NEW YORK -- More than 30 medical officials from the Army, National Football League (NFL), United States Olympic Committee (USOC), National Hockey League (NHL), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and other sports organizations came together recently to look into better ways to diagnose, research and manage concussions.
The two-day think tank, funded by an educational grant from the NFL, was held 24-25 August at league headquarters in New York. Scientific and medical personnel from military, football, rugby and equestrian circles participated.
Among the participants was Army Col. (Dr.) Dallas Hack, Brain Health Program coordinator for the US Army Medical Command.
In 2012, the US Army and the NFL officially began a long-term initiative to enhance the safety of Soldiers and players. The coordinated efforts aim to inform and educate respective communities for each organization about concussion, empowering them to maintain healthier minds on the playing field and the battlefield.
"The Army shares many traits with the NFL and other sports organizations, noted Hack, adding, "This think tank meeting was a great opportunity to leverage the efforts of both communities to address the shared concerns about concussion. The ensuing collaboration will lead to major advancements in the field."
Hack added, "Army Medicine researches concussion through funding from the Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASAALT), and under the terms of an Inter-Service Support Agreement (ISSA), manages funding from Health Affairs/Defense Health Agency (DHA) to fill knowledge gaps and develop diagnostics and treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). From 2001 to 2012, 83% of all TBI cases in the military occurred outside the battle zone, almost all of which were caused by impact injuries, a very similar mechanism to what occurs in sports."
Following a discussion on approaches to concussion management and research among sports, conference attendees identified areas where collaborative research among the sports leagues holds the promise to make sports safer for athletes at all levels. The group intends to support research that enhances sideline assessment tools for concussion. Additionally, the think tank is interested in examining how improved rehabilitation techniques can enhance recovery following concussion. This marks the first time that significantly coordinated research efforts will be undertaken among international sports federations and leagues.
Dr. Rich Ellenbogen, chairman of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee said, "We intend to continue sharing knowledge and best practices to further advance sports safety." He went on to say, "Convening a global conversation on concussion research will only further the science and understanding of this unique injury, and make sports safer for athletes and the general population."
Related Links:
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
STAND-TO! Brain Injury Awareness Month 2014
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Traumatic Brain Injury
Social Sharing