Concussion research in sports has gained significant attention in recent years, with a particular focus on protecting young athletes from the risks associated with repeated, small blows to the head. Indiana University is at the forefront of this research, with Dr. Kei Kawata leading the country’s largest study of subconcussive impacts in high school football players.
Dr. Kawata, a clinical neuroscientist and associate professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, brings a unique perspective to the study. As a former athletic trainer for professional sports teams like the Detroit Lions and Sporting Kansas City, he understands the importance of sports performance and safety. Additionally, as a former high school soccer player and a parent of a young athlete, he recognizes the passion and skills that team sports inspire in young people.
The study, funded by a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, aims to quantify the risks associated with subconcussive head impacts in young players. By using advanced mouthguard technology with built-in sensors, data on every impact experienced by players is collected. This data will help researchers understand when a player’s exposure to head impacts has become too great and influence safety and recovery protocols for subconcussions, similar to what exists for concussions.
In addition to the study with high school football players, Dr. Kawata is leading a separate study on head impacts in soccer. This study, also funded by a $3 million NIH award, focuses on the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids. Participants are split into experimental and control groups, with both groups repeatedly heading the ball during practice drills. Cognitive tests and physical measurements are then conducted to assess the impact of these head movements on players.
Furthermore, Dr. Kawata is exploring other factors that might reduce the risk of subconcussive head impacts, such as ADHD status, cannabis use, and hormone levels during menstruation. Early results suggest that players with ADHD may experience increased risks with fewer blows, while cannabis may reduce the risks. The study on hormone levels indicates that risk levels vary based on fluctuations in hormone levels.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kawata envisions a future where sports like football implement a “pitch count” concept similar to baseball, where there is a limit on the number of allowable hits a player can take in a game. By understanding the ceiling effect of head impacts and implementing changes in practice drills to reduce exposure to new blows, coaches and governing bodies can better protect the well-being of every player.
In conclusion, Dr. Kei Kawata’s research at Indiana University is shedding light on the risks associated with subconcussive head impacts in young athletes and paving the way for improved safety protocols in sports. Through his comprehensive studies and innovative approaches, Dr. Kawata is making significant strides in protecting the brain health of athletes at all levels.
