In January, we took a look at how routine play leads to long-term brain injury. And now thanks to a research grant from the NCAA, we will learn more about the long-term effects of brain injury from a groundbreaking study of concussions and head injuries among athletes.
An article by the Digital Journal says the study will follow over 1000 college athletes in 11 different sports. These athletes will be monitored throughout their lifetimes. The NCAA hopes the study will lead to a safer competitive environment.
Jeffrey Kutcher is the man behind this study, a neurologist at the University of Michigan. He is also the director of the NBA Concussion Program and a consultant to the NHL Players Association.
Kutcher hopes this study will be as significant to brain injury as the Framingham Heart Study is to heart disease. The Framingham Heart Study began in 1948 and is now on its third generation of participants. What is now considered common knowledge about heart disease resulted from the monumental study.
Kutcher is motivated by a need to understand the long-term effects of concussions.”There is no data like this, it’s groundbreaking. It will define the landscape.”
For More Information:
- Groundbreaking, Long-Term Study of Head Injuries Among Athletes Kicks Off with NCAA Grant, The Digital Journal
- NBA names University of Michigan sports neurologist to lead new concussion program, University of Michigan
- Rochester study suggests concussive effects of cumulative hits, NCAA
- Framingham Heart Study
