AFL players can suffer serious long-term impact from on-field concussions, new research showsHerald-Sun
December 17, 2013CONCUSSION has a serious negative long-term impact on AFL footballer's brains, a study reveals.
For the first time a Deakin University study of 40 retired players has revealed that the hard knocks lead to a reduction in fine motor control and abnormal changes in brain function.
A separate study of amateur Victorian players found concussion still had the same impact on players' brains, despite them suffering less hard hits and playing at a lower level.
Doctors are calling for mandatory rests after players are concussed.
Doctors are calling for mandatory rests after players are concussed. Source: HeraldSun
Neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce is calling for all clubs, including those at an amateur level, to introduce a policy of a mandatory rest after a player suffers a serious knock.
He said concussions appear to be are increasing with an estimated six to seven injuries per team, per season at all levels of AFL.
"With the results of the study now in. It, it is now clear that multiple sports concussions have a serious long-term impact on the brain," Dr Pearce said.
He said it was surprising that amateur players were showing the same symptoms as elite players, even though they suffered roughly half the number of concussions (2.5 compared to 3.
.
Dr Pearce said clubs also had to have medical experts to assess and monitor concussed players on on the field and in their recovery. He is also urging former players to have their brain health assessed so they could potentially attempt rehabilitation.
In the study players had their brain activity, mental ability and fine movement dexterity measured and compared to people who had never played contact sport.
Players performed worse on fine movement control and reaction time tests.
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane pointed to said that there had been a range of initiatives undertaken in recent years to address concussion.
These included stronger rules around head contact, stricter guidelines for monitoring concussion on match day, using a sub while players were assessed and educating community clubs.
http://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/afl-players-can-suffer-serious-longterm-impact-from-onfield-concussions-new-research-shows/story-fnii5sms-1226784475895
