Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center

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Information about project titled 'Injury mechanisms for head injuries in football'

Injury mechanisms for head injuries in football

Details about the project - category Details about the project - value
Project status: Published
Project manager: Thor Einar Andersen
Supervisor(s): Roald Bahr
Coworker(s): Lars Engebretsen

Description

Head injuries account for around 5% of all injuries in professional football (Hawkins 2000) and in different age groups and skill-level groups (Peterson 2000). However, some head injuries are serious and lead to acute traumatic brain injury with permanent disability. Furthermore, fatal neurologic injuries in football have also been reported (Hughes 74). In addition to acute traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic brain injury is of concern in football.

The objective of this study is to analyze the injury mechanisms e.g. whether head-to head, elbow-head or ball in the head are the main high-risk situations leading to head injury. Secondly, a biomechanical analysis of the forces involved will be performed.

Methods: All video tapes from Norwegian elite division games in year 2000 and Icelandic elite and 1.division (approximately 15-20 recordings of head injuries are expected) will be assessed for acute head injuries. The head injuries and high-risk incidents will be analyzed.