveness – If a firm is serious about preventing CTE, for instance, by requiring all players to wear protective gear, then its strategy should seek to eliminate all instances of head trauma among football players.
- Cost- Any group committed to eradicating CTE must adhere to have affordable and easy access to protective devices
- Reliability – Preventive measures to reduce the rising rates of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players should be adequate. For instance, it should prevent players from suffering from recurring head injuries.
Qualifications
Examining the prevalence of CTE in football players is crucial for understanding how many players are affected by the disorder. The study’s importance lies in its contribution to a better understanding of what may be done to reduce the prevalence of repeated head injuries. Moreover, the study’s significance also stems from the fact that it aids in analyzing the ailment’s symptoms. A single diagnosis is insufficient in detecting the condition because it takes time for the disorder’s symptoms to manifest. Furthermore, the research aided in assessing the ill effects of the condition, such as memory and cognitive decline, depression, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, aggression, parkinsonism, and dementia.
Recommendations
Recommendations should be made to guarantee that preventative measures are taken to eradicate the occurrence of ECT among footballers because it is an untreatable condition. I also suggest that football players and other athletes who may develop CTE participate in physical activities since this help lower the tension, anxiety, and memory loss that can accompany CTE’s progression. Because repeated blows to the head are the root cause of CTE, I think everyone on the field must wear protective helmets.
References
Cassilo, D. (2019). Reversing Field: An Investigation into the Impact of League of Denial on Media Coverage and Attitudes about Head Injuries in the NFL (Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University).
McKee, A. C., Stein, T. D., Huber, B. R., Crary, J. F., Bieniek, K., Dickson, D., … & Daneshvar, D. H. (2023). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): criteria for neuropathological diagnosis and relationship to repetitive head impacts. Acta neuropathologica, 1–24.
Vallikat, N. H. (2023). Helmet Modifications and Policy Changes to Mitigate Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Professional Football.
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