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Head impacts and cognitive performance in men's lacrosse
Erin Renee Marchesseault1, Daniel Nguyen1, Lee Spahr1
1a Exercise and Sport Performance , University of New England , Biddeford , ME , USA.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|May 8, 2018
Summary
Head impacts in men's lacrosse occur equally in practices and games, regardless of player position or impact location. Cognitive function improved on one test but remained unchanged on another throughout the season.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Head impacts are a concern in contact sports like men's lacrosse.
- Understanding the frequency, magnitude, and impact location of subconcussive head impacts is crucial.
- Assessing the effects of these impacts on cognitive function is important for player safety and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To record head impacts experienced by NCAA Division III men's lacrosse players during a season.
- To assess changes in cognitive function throughout the season.
- To determine if head impact characteristics differ between practices and games, or by player position and impact location.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen NCAA Division III men's lacrosse players wore Smart Impact Monitors (SIM) during practices and games.
- SIM devices recorded data on linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and impact location for head impacts exceeding 15g.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Comprehensive Trail Making Test (CTMT) and Stroop Color and Word Test at preseason, midseason, and postseason.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the frequency or magnitude of head impacts between games and practices.
- Peak linear acceleration, impact force magnitude, and impact location were not significantly different across player positions.
- CTMT performance significantly improved from preseason to postseason, while Stroop test performance showed no significant change.
Conclusions:
- Subconcussive head impacts in men's lacrosse occur with similar characteristics in practices and games.
- Impacts are not dependent on player position or the specific location on the head.
- Cognitive function, as measured by the CTMT, can improve over a season, while the Stroop test indicates stable cognitive function.