Question

How have protocols changed in recent years regarding spinal and brain injuries caused by sports activities? How do concussion protocols play a part in preventing further injury?

Answer 1

According to CPSC data the estimated number of head and sports related spinal injuries in USA in 2009 was 446,788. The sports like bicycling, football, baseball, basketball, soccer etc. had high rate of such injury causes.

The protocols and legislative guidelines for these injuries have been proposed since several years in USA but the recent advancement were more directed towards safety and preventive measures. The bicycling helmet laws were enforced for the children 14 years and below and for all the individual undergoing this sport. New Jersey adopted helmet law for skiing and water sports but no other states till date introduced such laws.

Concussion is the type of head injury that is severe in nature and is caused due to hit or fall mainly during sports activities. the changes and revised concussion protocol by US government clearly states that the player in the sport that is suspected to have a concussion is to be returned from the play immediately by the coach and this protocol was developed by NFL head, neck, spine committee under NFL Game Day Concussion Diagnosis and Management Protocol in 2011. The protocol provides five steps process for every player that experience concussion- 1. rest and recovery, 2. light aerobic exercise, 3. strength training, 4. sport specific activities and 5. full sport activities.