concussions

11.23.09

Scientists to Football Players: Give Us Your Brains

Amidst a growing body of evidence tying severe health problems to multiple concussions, researchers are tapping NFL stars for a more hands-on corroboration

By Brett Zarda Posted 01.30.2009 at 11:12 am 1 Comment

Whenever rich people gather, charities flock hoping to solicit donations of time and money. But Chris Nowinski is asking NFL players at the Super Bowl this weekend for something a bit more personal. He wants them to donate their brains to science. And he’s getting what he wants.

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READ MORE ABOUT > brain damage, brains, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, concussions, football, health, medicine, super bowl xliii

Gridiron Gear Goes to War

With combat-zone brain trauma on the rise, the Army is stealing a few ideas from the NFL's playbook

By Brett Zarda Posted 08.28.2008 at 10:39 am 1 Comment

The Department of Defense (DOD) has a lot to learn about concussions. The National Football League can empathize. For decades the NFL has faced similar questions on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long term effects. With a concussion occurring approximately every other game, research efforts benefit from an ample and growing population. Recognizing the value in such uniquely willing lab rats, the DOD hopes to steal a few ideas from the league’s playbook.

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READ MORE ABOUT > Brett Zarda, concussions, DOD, football, military, nfl, september 2008

On the Field, Fewer Blows to the Head

A new, cheap, helmet retrofit may be the key to averting concussions

By Brett Zarda Posted 04.02.2008 at 2:40 pm 0 Comments

Shrink the field, add hockey-like walls and serve cheaper beer. The triad has been a model of survival for the Arena Football League but also led to more than its fair share of concussions (on the field, of course). Its players' susceptibility to blows made the league a natural fit for helmet manufacturer Schutt to test its Shockometer—a retrofit designed to warn medical personnel of a potential concussion.

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READ MORE ABOUT > Brett Zarda, concussions, football, helmets, sport science, the score