Frequency and Location of Head Impacts in Division I Men's Lacrosse Players

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

9-2016

Program

Athletic Training

Abstract

Gaining a better understanding of head impact exposures may lead to an improved comprehension of the possible effects of repeated subconcussive impacts. This cohort study aimed to quantify the frequency, magnitude, and location of head impacts among player positions between practices and games. Forty-two Division I men's lacrosse players wore lacrosse helmets instrumented with sensors while playing on the collegiate lacrosse field to measure the frequency and linear acceleration of head impacts over the course of the 2014 spring season. The number of head impacts greater than 20 units of linear acceleration (g) and the location of the head impacts were recorded and analyzed by session type and player position. A total of 11,403 impacts were recorded for the season. A statistically significant difference was found among the six player positions and the average linear acceleration per impact (F[5, 11,397] = 39.53, P < .001); the average linear acceleration per impact was highest in goalies and lowest in face-off players. The most common head impact location for all six player positions was the front of the head. Players sustained 2.3 times as many head impacts during games. Player position and session type appear to be determining factors for the head impact data collected. Frequency data collected on men's lacrosse players allow for a better understanding of the biomechanics associated with a concussion injury and support the investigation of the cumulative effect of subconcussive impacts.

Comments

Posted online before print May 12, 2016.

DOI

10.3928/19425864-20160503-01

Publication

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care

Volume

8

Issue

5

Pages

202-208

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